On Sunday, we had a wonderful work party at our home, the first of many, I hope. I finally developed enough wisdom and courage to ask Luke, Jamie, and Matt for help in doing some heavy autumn chores, and on Sunday, Luke and Josh and Matt came over and fairly quickly took care of a great many jobs that had been waiting. When the jobs were completed, we sat around the dining room table sipping warmed apple cider and just being friends and family. Luke and Josh helped Cia with some computer problems and I chatted with Matt about school issues. For all of us, I think, it was a day to remember. (Jamie's coming down for Thanksgiving dinner, and then he and Aaron and Matt will give us another wonderful family work day!)

Then, yesterday we drove up to Jamie's and had yet another marvelous family time. We picked up the kids at their schools, and then spent the afternoon and early evening at home at Jamie's, chatting and laughing and being good friends. I loved seeing the very open and free affection both Noah and Ava showered on Cia and me, and when Jamie came home, it was like a loving family gathering. Cia fixed a wonderful taco salad for supper, and we shared stories as we ate. On the drive home, both Cia and I talked about how lucky we feel to have special evenings like this. 



Cia and Jimmy Squirrel enjoying each other's company . . .