Private House 421

I must apologize for my long absence on the blogosphere. I've challenged myself to never use the adjective busy, because who isn't? But there seem to be so many things to do - both fun and school related - and the longer I put off writing a post, the more I have to say, and the more daunting the task feels! So I fear I will not be able to fill you all in completely on the goings on of everyday since we last met, but rather and overview and some highlights!

I can't believe that I am less than two weeks from winter vacation. And less than two weeks from finishing my seventh and second to last semester of college. Time is flying by (except that occasional day that seems to draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag on). But this has likely been my most fun semester yet. I am sure I will have no regrets regarding taking advantage of the Whitman opportunities. 

In the last month we have eaten well (at school and at our respective family Thanksgiving dinners), we have enjoyed Zoe moments, and we have had snow! 

There is no weather phenomenon that has a greater impact on my mood than snow. Of course there is the rainy day that makes me want to be snuggled up in a blanket with a book and hot tea, or the sunny day that makes me feel like I can conquer anything, but there is something magical about a fresh layer of snow. The instant I walk out into a snowy day, I am uncontrollably happy. I grin my silliest grin, and it takes everything in me not to skip and spin and kick up the snow. I wear my snowman or skier earrings. These are the best of days! Our first snow was exactly two weeks before Thanksgiving, and stayed on the ground almost until we left for holiday. I know that snow and ice create trouble for a lot of people trying to transport themselves and their families, but how can you stay upset when the world is covered in a fluffy, white blanket?

When it's good to have white flakes on your head :)

As the six members of our house are all food and holiday enthusiasts, we had to prepare our own Grandma's House Thanksgiving dinner. We divided up the tasks and then sat down to enjoy the bountiful feast together! 

A couple photos from my break - Hood River, Lebanon, and Portland. Eight cousins, seven aunts and uncles, two grandparents, two parents, a certain yellow cat, and a lot of friends. 

Echo says, "Thanks for bringing my bed back!"

Devising a plan to make lemon meringue pie!

HIlary at Thanksgiving dinner

Dad and I trying out a traditional Austrian recipe. 

Thanksgiving break is a double edged sword: it is great to have a break from the hardest part of the semester to see family and eat great food, but it makes going back for three weeks SO CHALLENGING! 

But guess what greeted us! Yep, snow! 

We still don't know who left this precious heart outside our house. 

After Thanksgiving it is time for the winter decorations - another year for these handmade snowflakes. 

Now it is time for the final haul, which will of course be made less miserable by cat snuggles, warm meals, and laughs shared.

Gute nacht!