Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Still Cold

Looks like we're in for a harsh winter. The squirrels usually hang around for a while, but we've barely seen any for three weeks. The hummingbirds disappeared quickly too. The extremely wet summer means the leaves won't change colors; they're green, but they're beginning to die without changing. And, plus, the weather lately has been feeling more like December than mid-October. Yesterday and today are the exception, but it feels like November outside right now.

On Saturday, the family got together to celebrate Uncle Jason's 40th with a surprise birthday party. It was cloudy and cold that day, but we still went outside... though not for long. Aunt Nancy did a good job of covering her tracks; Uncle Jason was completely in the dark until they pulled into the parking lot and he recognized the cars. It was a lovely occasion with plenty of food, hot apple cider, conversation, and then the slideshow. No one hung out long, though, because everyone was freezing in the 40- degree weather. I got some pictures of the event, but there are only a few. I promise to try to upload the pictures from Florida this week. One funny memory of the party was when Grandpa Mike offered up thanks before we started eating, and he started listing Uncle Jason and Aunt Nancy's four girls; in short, he forgot Audrey's name, and people started snickering. But, hey, twelve (soon-to-be thirteen) grandchildren are hard to keep track of. It was funny.

After the party, Uncle Josh and Noah accompanied us to Grandma Linda's house. For about a month, we've only had one couch since we threw the other one out; so, Grandma was very generous to give us one that she wasn't using. What can I say? It's a big hit. The couch is like two independent recliners attached together, and it's become very popular. Mandy has already staked out a chair that no one, cat or human, can claim. On Sunday, she and Dad enjoyed afternoon naps on the couch. It's a great couch, and we all love it. Even the cats like it.

Mandy's cough seems to be worsening a bit. We think that the cats may aggravate it, though they are not the cause of it; the original cause is still a mystery. She's been taking her inhaler and albuterol (she hates it, and I feel her pain) daily, but it's lingering. She's still sleeping at night with very minimal coughing, which is good, but it is odd that it arrived so early. Keep her in your prayers.

Other then that, nothing much else has happened. On Thursday, we're hosting the church's youth group for dinner and the fellowship afterwards, which we're looking forward to. Mom and the kids have taken a week off from school to do yard work and such, but they're still staying busy. College is going good, though I think we're making snail's progress on Greece in history class. In philosophy, we're talking about philosophers, and I'm reminded why such things make my head spin; I really dislike logic and philosophy. But, hey, it'll make me tougher.

Well, back to work. Nanowrimo starts in 12 days, and I need to get this new story idea ready.

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