Howdy from Holland

Hey Everybody!

The little yellow house you see is our new home. If you look closely, you'll see the newest edition to our family, Ferdinand the snow blower. And if you look very very closely you can see a tiny little twig just to the left of the driveway. That's an oak tree that sprang up in our former abode on Ross Avenue way back when. Jim has nurtured that little tree for lo, these many years and by golly, we brought it with us to CA. I think the last leaf finally "let go" a few days ago!

Once the snow melts (if ever) we look forward to having the yard landscaped since there is really nothing there but dirt! Next door (just to your right) is an empty lot; behind us is a little lake which hosts scurrying geese and ducks and a few high-stepping herons. They've all gone away since the lake is now frozen.

Jim is still in CA but will be striking out to come this way after he finishes service at San Francisco Towers on March 18. I tell you, it has been a real eye-opener and challenge to face all this newness without him right here. Cell phone conversations with 3 hour time differences just aren't the same as having your sweetie right here! However, this experience has made me have a whole new appreciation for those who live alone. I also have a greater empathy for those military families whose loved ones are so far away, facing the attrocities of this seemingly never-ending war. At least I know that our geographical separation has a definite ending; these families demonstrate real courage -- and I keep them in my prayers daily!

I also check the blogpot daily -- just to see your sweet familiar faces in the great ordination photos from James' special day (thanks, Cheryl!) and to keep in touch. I'll try not to be such a lurker -- much love and every blessing!