this winter of my (dis)content

    Wow...this blog is more like MONTH'S blank page.  Pretty disappointing, honestly, but I'm doubling my efforts, which should at least ensure a post every two weeks from now on, right?

    What a crazy, cold, busy, and immunity-wearing winter it has been so far!  I can't remember a winter that has gone on forever like this one has...but before you know it, spring will be here...say it with me now...SPRING WILL BE HERE.

    I apologize to those who have diligently checked the page to see if new posts have been added.  I have had a lot of ideas lately about what areas I'd like to go into greater detail about, but unfortunately they have all been in different directions...sigh...So, for now, I'm keeping it Minnesota and shooting from the hip - potluck style.  As always, I am wide open to your thoughts as well...

    So, here we are...I'm actually taking a sick day today to let my body rest and finally beat this cold that has been lingering and disrupting too much of my day to day.  The kids are busy "inventing" structures out of old school lincoln logs.  Jill's run to town for an oil change and tire balance  turned into  - $200, but + two new tires...here's to safe winter travels.  I was looking to use my fantasy football winnings on something that more closely resembled something from Gander Mtn, but...I am thankful that the money was available just the same.

    The Hanson Clan has added a few new members since the chicken post.  We are happy to welcome three nigerian dwarf goats to the family!  So far, their transition has been pretty seamless and the kids LOVE spending time with them!  *Pictures, names and stories forthcoming*

     The "Christmas Road Warriors" once again put many miles on the van, but not nearly as many as we had initially planned - with a snowstorm taking out two stops.  We had some amazing family moments and I was able to get some of the best quality time (with my three remaining grandparents) that I can remember.  I was humbled by all of it and reminded that every moment with them is a gift.  *Stories forthcoming there as well*

    I'm working through a lot of thoughts and ideas on most every aspect of my life lately...nothing weird or frightening, as much as just...well...unsettling, refining, and...RIGHT.  I think that it will do me a lot of good to share a lot of that process with you all as I continue to sift the gold from the silt.  I'll do my best to not soapbox rant or get on a tangent that is undeserving of your time...hopefully some of the things I am seeing, thinking, and feeling, you are too...thanks for being patient with me.