2023

Today is our first day back to our normal routine since the holidays.  We're trying anyway!  After our return from the states, like many households, we all went through a bout of sickness.  It seemed like for two weeks all I did was wash bedding and dole out cold medicines and tend to coughing kids at night.  We were well enough to take a few days vacation at the beach with some of Ivan's family after Christmas.  In the beach house rental there were a few books on the shelf in English (which is always a treat) and since most were a bit too dark for my taste, I ended up picking up the book "A Cow's Life" by M.R. Montgomery.  I made it a little past halfway during our stay and I'm not sure I will look at a cow the same way again.  Who knew the history of cattle and specifically the blank angus cow could be so interesting?! 

One of my goals this year is to read more books.  I've gotten out of the habit and while I can blame it on the lack of libraries and easy-access to books in English (and yes, I know there is kindle and online library access but I really prefer paper) it's still not impossible to reinstate the habit.  Too easily I have turned to scrolling aimlessly on my phone instead of activating my brain.  As I watched my nieces in the states devour huge chapter books during our visit, I was reminded that I used to have that same appetite to read and so I'm putting it back into my daily diet.  

Often, Ivan and I will sit down and set out some personal and family goals for the new year.  We haven't done so yet, but I'm betting there will be some building goals on there.  We have settled into the house and aside from a few small things still on the to-do list, we are as good as it will get for awhile.  The tiny house (previously the tree house) will be our next focus.  Since the move to the property and leaving a large portion of our belongings in storage, I have realized that less is more.  While I still long for our king size bed, I have gotten used to this simpler life.  On Christmas morning, a neighbor came by with a bucket full of fresh milk from her cow. I'm not looking to get any cows of my own despite my recent book choice.  Although, I wouldn't mind adding some chicken into the mix...

Since the holidays interrupted office hours for many places, I am still in a place of waiting when it comes to getting some answers about my health issues.  

Bunk beds for the kids room!

Christmas morning

Merry Christmas!