Dashing through the (rain) ..

Friends, I cannot believe how quickly November and December flew by. What with planning for our grand Christmas adventure (more on that in January!) and moving into my new home, I guess I was busy!! Thank you for your well-wishes on my home purchase. I'm happily settled into Berkley, which might just be the best kept secret in Oakland County. It's just a lovely place to live and everyone is so friendly. (I attended a block party last night for the holidays and really enjoyed myself - and those who know me well, know how I feel about small talk ...) I feel blessed to be settled. Below is my link to the Before/After album per your requests. Thanks for your interest & excitement for me. The house, in its most current form, is a labor of love by some of the most important people in my life and I'm hugely grateful for their help ..... Mom, Dad, Pat (and Catelyn, in spirit & with cute zebra dishes), Kate, Bramanda, Michael Lauchlan, Aunt Fran and Jan. I couldn't have done the painting, choosing, plumbing/electric, moving, storing, waterproofing (especially with all this rain!!) etc, etc, etc without their help. Enjoy the pics!
Phillips Avenue

My living room all decked out for Christmas .. you'll notice touches of Grandma Parker. She LOVED Christmas and all that it celebrates (including all things shiny, glittery, and sparkling). I miss her especially this time of year.

Many Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones. Despite the lack of snow and abundance of rain we've had in Michigan this fall and beginning of winter, as I write it's beautifully sunny and I can't help but think that as 2011 closes, the sunshine is what's to come in 2012. I wish the same for you. And what better way to end a rainy fall than in the rainforest! COSTA RICA, here we come!!!!!!!!!!