Thanks!

Thanks for the glasses (and thanks, from Irene, for the warm, warm socks and tasty, tasty coffee). We've made out quite well from Thanksgiving, so I can only imagine how we'll walk away from Christmas.

Though I've learned that it's hard putting a place together. There are a lot of moving parts.

I do take comfort from the success of my peers, however. As a matter of fact, happily settled Mike Dickensheet has a 30th birthday party this weekend, and there's a notable list of invitees. From the neighborhood, the event is being hosted by his wife, Bridget Geiman, and Sarah Brumfitt is attending. Max will be there and Jesse Larson's brother Tim (Jesse having returned to Holland). Matt Lackowski was invited (the tall boy who was the VP's son). Dave Webster will be there with his wife, as will Ryan Surber. The gang's all here.

Well, not all there of course. Irene and I will be in Boston--although not without our social events to attend. Patrick, from my soccer team, is hosting his holiday party this weekend.

Still, Mike's 30th would have been fun. I do take comfort from the fact the Westminster kids are still hanging out together, though. No 30th birthday party. No graduation ceremony for Chris Gavin. It's difficult to be far removed.