My big back yard

This is just one of the reasons I love our "back to nature" back yard and the field behind it. There's always surprises out my big glass doors. Thank you, God, for such a beautiful world.

It's good to be home

First day in Silverthorne
Third Day; Hello Snow
Thanksgiving Dinner together

Happy Birthday, Alli (Spencer, Alli, and Brett)

Before Skiing, the first day (man-made snow!)

Ruthie putting up her groceries

We just got back yesterday from a trip to Colorado to see Ruthie's new home, see the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and for Keith, Payton and Mackenzie to do some skiing. We got to go to Ruthie's church, meet some of her friends, and have a general good time. Except when it was time to drive home. Winter escorted us out with snowy and icy roads. It took us two days to make the drive. Home sweet home!

Happy Birthday, Jana Banana

Happy Birthday, Jana Banana. God gave me a special gift when he sent you to me and Kent 28 years ago. Thank you for being a compassionate, sweet, creative, spiritual young lady. You have enriched my life and I am proud of you.

Tallest tree in the forest

This is what I see driving to work each morning. This is the biggest dang tree I've ever seen. It's 150 feet tall. Can you imagine being a hawk perched in this tree? He'd be able to see for miles around. Funny how my cell reception is better near this intersection now...

Fall at the Lea house

This is a fall ritual that my family is familiar with. We have lots of trees on our acre and each year we have a serious yard-cleaning and bonfire. We've made some good memories around that fire pit. We've had parties for the Razorbacks for Christ, with singing and making smores (remember Heidi with the melted marshmallow stuck in her beard?). That was the year of the hayride/truck/trailer that burned to the ground due to overcrowding. I guess a farm truck can only hold so many people. When Rico got initiated into our family, he got to have a bonfire. He actually jumped over that fire. When we have friends over, it's nice to fix coffee and sit in chairs around the fire, with the field behind and the stars above. Thank God for life in the country.

New member of the family

This is not a very good picture, but this is Keith's new ride. It's a 2003 Saab 95 Aero Turbo. It has heated and air conditioned seats, tiptronic transmission (switches from automatic to manual), leather seats, power everything, sunroof, 50,000 miles, and it's nice. And guess what? No exhaust fumes inside. My sweet husband doesn't have to smell like the city bus any more. But... we're keeping the green Saab convertible...for the weekends.

The Patient

This is Polly, the little girl that stayed with us while Susan and Larry were in St. Louis last weekend. See that front leg? BB gunshot wound. That's what happens when you go prowling around in someone else's yard. Don't get me wrong. I'm not against prowling. You'd just better know the neighbors. She's not bitter, though. She's just glad to get some lovin.