January 2022 Update

Happy New Year everyone!

 

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, in spite of Covid trying its best to impact us.  Several of my family caught it, and it hit both those of us who are vaccinated and those of us who are not, so whatever that means.  I personally did not catch it, nor did two others in my house, even though two others in my house did, so it seemed to be pretty random.  In my extended family who visited over the holidays, again, it hit some and skipped others.  So, in spite of all we know, we still don’t know everything.  Personally, as I heard someone say (I don’t remember who), I believe it is God reminding us Who is really in control, and it ain’t us.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Matt and Ruby climbing our tree

Visit from Santa!

Visiting a local playground - Josie and Cody

Krista

Gus and Kortney

Mat

Ella

I don't know who the person on the left is, but the other one is Daisy

Bea

Ella, Josie, and Hazel

Mat and Gus

Kortney, Daisy, Bea, Cody

Daisy

Kortney and Bea (in front of random citizens)

Ruby

Carissa, Cody, Ella

Alex

Alma and Ansa

Amelia and Regulus

Carissa and Alma (and Ruby's back in the purple coat)

Rhodes

Alex

Bernie was worn out and so was Zuzu

 

We’ve spotted a unique squirrel in our back yard recently—not pure white/albino, but whiter than any other we’ve ever seen.  I’d be curious to see if anyone else has seen one like that.

We got an early Christmas present with the birth of our 12th grandchild to Caitlin and Ben!  Arlene (Lena) Davonne Updegrove was born on December 21, and she is a delight to all.  Krista, Jem, and I will be traveling down to Philly early in February to visit and meet her.

That night, 12/21, I went Christmas Caroling with my chorus in the neighborhood around our rehearsal hall, and that was lots of fun and very well received, especially since that annual tradition had to be skipped last year.

 

On 12/26, our church did its Christmas service, and Ella and I sang in the choir they had for that special service.  Like I said back in November, singing praises to God in a choir is a special privilege.

 

Our weather has been pretty mild so far this winter.  My guess is that the biggest snow we’ve had so far was maybe 4-6 inches.  Until yesterday!  We got a nice storm overnight Sunday to Monday that dumped almost two feet on us.  I was glad I didn’t have to go to work (thanks MLK!) so I had most of the day to clear out the driveway.

I’ll end with a very happy remembrance of this past weekend’s CRUSHING of the Patriots by my Buffalo Bills.  I know some of you getting this are Kansas City Chiefs fans, but I’m hoping we can do as well next weekend against them.  I think our offenses are pretty similar, but I think our defense is better, but we’ll see how it all plays out on Sunday.  Here’s hoping next month’s update includes a Bills Super Bowl win!