Merry Christmas!

This was written near the end of November...the weather picture has changed significantly - today it is snowing and COLD!!! *** Ah, the sun is shining brightly and it is nearly 60 outside! What kind of weather is that for the beginning of November? My kind of weather, I can assure you. I have been really enjoying the balmy days, even when the overnight lows are in the low 30’s. All of my tomato plants have shriveled and turned black, the oak and the maple are completely devoid of leaves and in the grey twilight, they step right out of a Tim Burton movie. Little Miss Mylie has returned to her Winter habit of sleeping under her blankie, and Sadie prefers the warmth of our bed to any of the doggie beds we so plaintively offer her. The time of hibernation is upon us – time to hunker down, snuggle in, drink coffee thick with cream and sugar, and eat things made with pumpkins and sage. What have we been up to this year? Hmmm, let me see…oh yes! MARRIAGE! That has been our lives this year – preparations for our wedding that took place on September 1, 2007. I can’t really remember if anything else really happened over the past eleven months – unless it was lavender, smelled like lavender, was a wedding dress, wedding food, wedding cake, wedding pictures, or wedding music. But, the result was fantastic! Our day was wonderful – we so appreciated seeing everyone who was there to join us! I got to see old friends from Chicago and Washington. Rob had his best friends in from Kansas, New Jersey and Oregon. Our families were there in force, and I believe a good time was had by all. We appreciate everyone who was able to join us, those who helped us; and we certainly missed those who were not able to be with us as we committed to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife. There were a few things that did happen besides our wedding and all the trappings thereof…we had all the windows replaced on the house and new siding as well. We are already enjoying our new forms of insulation! The house is dark green with black trim and I love it. I tilled up about half the back yard and put in grass seed. It is almost all grass still! What an accomplishment! We only managed one camping trip this year. Sad. We spent a lot of time rooting for the Phillies, the poor, poor Falcons, and my beloved BSU Broncos. We hope that this letter finds you all well, fat and happy! J Honestly, we wish you the best during this holiday season, the coming year, and always. We are so thankful for our families, our friends and each other. Please take care of yourselves and hold those you love close to your hearts. Our best to you and yours! Rob and Amy House, and the furry kids.