Quite a while ago I promised my mom and uncle that I would take some close-up pictures of the flowers in Venezuela. I finally took one the day before I flew home to Minnesota for vacation. I would have taken more, but it started to rain just as I finished taking my picture of the turtle!
There is a grassy courtyard area in the middle of the school's campus which houses mango trees and turtles. The turtles often nestle against the chain link fence that borders the courtyard. I nosed my camera through one of the holes in the chain links and took this picture:
Below is my first look at my new and improved room upon my return home to Minnesota for Christmas break. Mom had tidied it up and reset my things so that the room looked much more homey and inviting than before.
Below is a picture of my dresser, graced by flowers and a note from Mom to welcome my return.
Even though my birthday passed in early November, my family was sweet enough to pretend it was on December 7th so they could celebrate with me. My mom made my favorite cake- we call it fruit cake, but thankfully it doesn't resemble the cake that is usually associated with that title. This cake is a dense yellow cake with whipped cream and fruit on top- always delicious!
My cat Chico, sleeping in my former laundry basket.
I realize I got a bit cat-happy with all these pictures of Chico, but it wasn't only people that I missed while I was in Venezuela. I even considered getting a cat there, but was wisely advised to forgo that idea. After all, the cat would have to be housed elsewhere on long breaks such as this, which isn't really fair to the cat.
Ben takes pride in lighting campfires, and candles are no exception. I had just a small amount of wax left in a candle of mine, but I knew Ben would find a use for it. He promptly set it ablaze with several matches, creating a mini bonfire effect.
When the temperature is only 13 degrees Fahrenheit, this is what you should wear for a walk in the woods, along with a heavy duty pair of boots: 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts and 2 pairs of socks, a hugely thick jacket, scarf, mittens and a thick hood or hat. I often think we should take our cue from the Inuit and wear fur lined boots and parkas made with impenetrable animal skins.
The cold has been almost unbearable at times, but the view is lovely. I got what I wanted: snow for Christmas, and a relaxing break with my family whom I love very much. They preferred to remain photographically anonymous, but many of you have met them anyway: Mom, Dad, and "little" brother (at 6'1", I'm not sure if the term "little" applies anymore!). My older brother and his wife live close by.
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