last year

Okay, I guess I'm running out of excuses for how slow I've gotten with these posts. But here's us in DC before New Years.

Sadly, I don't have too many pictures, and Deron, of the many wonderful people we saw, is the only one I was able to capture on film. . . . Here he is, on the phone with Haley, standing next to Yancy, as he kindly guides us on a tour of some of the major monuments (that's Arlington National Cemetery in the background):

But it was a great trip—saw, among others, Aaron Dopf, Steve Ferguson, Tom Tuozzo, Haley Harrison; had an interview that seemed to go well enough (I'll keep you posted); toured the National Archives, saw a some of the National Gallery (Emily even saw the Seinfeld Puffy shirt at the Air & Space Museum (it's there because the history museum is being renovated)), toured the Library of Congress:
Mimi in the Library of Congress.


Outside the National Archives


Inside, at this cool exhibit where you could "research" various topics on moving screens that would pull up photos and videos held at the Archives.

We also happened to be there when President Ford was lying in state. Quite moving thing to see. That emotion is almost captured, but not quite, by the following photo:


We also waited by the World War II memorial to see the hearse go by

Hearse

the crowd

Okay, two quick bonus shots from Christmas:
Yancy with his new niece Amelia
Peppermint cake made by Magen and Emily

Up next: San Diego! Stay tuned.

cheers, patient reader

What better surprise after a busy December than homemade eggnog! Delicious. And made with freshly grated whole nutmeg! Mmm. Recipe here.




Maybe some homemade slippers to go with it? Mmm.



Moms.


Braxton enjoying a homemade remote-controlled gift (okay, not homemade; whatever).


Dave, Braxton, Magen, Amelia, Dave, Fran, Emily, Yancy


Mimi with Amelia.


Amelia, one more time.


Mimi with Braxton



How about homemade marshmallows?

Okay, fine: Braxton with his new sister Amelia:


Happy New Year!


PS, On a completely unrelated note, Tom Waits released a new album last month, and this adaptation of a Bukowski poem (now playing) is, for my money, beautiful. Please enjoy.

well done, all

Congrats to Magen and Dave, and welcome to our new niece, Amelia Frances Iwanski:

Her "stats" can be viewed on the hospital's website.


And, congratulations to Emily (or Mimi, if you prefer): she was just offered to have her hours raised from 10 a week to 37 a week, and they're raising her hourly wage as well. Nicely done.


Lastly, congratulations to me, for taking this fabulous picture of Dave, Diana, and Emily in Chicago recently:

Thanks

Yesterday we enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving in St. Charles.

Dave, Fran, Mimi, and Chris: some wine, some cheeseball, and all is well


Fran, Mimi, Chris


Mimi: notice the new sweater--she's getting pretty handy with those knitting needles, no?


Dave working on the turkey


then we're agreed


at the table

A fabulous feast. My personal favorite: the sweet potatoes with corn and ginger. Recipe's from the Chicago Tribune. Tasty.

Hope you too, reader, had a happy day.