January This and That

Jess is now one week into his new job with PointSource.  All is going well, and he's liking the whole 'office at home' scene, with Marilyn sleeping nearby. Ali continues her preparations for the upcoming marathon in Austin; since it's the same weekend as Jess' birthday, we will get to celebrate both. 
David, Mel, and the boys went to the DFW airport today to greet troops returning from Afghanistan.  Over 200 soldiers arrived this morning to the cheers of grateful family, friends, and strangers...all happy to welcome them back home.
This past weekend my brother arrived for a weekend visit. He's very independent and capable, and deciding to drive 9 hours to central Texas didn't phase him one bit, even though he'll be 84 in March!  We love having him visit...he's easy-going, agreeable, fun, and full of family stories.  Friday he, John, and several of John's buds went to a friend's ranch, where they chopped and loaded and hauled a pickup load of wood for John to use in the smoker.  When they got back here, they unloaded and stacked the wood. Big Will never missed a beat all day!  I was on the treadmill after they finished unloading; Bro peeped his head in and said he thought he could use a little exercise too...so when I finished, he walked a couple of miles.  84 be damned!
On Saturday, Mary, Travis, and Little Will drove down for the day. Little Will loves being here, seeing the animals, and having freedoms he can't always have otherwise.

Big Will and Little Will

Dog water play is fun!

Jack's a lovable teddy-bear.

Travis made small wood out of the big wood Will and John had brought, then Little Will decided to get in on the fun.

John cranked up the smoker and cooked wonderful ribs and salmon for supper.  Along with 2 doz. boiled crabs and 2 lbs. crawfish and two King Cakes, Bro had brought a case of incredibly luscious Pontchatoula strawberries.  So for dessert, I made the yummiest strawberry cake ever!

I have the best brother in the world...