Happy New Year!!

This morning I watched our Oregon Ducks (band and cheer leaders) and a local Texas high school drill team (the Lake Travis Cavallettes) march in the Rose Parade - Now it feels like New Year's Day! We'll all be tuned in to the Rose Bowl this evening to cheer on our Ducks as they play Wisconsin.

Santa brought us an early present, a grandson! Little Jax was dressed for action as one of Santa's helpers on the big day. He must have been tuckered out from delivering presents as he moved from one grand parent's lap to the other and slept most of the day.

Santa also brought us rain for Christmas, which was a good thing considering the drought we had this year, and now everything is basking in the sunlight - how perfect can you get!

This year has certainly flown by quickly. The day after Christmas I sat on the new porch enjoying the balmy 65 degree day and the sun, and watched the squirrels and birds enjoy the remains of the Christmas feast we put out for them. We're so lucky to have been able to travel and experience the places we have, and we both have our health. Can't ask for more than that!

Shiner has grown quickly and lately is  a bit calmer and not bugging us to go play all the time, as she had several busy days recently with all the dogs that have visited, so we can all kick back and enjoy the afterglow of a wonderful Christmas, and reflect back on a great year. 

As soon as all the holiday festivities are over we'll dive back in to the remodeling work. . . on the porch and window trim inside, and whatever else crops up along the way. We've promised ourselves to take days off to at least take day trips now and then, so we should have some local items of interest to report. Stay tuned.

In memory of my Irish grandfather. . .a toast:

As we start the New Year,
Let's get down on our knees
to thank God we're on our feet! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!