So we did a thing this weekend.
We love our backyard in Florida. What we don’t love is the hot hot sun on our deck. So…I convinced hubs to build a patio cover for the deck. He was thrilled.
Just to be clear, I helped too. I held stuff. And cleaned stuff.
So, I know it’s not Tuesday, but let’s pretend. I was buried deep in writing a novel on Tuesday, looked up around 5pm and said…oops. No newsletter today.
So…let’s make up for that with ALL the news. ALL the pictures.
What’s fun today?
Well, there’s this…
One year ago I was at my daughter’s home,
Oh, it’s cold out there! 55 degrees in Florida! I have some guys at my house today taking down a couple trees in anticipation of an addition we’re building on the house.
Right now, my yard looks like a jungle.
One of the tree guys showed up in a parka. But I get it—we accidentally left our fireplace in Minnesota and now we’re freezing!
So…today is my birthday. I am a little strange. I like to look back on my year and see what God has done, and pray over my next year and ask for guidance, and impact and the ability to bless others.
The past couple weeks, I’ve been reading a great book about how to create a financial legacy for my family.
So, lots of stuff in this newsletter, so keep reading. It’s full of free stuff, and giveaways.
A thing happened.
This thing:
I can not believe that I’ve hit my 100th book. And it all started with this one…
My hubby gave me this watch 20 years ago when my first book came out.
So. The other day I got Wordle in two.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, all I can say is it’s okay. You don’t have to be obsessed like I am, trying to figure out how to fill in the blanks every night.
But in case you care…here it is.
We survived the north.
Had an epic Christmas (my excellent Substitute-Susie did a great job showcasing pictures last week. Oh, did you miss it? Check out that newsletter here!)
And now we’re baaaaack!
This is the sunset that greeted us as we headed back to Florida.
Surprise! It’s me!
Right now, Susie is currently packing up her suburban for the long trek back to Florida, so I’m stepping in for the day. Well…me and the new friend Santa dropped off for me.
Meet Gerald.
Gerald is my judgement turkey. He sees everything, and he does not approve.
The countdown has begun.
On Friday…they arrive.
These people.
I CANNOT WAIT.
Because Saturday the Epic Tree Hunt commences.
Every year we trek out into the forest (or nearby tree farm) and cut down the biggest tree in the woods (or one that fits in our house) and commence the Tree Decorating Wars where everyone vies for the perfect branch.
We made the Big Trek up north this week. 3 days in the car and Hubs and I engaged in ALL the epic discussions that needed addressing.
We managed to solve all the world’s problems, finish our Christmas shopping, planned the 2025 house projects and engaged in a spirited discussion on what kind of car we should buy,