The latest and greatest

It's only been a few weeks since the last post, but it's been a whirlwind of wonderment!

• I climbed up Silver Peak! The first 2 inches of snow and a layer of ice came to crash autumn's party. It was, to me, the first indication of a very long, cold winter, despite the shining sun. I quietly said goodbye to my favorite hiking spots and did my best to welcome winter by nearly falling on my tush on the way down. Temp was 35 when I left the truck at 11am. At 4pm, had risen to a balmy 38. Click here to see all the pictures.

• We changed the clocks back. I had heard one time that the farming industry was the reason for daylight saving time. At comin' home time (5pm), it's pitch dark and not a tractor in sight. I say, let the farmers use roosters and headlamps and let's not mess with the clocks! I'm fine with dark in the morning...just give me more light in the evening. I've always said that I don't mind rain, but I do mind the dang darkness and the things that go bump in it. The under-eye-lightening wonder cream that I spent an afternoon selecting, is helping me pretend I look rested. Wonder if I had more sleep if I wouldn't need the "wonder" cream.

• We went to Hawaii. Our trip to Florida was foiled by the threat of hurricane Rina, so within several hours of our flight, we pulled the plug on Florida and headed to Kauai. It was all so sudden and our heads were spinning in attempts to swap out Jimmy Buffett for Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, and alligators for humuhumunukunukuopoa'a. We landed in Lihu'e several hours later and immediately got into the rhythm of the island. Pictures & video to come!

• Halloween costumes have been replaced by Christmas everything. Nary a store in town can help themselves when it comes to wreaths, jingle bells and red & green everythings. I sometimes feel sorry for Thanksgiving because it's so dethroned by the merriment and joy of the more eager and aggressive season. Our family always had some good laughs at the cheesy-ness of Christmas Cards. One of our favorite sayings on them is "...not only now, but all through the year...". That phrase can go for just about anything. For example "Hope your THANKSGIVING is full of cheer, not only now, but all through the year!"