A quiet, cold night in Indiana as I sit in my lovely old house listening to
the memories of last week end, Thanksgiving. All of my children and their
wives were here (with the two new little ones!)

It is quiet now. The beds have all been changed. Clean towels are stacked
in the hallway basket. Leftovers all have been replaced with my usual yogurt.
It is neat and tidy, the way I always live...but oh, how I miss them.

I see Abe rocking baby Jonah in the rocking chair in the dining room. I see
Tonya painting my window (my favorite tree was split in half during our first
snowstorm of the season). I see Adam bundling up little Matthew taking him
outside to build his first snowman...how they laughed! Kristin is snuggled up
on the couch reading, or trying to read..Aaron is sawing up my newly fallen
tree...Karen is busy packing up babies..coming and going.

We told stories for hours...we talked, the boys spent lots of time together
insulating Aaron's farmhouse...or hunting...or playing cards. The girls spent
time getting to know one another..talking..a little shopping...cooking
together in the kitchen.

As quickly as they came, they left. Abe and Kristin are back in Portland,
Oregon..Adam and Tonya are back in St. Petersburg, Florida...Aaron and Karen
have settled into a post Thanksgiving routine...All I can say is thank you for
coming, and oh, how I miss you.

Winter is beginning to take notice..she is definitely knocking on the back
door and has actually come in a few times. The snow plow has gone up and down
my street a few times this past week. I love hearing it during the night...I
always sleep with my curtains open when I think there is a chance of the plow.

It is time to say good bye to November...my favorite month..and welcome
December with the scent of pine and gingerbread..snowfalls and Christmas
carols...brown wrapping paper....and stories by the fire.

So, my family and friends, take out the wassail bowl...fill it full for the
guests who will grace your doorways this season..invite everyone in for a
ceilidh...tell your stories...sing your songs...and remember.

Love to all, Lou Ann