I was reflecting back on 2008 yesterday and today and feel that we came through a rough year rather unscathed. Even though there was much stress with moving to Madison, selling and building of the houses, all in all it was a pretty good year. No major health issues, financially okay, and much love and good times with family and friends.

I am especially thankful that I am so much closer to my family and have the ability to be more a part of their everyday lives. As well as Shawn doing well at his new job with Lands End. I can see the difference in his stress levels and also how that effects our marriage My only regrets with the move is that I dearly miss our friends in CMH. However, we are doing our best to keep in touch and visit often.

I am hoping that 2009 will bring us the same health, wealth, and happiness as its predecessor did. May it bring it to you as well.

Here starts our annual Christmas Family Tour. Shawn and I will be driving down to my parents tomorrow morning, then we fly out to North Canton to see his family on Christmas morning. We’ll be back in Chicago on the 29th and will most likely stay through New Years. I am not sure how the postings will go, I might have to write them but not update the postings until we get back to Madison. Hope you all have a Happy Holiday Season!

Last night we got about 12 inches of snow. It is still coming down and blowing about. Schools are closed and Shawn even stayed home from work. (So you know it must be REAL bad out there.)

It is going to be a real hassle getting around in this mess, but right now I am thoroughly enjoying being snuggled up in the house with the hubby and dog. The fireplace is going and we are going to bake some cookies soon.

It is also coldly beautiful out there, quite like being in a snow globe. This picture is looking out on our back deck! We have to let Walter out through the basement because we can’t open the door without it avalanching in on us. I am thinking about taking the camera out there later today to get some more shots before it gets ruined by the shovels, blowers, and plows.

I apologize for the long absence. I make no excuses other than the traditional holiday rush that seems to come at me like a locomotive every year. I solemnly swear that I will attempt to be more regular in my posts for the rest of the holiday season. . . now I am off to wrap some presents.

I received this little story from a good friend for Thanksgiving, I thought it was great, so I’d thought I’d share. Have a Happy Turkey Day, y’all!

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a
bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary.

Every word out of the bird’s mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with
profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird’s attitude by
consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything
else he could think of to "clean up" the bird’s vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot
yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and
even ruder.

John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him
in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then
suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a
minute.

Fearing that he’d hurt the parrot, John quickly open the door to the
freezer, the parrot calmly stepped out onto John’s outstretched arms
and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and
actions.

I’m sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I
fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and
unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird’s attitude.

As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change
in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?

Brief note that the Torto family and the Colley family are converging in Madison for their first shared holiday. I am getting very nervous and running around with a million things to do before they all arrive. I have about four or five to do lists for myself. Just wanted to post something to warn about the pending collapse I might have. If I survive, will be sure to update all with highlights from the Torto-Colley Summit.