Helena

I'm a little behind here...Helena was born Jan 8 at 3:30am. I was hoping she would arrive on Jan 7, which is mom's birthday, but she did arrive eventually, safe and sound. Mom and baby did well. Miguel and I drove to Augusta on Jan 6. I stayed overnight at Bert's; Mike stayed in the hotel. Hotels are way cheaper there than they were in DC, BTW. We helped get the boys to school and Milo off to daycare. They are such good kids. What a blessing. Bert and baby came home Friday and we got back home about 5. Poor Sophie missed us. She gets so nervous. Crazy old dog. I think Clawdia missed me, too, but it's hard to tell with her. Now it's back to the usual routine.

Cathy Jones

Not too long ago Ricky informed us that his wife Cathy was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer. Then the next text stated she had stage 4 bladder cancer with metastasis to the stomach. She went home with hospice. She passed away yesterday. I feel very sad for Ricky. He has endured a lot of losses the past few years--more than his share. I am so glad we were able to get together during the reunion in Alamogordo.

Book Nook

Finally finished the book nook. The kit was amazingly detailed, but not too difficult to put together. However, I didn't wire it, so there are no lights. Lights would have really taken it to the next level, but it required a skill level beyond my own.

New Mexico Sunset

Old Friends

50 years is a long time.

The old home

Went by the old house. It's completely different now, of course. We were hoping to go inside but the current owner is a paranoid freak. We surreptitiously dropped the ashes and marked the spot with a rock.

More from Alamogordo

View from Dog Canyon, south of town. Beautiful day! And a picture in front of the high school with their "new" tiger. I was told they replaced the tiger because the old one was really a panther.