First snow

A month ago we bought a used snow blower in anticipation of the coming winter. Last night, winter arrived. We received about 4 inches of snow overnight and awoke to what Dana describes as Narnia-esc. As we had to leave for church I put off the snow blowing until the afternoon which I then realized was not a good idea. As the day warmed the snow became wet and heavy and much more difficult to remove. After receiving some advice from Grandpa Joe we commenced the blowing! It left a thin layer which then melted and refroze as ice. I lowered the scraper bar which should help with that, as will snow blowing fresh snow, not slush! I'm hoping to avoid any lawsuits from people slipping on our sidewalk. That will be my measure of success.

Mail treats

About 2 months ago Dana got her first job in the last 4 years. We were both interested to see how it would work since we enjoy the benefits of domestic engineering but with my long hours it was a good opportunity to get out of the house and do something that she enjoyed. The idea of a wine store was pretty exciting. The benefits of working in a wine store haven't been quite what we hoped, but the extra money that is being designated to non-budgeted "fun" items has immediately paid off in my humidor. Dana designated her first check to buying me cigars and for me, cigar gifts can only come from one place...Habana, Cuba. This week I received 15 Montecristo #2 and 10 Partagas Serie P #2. Now if winter would just end so I can smoke them...