So here it is, another year come and gone. And what a new and strange year it's been! Spent this last night at Dennis' with the game-playing group. How appropriate and fun it was. December will be known for deadlines, last-minute shopping, the break-in, holiday dinners, game-nights, family and friends and lots of cold and snow!

This was also the first Christmas that I wasn't traveling cross-country since 1991... and even then we drove 5.5 hrs to Lincoln. It was great to have my family nearby and Dad worked hard to help fix up some holes, electrical outlets and other fix-it items in the home. No lights up yet, but the neighborhood definitely looked festive and more than made up for my lack of lights, though the moment we get a new real snow (and not just short layers on top of our ice), I've got all the fixins for a snowman! (thanks to Phyllis - also thanks to Melissa for sending me one of the items that was stolen as a nice surprise gift!)

Some more rock band playing, Frash and other "groups" - see the latest addition in pics, plus a crazy pic of Dennis, Lizzy, Marie & me being goofy next to the Christmas tree. It's been a big change being in Omaha, and I wouldn't have survived it without such great new friends and family nearby. Lots ahead and looking forward to each day still with a skip in my step (though with the ice outside, may have to be a bit more careful - it's been a lot of fun sliding around on foot and in my car!)