Housework

John got busy and re-painted the living room, hall and front foyer yesterday. We loved the brick color, but it dominated the room and was impossible to decorate around. We kept it in the kitchen and on a couple of walls, but subdued the rest.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch ...

John caught this shot of a robin (an unusual visitor) at our birdbath. Since we normally have the smaller bluebirds and finches, this one seemed huge.

He was part of a flock of 100 or more, apparently passing through on their way south. They loved having the water to drink. They didn't hop in like the bluebies do.

The next morning when they came to drink, they were surprised to find the water frozen solid! (John fixed it for them, though.)

Catch up pix

While we were in Texas, Sheela had her tenth birthday and Karin measured her growth since six months ago (an inch).

I prepared french toast made of cinammon bread at Sunil's request, and he helped me cook it.

Home again

We are home again after a fun-filled visit with Karin and Sid and the kids. Pictures will follow soon. We enjoyed the downtown Dallas Christmas lights; a nice dinner out with extra special attention from the restaurant staff; extra special attention from the hotel staff, too; lovely balmy weather for the best parade ever; a successful foray to gather lots of fresh vegetables (and even flowers for the birthday girl) from the downtown Farmer's Market ... and all that was just the first couple of days we were there!

Maureen and Russell's new house

A beautiful traditionally-styled home with a big front porch ... and an in-ground pool in the back. Nice.

Various Smith Cousins and kidlets

Kevin and his daughter Annabelle, Gavin and the new Cathryn and Maureen with her dog.

Aunt Phoebe

Aunt Phoebe and her husband Charles with their newest grandchild Cathryn.. It's hard not to take lots of pictures of such a cute baby.

Uncle Steven

Uncle Steven, looking pirate-y and then looking like his usual jolly self at his piano.

Marjorie, Marilyn and Steven in SC in November.

The Underwoods

This is an impromptu shot, taken in their front hall last month. Wendy and Sam in the front row, Lisa, David and Marshall in the back.

Yellow Barbecue

This is Maurice's Famous Barbecue in Columbia, SC. Yes, it's yellow, instead of the red we are used to. The dish at the bottom of the picture is hush puppies on some sort of yellow gruel. Sandy wouldn't touch any of it, but I ate as much of all of it as I could hold. Weird, but fun.

Topiary Garden in South Carolina

On our way to see the SC Smiths last month, Sandy and I stopped to see this topiary garden. It was all done by one man in his own yard ... in an otherwise normal neighborhood. There were many, many more of these outlandish shapes.

Birds bathing

This is from our birdbath at home a week or so ago ... the purple finch is still wet, the bluebird is waiting his turn, and his brother is really getting into it!

Many species drink from the bath, but it is mostly these two that enjoy it most.