Did he just wave at me?

 Wednesday's snowstorm was record breaking amounts for NW Arkansas ranging from 18- 27 inches, all coming in just a few hours. The weatherman had some new "ciphering equipment" that he couldn't wait to try out, measuring the amount of snowfall per hour. We went from an inch an hour to two, then for a while it was four inches per hour! That's when you couldn't see anything outside, just shy of a whiteout. Roads closed, airports closed and for my husband who was here simply because he couldn't make it to work...he just did his best to shovel us out. We ended up with 20" at our house and when it was over, it was time to try out the new SUV!

Highway 12 is curvy and mountainous, making it impossible after snow or ice. The good news, we have a "back way" home. Cloverdale Road is part asphalt/part dirt road, but it's our way to and from town until they get the main roads clear.

The locals who live out our way know the shortcut as well as we do, some even live along this country road. We were enjoying the scenery and driving at a speed safe for the conditions when a pickup gets up on our bumper and wants us to get out of his way. I couldn't believe anyone would want to pass on the one lane that had just been graded, but he did. We got over as far as we could and he waved at us as he flew by, not a neighborly wave though! Jerry returned the favor and he quickly was out of sight, out of mind.

The rest of the drive was totally enjoyable. The beautiful snow made everything look like a Christmas card!

As we got near town the road improved only slightly.

The roads had been graded and sanded but there were few brave souls out. We decided we'd get a bite to eat while we were in town.

We kept our eyes peeled for a place open. The parking lots were piled high with snow, a really good sign that they were closed!

Then we remembered a new place that's just went in where the old Hi D Ho operated for years.  Once a hangout for junior high and high school kids, Rogers was sad when Hi D Ho closed it's doors for the last time.

The new Lucy's Diner fills a void for a restaurant that is open 24 hours and day, serves breakfast anytime, has great burgers and homemade french fries but also serves a great selection of "blue plate" meals. The menu showed  beef roast or meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, pork chops and fried chicken. The long list of sides were favorites like mashed potatoes and gravy, brown beans and cornbread, fried okra, green beans with bacon and your choice of freshly made pies, cakes and cobblers. It was warm inside and as bad as the weather was outside, there was a good crowd! We chose the cheeseburger basket, the true worth of a cafe can be judged quickly by a good burger! It was delicious, wish I'd taken a picture...but trust me on this, it was yummy! 

We headed home just as the sun was setting. Tonights low is supposed to be -5, we are insane to have left our warm house to go out, but it sure was fun!

I know you get tired of hearing me say I love small town America, but I do. I hope the guy that passed us on Cloverdale Road got home safely and someday we'll see him again I'm sure. We have a nice policeman who occasionally sets along the lake waiting for those impatient types!