The holiday season has come and gone.  Business at the library has picked up again to its normal pace.  Farmwork is mostly planning and paperwork (taxes).  Although Farmer Bill has already started pruning his apple trees because we're having such a warm, dry winter.  [Mouse damage will probably be less, but cold damage may be higher with no snow for insulation.]

Our son and d-i-l are moving to Portland, Maine next weekend.  I went over last weekend to help pack some boxes & will probably go today or tomorrow to help some more.  So far I've contained my emotions, but one of these days I may not be able to.  We're going to miss having them so close.  But the job that Aimee was offered is a great opportunity & I would never want either of them to pass up something so good to stay close to us.  Farmer Bill wouldn't either.  He did say that when they have children they have to come back.  Since living overseas has always been an ultimate goal for both of them, I don't really see a return to Minnesota in their lives.  If Farmer Bill wants to see and spend time with his (future) grandchildren, he'll have to give up farming and take up traveling instead.  Personally I'm looking forward to visiting people who live near big water -- even cold water like the Atlantic Ocean.  I have been in love with oceans since our time in Australia.  But I will definitely miss being able to have both my kids come visit for family time.  So far, Ellen and Noah are pretty adamant that they will be staying in Minnesota, specifically the Twin Cities, forever.  Airfare to come 'home' for visits may be our gift to Will & Aimee in years to come...