First day in Italy...Florence!

After a rough start (electrical problem forcing a landing and plane change in Boston) the travelers are touring Florence. Next on the agenda is Assisi.

Congratulations to Eva and Michael!

Eva and Michael announced their engagement on Christmas Eve, exactly 30 years from our own announcement, and what's really neat...they never knew that:) Just a couple of pics for today and then an update on the Italy trip.

Merry Christmas!

Breakfast with the 'girls' at Seven Angels :)

Grateful for 3 days off!

Today is THE day to finish up on all the shopping, and baking the cookies. The house is in pretty good shape, thanks to Rachel my cleaning lady, so I'm off to the stores! Later today, we're having friends over for tacos, and tonight the Big Band plays at the Windhover. Tomorrow morning finds a group of family at the Seven Angels restaurant in Chilton to do a little exchanging of gifts, and then off to JoJo's house to drop off a few surprises. A long walk is planned in the afternoon with my new walking partner Linda, who is a walking fanatic as well:) On Thursday I picked up a few hours for my coworkers, but since many folks are going home for the holidays it should be quiet...plenty of time for Christmas movies on the tube and peppermint tea:) Let the festivities begin!

So many 'lasts'

The past month has brought about many 'lasts' at Fondy High for Ellie. She performed in her last Night of Silence concert, and of course, her last role in the musical. Coming to a close is the Fondy Singers Christmas bookings as well. Ellie successfully auditioned into the UW Madison School of Music, and is excited to start next August. She did remarkably well in her audition and her placement tests. 'Hats off' to Ellie! Michael also finds himself winding up his Marian career, as he graduates and moves on to a graduate program. Eva will be graduating in the spring, and plans to pursue a job near Madison as she decides on a graduate course. On the home front, little Magnus is 3 months old, and fully house trained, not having an accident for days now. He is enjoying his buddy JP, and I think he will really miss him when he leaves. When he came to us at 8 weeks, he was 10 pounds. He is now 13 weeks and 25 pounds. Picture today shows the boys relaxing. My crazy three months of training for my new job is complete, and I can now pick and choose my hours, which is wonderful. I do not work between Christmas and New Years at all, in fact am not scheduled until well after the New Year. It will be nice to have a long break.

Eva's new digs!

Spent some time helping Eva move a few things into her new apartment. It's very nice, and the complex has just been built so everything is new. She hopes to stay for a year, and then probably move to Madison. Also want to thank Linda, my new walking partner on Wednesdays. Next week, we will hike Rienzi. Now off to work for a few hours, and then wrapping a few gifts for grandbabies:)