Signs

We see some very interesting things in our travels. Doesn't this sign look like an invitation to mischief?

This one has a completely different tone:

PhotoStory files

We created some PhotoStory files but had some trouble linking to them. Now you can check them out here. Here's the text to go with them:

1. There's no doubt that Northern Ireland gets more than its share of rain, but we've also had some really lovely days for autumn excursions.
2. Special days can be difficult when living away from close friends and family, but we had a lot of fun celebrating G's birthday in Northern Ireland.

Talk about changeable weather!

On Wednesday it rained all day, on Thursday the sun came out and G got me to drag out the wicker loveseat from the garage to the back garden so she could have a nap outdoors, as you can see! Today started out with steady rain that actually included a few snowflakes at around 9:30 (half-nine, as folks say here) and I found myself, strangely enough, enjoying the idea, though snow here isn't anything like snow in Western Canada, either in volume or in moisture. (It's a dry cold!) Later in the afternoon the sun came out again and I dozed over my book as the sunshine warmed the house. I wonder what tomorrow will be like?

Missing you . . .

I miss the kids most when we look at the PhotoStory they sent of their Thanksgiving adventures. I miss our friends when I hear that some of them are going through tough times. I miss this goofy carrot-loving hound when I see people walking their Springers in the park. This picture was included in a letter from our good friends in Parkside, SK. We miss you all, and it will be great to see you again. Meantime, keep those cards & emails coming ("lead us not into temptation but deliver us some emails") and tell everybody about Skype!

Painting

Our rented house is very comfortable, but the walls needed a little freshening up, so we are giving them a quick coat of paint, supplied by our gracious landlords. The paint here is a bit different from at home, as you can see. I think it will cover well, if I can manage to get it on the wall!