Winter.

Finally, winter arrived. We have ice on the pond. It is the coldest morning of the season thus far at six below (C). The sun is shining, so it will get above freezing today, but not much. It might even snow a bit this coming week. Sure is nice to see the sun more and more! We are exiting the two months of darkness.

My energy levels are quite low. I guess that is because it is January. Haven't really even had a cold yet this winter that I can remember, so that is really great not to be so sick all the time! Also, I scheduled an appointment to get my eyes measured for laser surgery. It would be great not to deal with contacts and glasses any more. They are really busy though, so it is hard to get a spot. Needs to be planned way in advance.

A few weeks ago we had a 120 euro dimmer switch stop working in the bathroom. So we replaced it. A few days ago the same thing happened in the kitchen, but this was 130 to replace. So we decided to just put a regular switch in. Of course they can't match what we had, so we have to get everything new. We do have a match in the hall, so I brought that one to the kitchen to match everything else and the hall switch will be new.

On Wednesday I submitted my short story to the University of Michigan (Michigan Quarterly Review) to see if they will publish it. Fingers crossed. I also handed in my portfolio for a promotion at work. I am curious to see how they respond as I mentioned that I wouldn't be doing the extra work any more on a volunteer basis. Figured it was reasonable to show them what I could do, and then leave it up to them if they want to pay me for it or not.

This coming week will be about the big install for the new bathroom sink. I have to finish up one hidden part of the frame tomorrow, then I can install it next weekend. That will be a big project. After the frame and sink are installed, I will need to make all seven drawers. Another big project. Hopefully it goes in without any disasters!

We were at an playground last weekend where they have some chickens and turkeys. The girls were watching the birds for a while and then they came running up to me, "Daddy, Daddy, we have a problem! Come look! Someone cut off the birdie's head!"