June, huh--and now it's December. That goes to show just how good a blogger I am! Last time I was talking about what's blooming, and now the ground is covered with snow. I think it's true what people told me--you're busier after you retire than before! But happily, it's with things that you want to do, not that you have to do. The weeks just stream by. I love being retired!

We (and I) have gotten in lots of travel, which is good. I went to Charleston to help Brenna with the move to Norfolk, which I was glad I could do. I think it really was a help to her. Jonhny and I, with Karen, took Mom to New York the first week in November. That was really fun. We liked it more than we thought we would. We'd love to go back just to see the museums! And there is so much else, too. Then, we went to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with Bev and Russ, and for Russ's surprise 60th birthday party. That was wonderful, of course. We love to spend time with them. Unfortunately, Johnny had to drive home early because of problems with the cattle we're feeding. Rats! I stayed and rode the train home, which worked out very well. My dad picked me up at Ottumwa, which was very nice of him. He's feeling better after his surgeries by now.

Christmas is coming! We are so anxious for Brenna and Kelley to arrive. Brenna will be here on Saturday afternoon, and Kelley on Saturday evening. The house will be humming with all kinds of activity! I'm waiting till the girls are here to do any cooking. Isadora is eager to see some snow, and I'm sure Sofia will be right behind her! Collette has to work through the 23rd, unfortunately. Rats, again! I'm sure she'll be here each evening.

I have spent at least four days fixing up the north room in the basement. New paint, ceiling trim, lots of fixes and neatening up. Whew! I about wore myself out. But now it's clean (I scrubbed the floor on my hands and knees) and neat, and ready for ping pong, kids playing, and and air mattress if needed.

Yesterday we had a surprise visit, from our Bulgarian exchange student, Petko Zafirov, and his wife and two children. They came for supper, and we had a very nice time. They have green cards and will be traveling back and forth to the U.S. often, they say. His sister lives in Elmhurst.

Johnny has been so busy with the custom feeding that he has a hard time catching his breath! He's building a toboggan for when all the kids are here, but it's been slow going. Hopefully tomorrow he can find some time. All day today he will be working with the feeder cattle. Sean was able to repair the uniloader for us, thank goodness! It had a big break, and we took it up there on Monday, when we went to see Grace's Christmas program. Grace was so cute, by the way! She wore the dress I'd made her last week.

Well, that's all for the moment. Still lots to do to get ready for Christmas. I'm sure there will be more to tell afterwards!