The Snyderhuset

t's done! We closed on the house today at 1. Pretty scary, but at least it's over. Now, for the fun part- one last move! I'm already tired, so by Monday I figure I'll be brain dead.

We had a nice informal agreement with the previous owners, so we've been able to get into the house all along. My parents and I have been trying to get as much done as possible, but there is still an awful lot to do. The appliances, phone and internet were all hooked up yesterday. The only appliance that came with the house was the fridge. We knew it was old, but were hoping to get a short bit out of it. It broke yesterday afternoon. Go figure. The new fridge comes tomorrow, on move in day. It's supposed to rain, and I've already bought rosin paper to protect the floors.

Wish us luck!

Karen and Nate- any news on a move-in date for you?

Land of Ports

There is this show on FoodTV called "40 dollars a day" where the host spends a day in a given U.S. city to sight-see and eat for $40 or less. For example, in one episode they visited Austin. Well, tonight's episode I caught was in Portland, Maine.

Boy, I have to tell you - it sure is a beautiful town. The high-up shots of the city buildings against the Atlantic backdrop was quite picturesque. I suppose I never had any mental picture to go on, so I just invented some "virtual Portland" in my head and imagined that's where you lived. And then I see this show and realized what I imagined was nothing like reality.

Anyway, Nate & Karen: nice job on....living there.


PS - The host went to this diner restaurant called Becky's down by the Portland market. She ate this blueberry pancake that I nearly attempted to scrape off the TV screen. Give it a try. Send me the leftovers.

Nor' Easter

Hello All. We're in the midst of a Nor' Easter today. Lots of rain and high winds but not much snow. Some of the roads are closed due to flooding and trees down. So far, obviously, we have power but a lot of areas around us don't. Nate's parents are here visiting until Thursday. They've been staying over here so they won't get stuck out on Two Lights. Grandma Tinsley is in Vermont visiting so she's safe. Mom and Fath went over to Grandma's house to receive a delivery, which never came, and they said the waves were incredible! Some of the families there were being evacuated due to flooding.

Fath and Nate went out to the new house today to check on the water drainage and all was dry! A few roof shingles were coming off in the high winds but all else was sound. Perfect test! They are still telling us we may close in mid May, only weeks away! So much work to do before then to move out of here. Anyone want to vacation in Maine and do some painting?? So far we're doing ok with all the work and stress, etc. But we do have to remind ourselves to step back and take a breather. We often forget that we have to consciously trust the Lord through all the steps.

Is this storm reaching New York at all?

Noah, 4 Months

Hi everyone! Just a quick stop by to brag about my little Hunny! I can't believe how big he is already, and I've been shocked at all the changes this last month has brought.

Noah is a pro now at rolling from back to tummy, but can't quite figure out how to get on his back again. This leads to much screaming and nanshing of gums, but I'm confident he'll figure it out sooner or later. He's become very vocal about his opinions as well, so we know when he's happy and when he's not. He lets us know.

What has me utterly shocked is that he can support his own weight, and seems to be testing his balance when he's standing. His favorite thing to do is be held up so he can bend his knees and shift his weight from foot to foot. I had no idea he would be able to do anything like this so early. It's a bit freaky. What happened to my little baby?

We have finally been able to get out and go walking, which has been good for me. I've had a very good winter, but the lack of vitamin D was starting to take it's toll. Spring arrived just in time!

We're still on track to close on the house at the end of this month. Nate and Karen, how is the progress on your place coming? Will you give your house a name? We're trying to think of one for ours? Any thoughts, guys?