Meet Bob & (Aunt) Jean Penny ...

This lady grew up in our house as the grand daughter of the man who actually built it, D.K.Jobe. She and her husband joined us for Sunday supper this week. It was absolutely delightful to hear the stories of her childhood and the recollection of where furniture pieces were placed, and what curtains were where. It was also great fun to get to know Bob & Jean. We certainly enjoyed the evening! And Jean kept closing her eyes to visualize things, it was quite precious. Paul and his treasure chest produced for her a perfume bottle he found in the "Indiana Jones Room" which she recognized as her grandmother's perfume bottle. So, now Jean has a little memento that she never dreamed of, I'm sure. Jean carved her name into our garage wall as a teenager, so she's forever a part of the house.

This is what tractor driver Paul looks like after a day in the Christmas tree fields. He's beat, wind burned, and spent. But he still tells me about the beautiful vistas and views and the camaraderie between all "the guys" out there. What a sweet spirit this man is, not to mention a good sport! It was truly freezing today ... as you can see by the pile of clothing he has to take off (yes, that is an insulated aviator suit, an insulated CARHART coat, and thermal shirts) and further testimony by the numbers on the thermometer on our back porch!! It is now cold. They started "blowing snow" today at the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. 'Tis the season" ... This carrot and beat were picked out of the garden (because of the freeze and threat of snow) ... can't be a tractor driver without being a gardener as well, don't you know!?! Paul pulled dozens of carrots and cleaned and bagged them all. I'm so proud of him!

I had recorded a birthday date wrong, and would like to apologize to my dear friend Pennisu for missing it! Pennisu, I so hope you had a wonderful birthday and that your upcoming year of wishes and dreams all come true. I know you are ready to make it a banner year, so onward ho! Happy, happy brithday wishes!

Paul's mum is having some health "stuff" ... so please keep good thoughts for her as she tries to get some answers to the issues. We all certainly know how frustrating it is to just get through the process of finding a doctor, never mind finding out the what, where, why, etc. Best wishes to you, B.

Many many thanks to my brother (Wayne) for sending us another propane heater. I assure you it will be coveted!! I am so very grateful for your (and Debbie's) generosity. My sister and her husband (Cyndie and Paul) are coming up for Thanksgiving and to see what can be done to further improve our heating potential. Paul is in the HVAC biz ... thank goodness! We are very blessed to have such great gobs of help. Thanks to you all!

My son has been promoted to the General Manager of Ted's Montana Grill at Cumberland Mall. He sounds great ... up to the task. We wish him such great success and I'm such a proud mom! I'm waiting for pics of the boys in their halloween costumes for sharing ... will keep you posted on that! Jennifer is still doing great. We don't ever forget to say grace for her healthy self! And I'm waiting for pics of Christian too ... by the way .... Thanks to all of you who ask about the kids. It makes me feel good to be able to report back with such good news!

I start at the wreath nursery tomorrow, so must go to bed. Not only will it be an early beginning, it will be a freezing one. Must be rested so I can brave those "elements" all rolled in to one! As you can see, Paul is already resting!! :-)

Blessings to all ... Paul & Cheri