Living in a Postcard

Winters are very mild here -- at least to me, since I'm used to Midwestern deep freezes. But we do get the occasional snowfall, and it's always pretty. Here are a couple of pictures I took from our porch several days ago.

When we get a snowfall like this, it literally closes down the town. Pretty amusing. Of course, the mountain roads are tricky even without snow and ice, so I can hardly complain.

I just got a lovely surprise when Brian and Kristen stopped by for a short visit on their way back from a vacation in Savannah. We mostly hung around the house playing cards -- and Yahtzee -- and Greed (or Farkel). Isn't it wonderful Kristen likes to play games, too? She SO fits in!

Below is a picture of Brian and Kristen outside a restaurant called Larkin's on the Lake in Lake Lure.

Lake Lure is a summer resort community, so we pretty much had it to ourselves. The view was spectacular! We also took a drive through the Village of Chimney Rock, but it was pretty much closed for winter. No fudge, no ice cream, no shopping in cute little shops! Ah well, summer will come again.

My Brother Doug

It is with great sadness that I must report that my brother Doug passed away unexpectedly on January 1.

He had spent the day with his wife Kathy at their cabin in Northern Michigan, and when they returned home in the evening he and his son cleared their driveway of newly-fallen snow. He came inside and went into cardiac arrest. He never regained consciousness and died shortly thereafter.

Our family got together from far and near for his funeral. It seemed like the whole town of Holland showed up. It was so gratifying to know how much his community loved him.

Doug was the kindest man. He was the worst driver. He had a beautiful laugh. He was deeply religious. He would do anything for anybody. Babies loved him. People loved him. His family loved him.

It is impossible to believe that the next time we sit down for a card game, he won't be there shuffling the deck. That he won't call me up and say "Bay-uth!" That he won't come around the corner and smile. That I won't get another hug.

We are in a lot of pain right now, but we were privileged to have him while we did. Thank you to everyone who has offered us comfort and support at this difficult time.