hi, okay, here it is. I suppose in the last post, it sounded as though I shoveled the entire drive just so K could get his car in. not true. I waited until he called and said he was on his way home, then out I went to start. he then helped me and we got it done together. in the photo, I was all bundled up and yes, you can see his car turning into the drive. but I did not clear it myself. HOWEVER, K did clear it by himself on Wednesday. the drifts were amazingly high and he had to go into work. the kids were home and we both don't like to leave them in the house for that long alone. you just never know what kids will do when presented with opportunity.

another thought.....as an adult, it can be challenging to form friendships with other adults. people are comfortable with the friends they have, etc. It can be especially difficult when you have moved far away from the area you grew up. at first, you feel like an outsider. you don't know the area, neighborhood, history, ... there are folks around who were born and raised in the area and can just sniff out transplants. when I first moved to Lexington after I got married, it was sort of like that. it was hard to meet people...I did not have kids or a job. in fact, I was probably clinically depressed. I called my Mom and sister alot and cried. I missed home, my family, my friends and things that were familiar to me. after living there for about 4 years, we moved to where we are today. (sorry, not sharing and if you know, great!) we had some difficulty getting into our home and had to live in a hotel for four nights...my husband, me, our 7 month old son, our two cats, a rental truck with our lives in it, two cars and my in laws. once we were able to get into our house, the neighbors came out, introduced themselves, offered their homes, food. I instantly felt welcome. since that time, some 8 or so years ago, it has only gotten better. the community in which we live is one that my Mom and Dad call "middle America, a great place to raise a family." my neighbors are still great, for the most part. you always have you know, the neighbors, who bring down the rest of the street. the school that my kids attend is great, too. I remember first walking into the school to register my son for KG. the front door was locked and a man was coming down the stairs and let me in. I now know that man was the principal. I have met some great people over the past few years since my son and now my daughter have been students at that great school. I know a particular someone jokes that I bother her daily, but hopefully deep down, I somehow brighten her day with my antics. and the sense of humor that I still don't get, well, maybe one day I won't need an interpreter.

the bottom line....thanks to those of you who have made me & my family feel welcome.