Hi Cheri and Lara,

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them.

My family is well. My older son loves college and had an excellant first semester!!! He was in 2 Greek courses of which he was the only freshman and pulled a top grade in both. He is 2 weeks back now and says that this semester is very hard and they are piling on the work early.

My younger guy just finished up the first half year of high school. This week was midterm exams so we wait to see how he did. He is a good student but needs to work at things, unlike his brother who seemed to remember every detail read or spoken to him. Somehow, I'm not sure which is better. There isn't anything wrong with learning to work hard!!

I loved having my older son home for Christmas break!!! He was always out with friends (oh, I remember the days when it seemed he'd never have a group of friends) but just to sit in the same room with him was just so nice . I do think that being away makes him appreciate home more. he gave me a kiss on th cheek and said "It's nice to be home" ....melted my heart.

I forget, Lara, that you are in summer . It has been definitely winter here with snow but the days are getting longer and we have football to occupy our minds . Next week, of course, the Patriots play in the Superbowl so it's a good week here.

I haven't taken much time to read the info posted above. Honestly, I still feel a bit beat after my mom's death but it looks like there is some good stuff there so thanks, Lara.

I hope that your families are well, also. They seem to grow up in leaps and bounds. I found out a few weeks back that a niece and a nephew are both expecting this year. So nice to have babies around

Take care,
Tessa