For Kristy

Look, I have updated my blog. You can stop holding your breath.

Perhaps there are others of you besides my dedicated friend Kristy who are wondering when I might post something new. She makes me feel so loved, emailing me over and over with hints and nags and kicks in the butt. For for now, I'll just offer a teaser:

1. We just got finished with the holidays. My understanding is that much of the rest of the world is in the same boat. I have lots of pictures to share of beautiful presents, vacations, and more fun, fun, fun. All coming soon.

2. Doug's birthday was yesterday. He turned 44. Since he is watching his youthful figure after a very indulgent holiday season, he requested that we forgo the usual cheesecake. But we did have a nice little celebration. Remember that big bash we had a few years back when he turned 40? That was fun. We got the green couch then so that we would have front room furniture. I'm sitting on that couch right now!

2. Jacob got permission for a snake for Christmas. We are traveling tomorrow to Pet World in Lawrence, Kansas, our beloved former home, to fetch that reptile. We made an exploratory stop there last week on our way to Topeka for New Years. Since then, Jake has been mulling over his five top picks and trying to narrow it down.

Meanwhile, the muse has struck and I have been writing. I wrote a book review and some other stuff. When I write, I try to minimize all distractions and stick with it while the ideas are coming fast and furiously. Otherwise I might never finish anything. I just have a little more editing to do, and then I can let myself get caught up again in that other fun hobby, blogging. It would also be good if I dedicated a little time to folding the laundry.