Happy New Year from Suki!

Hi to all on this snowy day,

I had a list of errands to run today, but I'm pretty toasty warm at home watching the playoffs and picking up the house. The Bears won today so we know Zac will be very happy. Speaking of Zac, I saw the photo in the OWH and I'm anxious to see what clever captions were sent in by the public.

I enjoy reading all the blog additions, so thanks to all of you who take the time to post. I'm thinking I'm not near as tough as Mary Jo or Janice when it comes to those words you don't put together - freezing temps and no power! My only experience was the 8 hours of no electricity we had during the October 1995 ice storm where the girls and I bundled up on one bed dressed as if we were climbing Mt. Everest.

Cassi has been home since Dec. 15 and heads back Thursday. It's been fun having her here and sadly we realize this is probably her last winter break with us. Next year she'll move out of the sorority house and into another house. It reminds me of the first year Niki moved into her first apartment while still at NWU and she had to remind me she wasn't coming home for summers anymore. That was sad.

We're still in the midst of remodeling our kitchen. It's good we have no timelines for this because nothing seems to happen on the day we expect it. Occasionally it may disrupt our dinner plans, but then we just have to plan on eating out or bringing in. :o) Just a sacrifice you have to make.

Our Vegas trip was a blast! It was good to see my family and the girls had a great time with their cousin, Tony. They went VIP clubbing at Pure, the hot night club at Ceasar's Palace and were amazed at the drink prices ($24 shots of Patrón? $8 for bottled water? Are you kidding me?) Here are a few pictures of that event. My second Vegas trip for work, 12 days after my return, was good but uneventful. One day I will learn that being on my feet for 11 hours straight for two full days is worth hemming my pants, giving up the heels and buying some cute flats.

Janice, of course the Stamps (3 of us) plan on making the trip to the wedding. I'm sure I can speak for the Strotman's as well, but Niki will let you know for sure. We wouldn't miss it.

Otherwise, we're all fine and we think of all who are affected by the elements. Two of the local weather stations here predicted earlier that we are to get about 3" of snow in January, 7" in February and 11" in March. Gasp! Hold on folks, it's going to be a long, long winter!

Love to all,
Suki