Dear Family and Friends,

Yesterday we had wonderful news. A little girl, Ella Rose, was born to Jenn, Robin's sister. A high-risk pregnancy has come to the best conclusion possible. Robin and dad Rob were present in the birthing room to welcome little Ella into this world. Robin has been in Chicago since Monday so Paul and I are sharing child-care and meal prep.

Cold temperatures are keeping the children indoors more than usual. By God's grace this was a "game" Christmas, so we've enjoyed domino tournaments, chess, and matching games. Sasha has become quite the chess player, even beating Paul from time to time. I am doing well at dominos. Chess wears me out. In fact, each day seems to wear me out. The boundless energy of these highly creative children is quite a challenge to my "retired" pace.

They are also very adept at various kinds of handwork. Sasha does finger-knitting by the skein. Then he weaves the yarn into squares on a cardboard loom crafted by Aunt Jenn last spring. Four squares short of a quilt he is making for himself, he assures me that when they are done he will bring them ALL over here so we can stitch them together during his "turns" with me. (I am looking forward to the return of "turns"). Madeline and Paul are learning knot-work. Picture the three of them, each with a loop of yarn around a big toe: Sasha standing to fingerknit; Dad and Madeline sitting with outstretched legs, knotting away.

When all else fails, I read them stories. Right now they are enjoying the orignial AA Milne Winnie the Pooh. I am amazed at how easily they can shift from the Walt Disney versions to the more literary story, even enjoying the difference in the illustrations.

Right now Paul has them playing "penquin" on our iced-over creek. Ever since they saw the video "Happy Feet" they've been fascinated with the antics of what they call "panguins". Sliding on the ice on their bellies, sometimes pulled by Paul, I can hear them squealing from here.

Just last weekend I had Sasha for a 48 hour "turn". He decided not to go with the family to the annual Southern Sustainable Ag Conference in Louisville. He arrived Friday morning and stayed until almost church-time on Sunday. I really enjoyed doing the morning and evening chores with him. We had a great time otherwise but I was totally exhausted by Sunday morning. I had promised to bring a plate of devilled eggs to church for the annual meeting pot-luck. The eggs were boiled but still needed to be shelled. I started one and kept pulling great pieces of white off with the shell. Sasha saw the problem. He demonstrated a better technique and proceeded to shell the other eleven eggs, mash the yolks, and mix in the seasonings. Thanks to him I had a lovely plate of delicious devilled eggs to take to church.

For the second time this month I have no water. Near the beginning of the month the water just froze. Forgot to leave a drip of water running during the night. No damage to pipes, I had water again within 24 hours. Two nights ago, after baths and dishes were done, I suddenly had no water. This happens every so often to my idiosyncratic water pump so I assumed I'd have water by the next day. Not so. Paul's initial diagnosis was a blown fuse. I went to Edmonton and got a box of fuses along with other supplies, thinking this would be easy. Not so. New fuse blew within minutes. Turns out the old electic pump has given up the ghost. By the time Paul drove to Glasgow for a new pump it was dark. So today he begins the process of installation. I am awed by the skills he has acquired as a farmer. Unlike city-style, where I would pick up the phone when something needs repair, Paul, like our neighbors, has learned to diagnose, and repair /replace all kinds of equipment. Maybe by tomorrow the water will be back on.

I am looking forward to 10 days in California at the beginning of next month. Looks like Alice and Mary Anne will also be there for a visit with our brother Paul and his family. I expect to spend some time in San Francisco with John and Denise as well.

By the time I get back planting season will be well underway.

Hope your new year is off to a promising start. Love, Louise