Well, we had enough for a family holiday newsletter, but it seems we're still having editorial and production difficulties. Rather than wait for those to work out for the 2010 issue, I thought I'd just go ahead and post what we've written here so that at least its on record and perhaps someone else might get to read it.
HOME RENOVATIONS ONGOING INFINITY
2010 was a fine year. I think we broke even. We accomplished some work on the house but of course not as much as we hoped we would. In fact, a trusted research team out of Whitehorse developed an uncanny equation to predict the time required for home renovation projects. Take your initial estimate, double the time, and increase the unit. With the substantial completion of our upstairs bathroom proving evidence, the formula seems infallible.
Our Estimate – 2 Weeks Our Reality – 4 Months
Another, albeit much more extensive,
renovation underway in Toronto is also testing this theory.
DELTA AIRLINES SUBSIDIZED
We travelled a little bit to visit family; Kansas in April, Ontario in August, and (US) Thanksgiving and St.Louis wedding brought us back to the Midwest in Late November.
We also had visitors here – my parents Ned and Judy arrived in late May for some facetime with the boys. My sister April and her beau Andy stayed for a week in late June. Mary, Tim and Sophie drove over from Whitehorse and whisked me and the boys on a mini beachside vacation in Homer in July. Matt’s parents Carl and Jane were here over Labour Day weekend and found Everett the perfect bike. We're already planning ahead for spring and summer and I’m considering an extra trip out of state this year (it could be you!) so call now to make your travel arrangements.
WALKING EARTHQUAKE
Jacko has been walking since 11 months and has mastered stairs, furniture, the moving of furniture, and is now dabbling in jumping from furniture. His biggest occupation is keeping up with Everett, and his personal interests include balls, hats, shoes, music and food.
SPEEDING BULLET
Everett is growing up so fast. This summer he came very close to swimming independently, and he became an avid bike rider this fall. He’s taking a break from those activities and concentrating on snow-shoveling and sled-riding. He enjoys bouncing around the house, playing trains, baking cookies, and keeping up with Jack.
I NEED MORE JARS!
Living in Alaska, we are sometimes fortunate enough to enjoy wild game in great quantities. So rather than just filling the freezer and making one meal at a time, Matt adapts recipes for the pressure canner and makes many meals at one time. Our favourites include spaghetti sauce, moose chili, moose Stroganoff, and canned salmon. It means that there are no more excuses about what to have for supper. He's also planning on making some guest posts here so watch for those in the near future.
MOM SEEKS CALM
In September I began a year-long yoga teacher training program. I started the program mainly to learn about the therapeutic applications of yoga and learn the history of yoga. Whether or not I end up teaching is beside the point - this is something I have wanted to do for most of my adult life, and I am enjoying it more than I ever imagined. If you want to ask me about it I will gladly share and will probably talk your ear off. I'm also trying to write about it (a little) over on my personal blog, www.playingwithspoons.blogspot.com
That's a little about us in a nutshell. We're healthy, happy and comfortable.
When you put it all in perspective, that is a big deal and I'm so grateful.
