HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hoo-Rah, Semper Fi, Fair Winds and Following Seas (NCIS Overload)

Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow! It's been falling for 2-3 days. Big, fluffy beautiful snow. And it's not that cold - in the 20's. I finally realized the difference between winter here, and winter in Montana. Here the wind blows once in a while, in Montana, it never stops blowing - making it much colder.

New Year's Eve we went to the Hockey game. It was fun - We had first row seats! - unfortunately it was directly behind the team box, and the only thing I could see was the coach's back. But, we moved to the other side of the stadium, and it was much better. Great game, even if the local team didn't win. (1-0 to the Albany River Rats.) On the way to the stadium, Angie told me the Admirals were playing here this weekend. If I'd known that, I would have talked her into getting tickets for that game. But she has to work - Amanda and I are conspiring to get a babysitter so we can go.

New Years Day - Amanda cooked turkey and trimmings - Then her family called to say they were coming over. I was warned it would be noisy! What a party! I was (literally) welcomed with open arms. Hugs and I love you's all around. (Did I say they started partying much earlier in the day? It was a boisterous, happy get together. Amanda grew up near a small town (250 population) up north. Her brothers still had their hunting season beards. Scruffy, bushy, magnificent beards!

Eventually, attention turned to playing rock-band, and everyone had a hand in it. Angie has a video of me dancing with one of Amanda's brothers, and is threatening to put it on-line. I tell you, This little house was rockin'.

I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but a food fight started - Mostly Angie and Amanda, but there were mashed potatoes in at least one beard, too. Amanda escaped to the bathroom to get away from Angie, and somehow, somehow, the faucet in the tub broke off! Imagine this: 6 people, 1 bathroom, no shower. I shudder to think about it!

I'd guess we got to bed somewhere between 11 & 12.

Remember the turkey? Sometime during the nite, Sani neatly pulled it from the top of the stove. It landed on the floor - just as it had been on the stove - pan, turkey, tinfoil. Amanda heard Sani come into their room, and whine at Mocha, then Mocha followed Sani back to the kitchen. Amanda figured the dogs wanted to go out - but when she got to the kitchen, there they were feasting on our turkey!!! We figure Sani got Mocha so he wouldn't be the only one in trouble!!!

So much for turkey sandwiches today.

Most of the week since Christmas, I've been chilling out. Reading, napping, Ah-h Nirvana!

With the new snow, I am determined to slide down the hill. There is a nice big cardboard box on the porch - It'll be perfect! (It's still snowing and expected to continue for the next few days)

I've found contact info on 2 more friends - one in Florida, and one in Arizona - the one in Arizona, I met at a laundromat in National City, California when my oldest was an infant. We've been in touch occasionally over the years. It will be nice to see her.

I hope everyone has a happy, prosperous, and joy-filled 2010. I know this year is going to be a wonderful adventure for me - look forward to visiting with all of you during the course of the year.

Bear Hugs,
Boots