The Family Letter

Jane made the news! Way to go!

Some folks refer to the day just past as "Black Friday." I prefer to think of it as a beautiful Friday for some time with new friends and great sights! Don't believe me, check it out.¹

1. As always, larger versions of any of these images are available upon request. Remember that they'll be posted for a limited time only! [back]

On this and every day I am thankful for:

• Good friends and family. No matter the distance, they remain supportive and loving. I couldn't do this without you all!
• The Internet. It helps me stay connected to those friends and family, despite a distance that increased this year.
• Furry Beasties. Well, not the rats, I was thinking of the cats that are our companions on the journey. For Ari, who had to stay behind, and who I still miss. For Zoe, even with all her annoying kitten habits. She'll never replace Ari, but she's working her little furry self into my heart anyway.
• For calls and cures, and for the support God has given me on this road, and especially in this place.
• For a good home, enough to eat, and my health (though I need to eat less and work a bit more on the exercise part of health!).

Oh, yes… And I can't resist adding:

• Celebrating Thanksgiving in a place where it is presently 77° and I can wear shorts out!

(99.9% of my Thanksgivings to date have been celebrated in a place where the current temperature is 18°. One of them was celebrated in a location where it is now 57°, which I'd take too. Mind you, I think I'd probably trade the warmth outside for the warmth of family, but if you have to be away from family on Thanksgiving, it might as well be in a place where it is 77°!)

And let us not forget those who are in hotter, sandier climes, or out at sea, putting their lives at risk every day. They, too, are far from families this holiday season.

I am no longer living the single life. That's right! A young woman has moved in with me! Click here for the first photos.

So far, so good. We've had exploring, cuddling (including kneading my leg and she needs a claw clip!), heavy napping, eating and drinking… The litter box has been discovered but not yet used, but she is trained.

She squeaks. Running commentary!

More later.

As promised, here they are! Enjoy!