The snow is gone, but it sure is cold up here. In a few days it will warm up and rain. But we want snow! Not too much, and not in March, thanks. But for Christmas, yes.
Cold weather means we are rapidly going through our woodpile. Not sure if it will last through the winter, so I went out to try to split some more logs. No can do. But I was able to put a shovel in the ground and get a few more carrots. A harvest in December?
Yesterday, Mary went to Worcester for the annual New England swim meet, and she came home with a rubber ducky (first in her heat,) a slew of ribbons, mostly blue, and a hair-raising story about someone collapsing in the pool. After a long time of medical attention and transfer to the hospital, the reports are that the swimmer-patient is okay. Fingers crossed. (The swimmer was my age.)
Our big news since the last letter was that we had to cancel our trip to Fairport. I felt a tickle in my throat that turned into the sniffles, and thought it best not to expose anyone. Too bad, as it would have been great to catch up with David and Paula. But, it was the right choice, as the cold went into my chest, and stuck around for a while. Fortunately, Mary didn't get anything, thanks to Airborne, Zicam, garlic and ginger, and Sankar's father herbal mix. It worked for her, but not me.
Haircuts were on the agenda, but no dump. Must be getting ready for the holidays to get your haircut early and let it grow out in case it was a total mess-up. Anyway, we also saw Luisa, Thomas, and John got their coifs all nicied up.
Photos of Ronan down in Baltimore show an alert baby who's even smiling and perhaps laughing a little? I thought that didn't happen for months. Must be on the college track.
Facebook is my source of all news, at least Dickson news. The photos of Bill and family at the Polar Express in Denver show them quickly settled into their new landscape. Also, I found photos of Matthew and family also out doing Christmas activities, even without front teeth, for Everett.
We had a few conversations with John and Marilyn as he had an operation to take care of a gall bladder issue. Marilyn is looking at a knee operation soon too. Uggh.
Out in Illinois, Andrew and Lur went to a Wishbone Ash concert and gave it two thumbs up! Now there's a group I hadn't heard in a long time. Not sure I can name one of their songs.
We went to a concert as well, but of Christmas music. Wonderful full choral music, but only a few Christmas songs that we recognized. Still good. We'll try again today, at a different venue.
Finally, I wanted to share with you that I have a new Afghan student. The last one moved away with the acceptance of a better job in Springfield MA. My new student showed up in Pittsfield right before Thanksgiving. His story, at least what I've figured out so far, is heart-breaking, as he fled his country since he was in the military and has spent the last few years in Pakistan, unable to see his family. He doesn't have a word of English, has a sixth-grade education, but proudly showed me pictures of both his family and army unit. It will be interesting to see him grow in language and confidence and in contributing in the year ahead.
With that, wishing you all the merriest of Christmases. Love from up here.
