Light show

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Originally uploaded by Auntie Kangaroo

So this is a bit out of focus, but I love the colours and the shadow cast by Mount Baker. In celebration of a memorable sunrise...

Christmas decorations

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Originally uploaded by Auntie Kangaroo

I think I'll be keeping my Christmas decorations up all year. Mr. Knightley has found a new favourite perch. Maybe it has something to do with the warmth from the fire just below him. Or maybe he likes to sit where he can keep an eye on me.
Meanwhile, where is Emma? Oh yeah, I think she's sleeping under my turned-over bed quilts, her favourite new haunt.

And for those who have been waiting with bated breath (ok, I guess that was just me), I finally got my car back just over a week ago. Yeah!

Still waiting...

Merry Christmas to all! Such a hectic season, and I don't know where all the time goes. It seems like December just started, and now Christmas is practically over. But in between, I did have time for reflection and wonder, that the God of all the universe would come to our world as a vulnerable, dependent little baby. When did He know that He would suffer and die on a cross? Did the thought that He had come to bring salvation to this world bring Him joy when He was a child?

I didn't get Christmas cards out this year, but a big thanks to everyone who sent me one. Maybe I'll be more organized ('cause I won't be less busy) next year.

Still waiting for my car, nearly a month later...

It's Alive!

They say that everyone will have, on average, one major accident in their lifetime. If that's true, I hope this is it, because it wasn't that bad. A bother to deal with, but no injury or loss. And that's something to be very thankful for. I have been blessed by much encouragement and support from friends and family. And that ends my acceptance speech.

So here's what happened... A dark (and not stormy) night... I was stopped in the midst of a right turn, and a big green monster (an F350) scrunched into the back left corner of my car. $6,000 worth of repairs, a write-off scare, and I should have my car back in about a week. So much for that new CRV that I couldn't afford anyway.



My poor sick little green bug!

Vegas!

Here's a taste of what Kendra and I did in Vegas! Check out my Flickr page for some more pictures.

In a nutshell, it was hot, dry, and sunny. The casinos were noisy and smoky, but some of the resorts were amazing. The main highlights were the rollercoasters, Mamma Mia!, and the Star Trek Experience, not the usual thing when you think of Vegas. I guess we're just not very good gamblers or high-fashion shoppers. But we had a fabulous time!

Seasons of change

For those who asked, and because I feel like celebrating good changes, here at last is a picture of me with new glasses and shorter hair. Ok, so I didn't take a full auto-portrait. I'm not used to being the focus of my own camera, and in Harry Potter-ish fashion, am trying to sneak out of the frame. But I do love my new glasses! I also highly recommend getting a proper hair-cut more frequently than once every couple of years.

Surprised by Indy

Hi Folks! I thought it was time to share a few photos from my recent trip to Indianapolis. I was very pleasantly surprised by this friendly city. If you want to see more pictures, please visit my Flickr page (Indy 2007 set).


My hotel was right on Monument Circle. It's basically a giant war memorial, in a city full of reminders of past (and current) military history.



The US Post Office is celebrating Star Wars' 30th anniversary. Cool!




I spent my free time on Sunday and the following Friday at two of Indy's attractions: the zoo and the Children's Museum - apparently the largest in the world. The second picture here is one of the many I took of an incredible blown-glass exhibit at the Museum.

Middle Earth Framed

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Originally uploaded by Auntie Kangaroo.

Happy Birthday to me! This was a group effort. I've had a map of Middle Earth for almost 3 years, sitting and waiting for a frame. On my birthday, I was surprised with some money from family and friends, given specifically to help me finally get it framed. And I did it! I think I found the perfect frame, and I love how it looks! Here's a close-up of one corner, and you can see a picture of the full framed map on my Flickr page (click on the picture to get there).

Thanks again to everyone who made this possible!

One year ago...

I've just spent some long overdue time playing with Blogger: I upgraded to the new Blogger, changed and customized my template, and added some new links and favourites. In the process, I noticed that it was almost exactly one year ago that I made my first post! Happy Anniversary, two cats and a monky! So I haven't exactly been faithful (or as faithful as some), but it has been fun. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit my blog and to those who have left comments.

Let me take this opportunity to advertise a little software product that I've become excited about (thank you, Claire): Readerware. Anyone who is a bibliophile can appreciate this product - simply enter an ISBN number or use a little barcode scanner, and you can catalogue your entire collection of books, movies, and music. Follow the link in my Destinations sidebar for more details. I'm on my way to order the CD (there's a special offer of a free barcode scanner right now) as soon as I'm finished with this post. Three cheers for being organized! Is there such a thing as being too organized? I haven't found out yet, but maybe I'll get a little bit closer soon.

Birthday Party!

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Originally uploaded by Auntie Kangaroo.

I had a wonderful "first" this year: a surprise birthday party! Ok, so I knew about it ahead of time, but it was kinda necessary as the party was at my place, in my pool. The party was a success, the cake (thanks, Kendra!) was amazing, the theme was lots of fun. I felt so blessed by family and friends, and so loved. Thanks to all of you for coming all the way out here.