Some Housekeeping

A friend actually called today to make sure we were alive and well. And it was the third time she had called. I finally called her back, and we chatted for well over an hour. I needed that. She said she really got concerned when she went to this blog and determined that I hadn't posted in weeks. Something must really be wrong! Well, we are a little off kilter around here, but it seems like things are going to get back to normal soon. In the meantime, here is a little update:

1. it is very cold and snowy in MN. I can't help thinking that this is the perfect Nordic ski season, if only I were still coaching. But then I would be crazy and way too busy. Currently, at 3:38 pm it is -4 degrees, with a windchill of -23. This will be the high today, I'm sure. We also have about a foot of snow in the yard. The piles where we've shoveled off the porch or sidewalk are much higher.
2. it is too cold to play outside, and the snow is too deep for little legs to walk through. Thus I sent a very rambunctious Eva outside after lunch today and watched her sit on the steps. Then she decided to take her mittens off (FOOLISH child) and eat snow. Which led to crying b/c fingers should not be exposed in this climate. She lasted about 3 minutes before she was pounding on the door to come in. After the babies were down for naps, I went outside, barefooted in my crocs and wearing no outerwear, to run with her. I forced the poor child to run up and down the sidewalk a dozen times or so. We also did spin jumps off the steps. Eva knows all about vitamin D, and tells me that we aren't getting enough of it this time of year. Amen, sista! That might explain the overall slump we're all feeling.
3. For those of you who have asked or are curious. My fantastic white elephant gift was a brand new rotisserie oven. I cannot decide if this is a blessing or my demise, but I do plan on roasting one of Eric's dad's ducks soon. If it takes 4 hours to clean afterward, it is my demise. If we develop a taste for duck, I will celebrate.
4. A baby is crying. I will update more later...