Yes, ladies (and gents), I'm alive, I haven't felt very bloggy. All is well in our household. The new sewer and water lines are doing what they should; in and out! My garden is quietly compacting during this season of rains and now snow. I'll be busy digging and turning the earth in a few months and adding nutrients to the soil in preparation for the new season. The holidays have been well-peopled and yet quiet. Almost everyone was at my in-laws home gathering, minus two college students and a someone working. Not having our family party in the cabin has changed how we interact and the younger set spent a lot of time in small groups or gaming on their phones. Here are the patriarchs and matriarchs of the households The "game room" was the garage stuffed with usual garage items, 4 folding tables and enough chairs to fit us all. We still had a good time and were well-fed! I'm busy planning our next trip, trying to knock off the last few states of the 8 left ...