GLC and Some Wild Weather

Saturday's Great Lakes Congress show was, as always, extremely well run and so much fun. And after two weeks of teaching the alternative middle school class, I was ready for a break and to have fun with friends who share the same love of horses and collecting that I have.

Earlier in the week Marilou Mol had called me and asked if I might be interested in splitting a motel room with her Friday night before the show.

Not only is Marilou a good friend, a horsewoman, and a collector, she is also a teacher and a principal. We had so many things to talk about, and chatted so much that I was a bit hoarse on Saturday.

I did not bring a large show string, so set-up did not take long. I also volunteered to bring a few extra copies of Nancy Kelly's book to sell, just in case anyone had not gotten one at the last show or new people were in attendance.

Jamie Rott and Liz Cory are in charge of the GLC shows and are two of the nicest people in model horsedom. They check in with every shower and offer extra support to any one who is new. 

Shopping is half the fun of model horse showing. (That's Heather McCurdy in the grey hoodie.)

GLC sells yummy chocolate bars (tubs in foreground) and always has an extensive raffle (tables with cups) as fundraisers. The other tables in the photo (except the very last one) are vendors who have set up to sell. I didn't buy anything this time, but I had a great time looking at all the offerings.

GLC shows are always well attended, but there was a looming winter storm coming with 5-8 inches of snow expected to roll in by mid afternoon. Several showers cancelled, but there were still a good many of us in attendance. 

Chris Walbruch (in green tee bending over the table) judged the Original Finish Plastic division. She has a terrific sense of humor and it is always fun to have her at a show. (She's a good judge, too!)

Jenna Murphy (facing camera) and DeeAnn Kjelshus double judged the Custom/Resin division for breed and workmanship.

Everyone was keeping an eye on the weather as the show proceeded. The snow began falling around 10:00, with huge, heavy flakes coming down at a fast pace. I kept peeking out the door to check the roads - it was above freezing despite the snow, but as long as the roads were just wet and not getting icy, I planned to stay.

I also knew that we were on the southern edge of the storm, and that I only had to drive twenty miles or so to get away from it. That was no problem since I was going far more than twenty miles south to get home!

Despite the weather, I was able to stay and make every class in which I had horses entered. After packing the car and clearing the windshield and windows, I was covered with the big wet flakes and ready to warm up.

And I was right, twenty miles south of the show hall there was just rain and no snow to be seen.

 The weather had another surprise in store for me - I saw a cold air funnel as I headed home.

It didn't touch down (they rarely do) and cold air funnels are very weak, so I felt comfortable stopping the car to take some pictures.

What a day! Time spent with friends and horsey activities and then a wild bit of weather on top of that! I certainly got that break I was looking forward to.

Next up - more show pictures and a nice surprise from GLC.