Holiday Cheer

Dear Family and Friends,
We’re wrapping up nearly two years of living in Chelsea, Michigan – mild years in terms of weather, if you ask the locals. But that ended this very weekend! In fact, we’re having the first big snow storm in almost a decade. This morning, Elliott was out shoveling and blowing a ton of snow – it’s up to his knees in some places. Perfect weather for the holidays! But not for our poor, ice-encrusted flamingoes, some of whom stay out all winter -- like this one pictured, which we used on our Christmas greeting card this year, an antique, iron/concrete number that seems to be wishing it was somewhere way south of here). The card greeting may appear somewhat cheeky (Elliott was a bit shaky about using the term “Hell”) – but if you look at a map, we are just south of Hell, Michigan, which certainly has frozen over for the winter. Flamingoes in our yard tell us they are now certain that Hell is indeed exothermic.

So…the year in brief. We are keeping the University of Michigan health care network in the black – multiple doctor visits, surgeries and hospital stays have us grateful we’re in a place with mostly caring, competent doctors. We’re both coping with our chronic illnesses through a combination of meditation and medication, and we’re comfortably stable as we prepare to greet 2008.

I went full time with the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering in July, and just love what I do! A quick work blog tour gives you an idea. Some of my art went up in the College’s gallery this fall, so I’m now inspired to paint again. We are almost finished with an extensive house renovation; every room in the house, except the laundry room, has been redone in some way: remodeled kitchen, bathrooms, wood floors to replace stinky carpet, new family room and office; and let’s not forget the barn, which is now Elliott’s main hangout. He has a little room dedicated to building model replicas of his cars, and there’s enough space for the motorcycles and cars in the collection. The Cord is in the hands of a competent restorer, and we should have it completed by mid-2008!

Lusso has gained a bit of weight, and we are always working to get him moving.

It helps that my mom, Virginia, moved here last spring – she loves to walk him when the weather permits. Mom’s arrival was most welcome – she’s been a great help to us, especially when medical emergencies arise. She’s still acclimating to the snow and cold, but like all good Michiganders, she’ll likely learn to flee this place for warmer climes in January or February.

We love to hear from everyone – please send your news! Email either of us and we’ll send you lots of links to photos that document our new adventure in the great white north.

Love,
Jill and El