Flat-lander tobogganing

Our southeast Eugene neighborhood has most of the ingredients for Winter fun -- we live on one of the best sledding hills around, the vehicle traffic is sporadic, and there are lots of young children living close by to share in the fun.  The only problem is that our happy little valley seldom sees snow -- which is generally considered essential to Winter fun.

Merry Christmas

The kids and I decided that our sugar intake needed to be increased for the holiday season, so we made cookies and caramel.

 Don't talk to them!  They are serious about their work.

Murphy

We have had a visitor in our home for the past few months.  We thought that he would only stay for a short while, but I think he is just kicking it in the spare bedroom and has no intention of moving.  No, it is not the former president of Liberia -- it is Murphy.

Out of Africa

I may seem like a mild-mannered risk-averse homebody, but don't let my sedentary lifestyle fool you.  I learned today that I am also a trusted confidant of the former president of Liberia. His son told me so in a letter.