New Year's Day

Greetings on this snowy New Year's Day on Ledge Hill. The snow hangs heavy on the boughs of the Norway spruce overhanging the propane tank in the back yard. It's a beautiful site, one of many snow storms we've had since the beginning of December. I think we've had seven storms so far. A big difference from recent years. The snowblower and shovels have been kept busy. Our brother-in-law Jim plows roads in the town he and Lois live in and at times it seems he and his co-workers are going non-stop from plowing and preparing for another storm right after the last. As you may know I'm not a fan of winter but for the time being I'm OK with it especially as there has been very little rain mixed in. By February I'll be craving springtime.

2007 was an interesting year in our household, events of note: Ian completes his freshman year in college - Carol and mine camping/hiking trips - Carol's trip abroad to England and Sweden - my vacation at the family camp - Carol's father passing away - nephew Marc and Meghan's wedding - celebrated my mother's 80th birthday - my diet with which I lost 30 lbs by June and maintaining it through the last six months.

2008 upcoming events we know about so far: Ian's study abroad semester in New Zealand and Taylor's to Vienna - Carol's relatives from Sweden visiting the family here in Maine in July - some camping weekends yet to be determined (campershow in February, ye-ha!) - celebrating Margaret's 80th birthday - I'll be building a deck in the back yard and Patches will be Patches, that you can be sure of!

I'm sure I left a few things of note out and the usual day in and day out happenings of course but once spring gets here I'll be ready and raring for anything.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!