Winter Days

My sixth graders have been reading a young reader version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol and I have to say that it has cheered me up. The novella reminds me that Christmas is about giving, spending time with family & friends, and caring for the less fortunate.

This week also marked the end to my metal shop class. I learned how to use some tools and made some interesting things. I can't wait to take the class again, I think I will do so in the spring.

We bought our Christmas tree, Paul and Wintry had their annual ornament party, and Gabbie and I pretty much have our gift shopping done :). I am looking forward to my two weeks off, my brother Hans visiting, and skiing in some powder!

Ski Bowl

I haven't seen snow in about three years and boy oh boy did I miss it. Reed and I drove to Ski Bowl for a warm up day. About a month ago, I bought new gear, and today was very exciting to try it all out. I LOVE IT! Skiing, being in the cold, is wonderful. I had a great time and look forward to more skiing adventures this winter.

Thanksgiving 2010

Gabbie and I drove up to Bainbridge Island to spend Thanksgiving with my family. It's uncommon for all us to be home at the same time and it was really nice to see everyone. The feast was delicious and the pies plentiful. The following day, Gabbie and I walked on the beach and I got some great pictures of her with Buddy. The drive home was scenic and I got this great picture of the setting sun. Thankful all around for my wife, my family, and to be in the great northwest. My brother Hans and Gabbie
My sister Jenny
My brother Charlie, the great chef
Erin and my sister kaitlin
The crew (my mom Linda is in there next to Hans)
One of the three dogs begging for scraps
My father Terry
Gabbie in big red coat
One heck of a sunset

First Day of Snow

Yes! It has snowed (lightly) in Portland. I haven't seen snow in two years. It is still cold and wonderful. Buddy and I went for a nice walk this morning. Gabbie wore a hat and a pair of mittens for most of the day :).

Seattle Panoramic Shot

I found this free trial from Double Take that allows one to edit photos into a panorama. Pretty Cool! If I want to continue to edit pictures without the logo at the base, I will have to buy the software for about $25.00. I'm still thinking about it.

Mom's Surgery

After keeping a blog for two years while in Senegal, I miss it. I miss journaling online and posting media of my everyday life. So, here I go again. Electroniska journalen means electronic journal in Swedish. Right now, I am sitting in a hospital room, looking after my mom who just two days ago had a major surgery. She looks great by the way and the procedure went very well. I have been impressed by my entire family. They are here helping, keeping in touch, and together we are working as a team, taking care of momma.

What has been particularly cool is hanging out at my parents house with just the siblings (no offense mom and dad). Last night, Hans, Charlie, and I stayed up too late looking and giggling at family photos.

Mom goes home tomorrow and I head back to Portland on Sunday. We are expecting snow (fingers crossed).