Sarah, I do encourage you to change doctors. I'm so glad I did when I had the doctor like yours. It used to take a year or more to get an appointment and then she rushed through it so fast I felt like she just wanted to give me whatever the latest and greatest pill was. I had an appointment with Dr. B yesterday and it reminded me how happy I am with him. He doesn't hang around and chat, but he's always encouraging and has time to answer health questions. It definitely was worth the hassle of changing doctors.

no gloating Merel.

Ah, the bliss of the socialist medical system, no rescheduling a little bit of reading two year old magazines in the waiting room, but not for more than half an hour. Which reminds me, I should get a doctor now that I am back in the Netherlands.

I'd be switching doctors. Even when you do get there, they are going to be so busy they won't have much time for you (too busy rescheduling patients).

Ha! They just called to re-schedule my check-up AGAIN.

It's about 23 degrees here. I was going to Susy's for her birthday. I got as far as Bloomington and decided it really wasn't a good day to be driving. We don't have a lot of snow yet, but it's really windy and around Bloomington the snow got heavier. The forecast wasn't for any accumulation, but I decided not to chance it. It's supposed to get up in the 30s again on Friday. Meanwhile I'll stay bundled up inside.

Ha. I just went out to pick up a sick kid and it was like 40s or 50s. Unfortunately "severe thunderstorms" are forecast for sometime soon. Guess we're on the front.

So if we miss our train connection, we can crash with you two?

Yeah lots of weather here too. They're calling for more weather tonight.

Merel & I will be staying downtown Chicago the nights of the 20th and 21st. Nothing like browsing downtown hotels to get a little precision on where you lie in the social strata.

You can order the chicken.

school is cancelled!!!

well, i don't have to go in until four at least.

apologies if this delays your package, but we don't control mother nature.

yet.

apparently a very limited time.

"Your session has expired. For your security, please re-enter your PIN, first name and last name."

my very own photo shoot (for a limited time)

Mostly wet, mushy mess and little snow in Racine. No school closing - the girls will be disappointed.

Looks like I need to start eating more collard greens. Iron is a bit low again.

Yes, I have had the "annual physical" with my doctor re-scheduled 4 times and moved 6 months from the original date. Still waiting.

Ten phone calls later, I finally have an appointment with a physical therapist to help my shoulder pain. This health care system is so easy to navigate.

If you want to swing through Montana, that would be fun. Just be sure the pick the week that we will be here.

Geo starts at -20F.

Since I now have pictures on the floor deciding what to hang up my "1 clean room" is not so clean anymore.

is anyone else besides frank bringing their bagpipes home for christmas?

my path home can take me where ever I want it to because I have 3 weeks off. I do, however need to get some house work done because I decided if any of you saw my house in its current state you would compare it with Grandma Ohler's. I had 2 rooms organized but messed them up painting 2 other rooms so I am currently with 1 room painted and organized, 1 room Kilz painted and don't know what color I want to paint it, and all other rooms with stuff stacked everywhere.

I have to agree about the clock. I love it but it does remind me of everthing that needs to be done in the next 2 weeks. It doesn't seem to help Eric. I have to build a spreadsheet to show him how many empty spots we have in it so that he understands how much is left to buy.

Ah, that clock is making me nervous...need to go shopping.

V, does your path run through Indiana?

-15F really isn't all that bad. Only problem is I can't put my arms down!

that has got to be the most geographically optimistic statement you'll hear this week.

OK - so maybe you won't drive thru Canada. I thought you were further north.

V - are you stopping here on your way home? We'd love to see if you if you can add it to your route.

AO - I will be driving home so no flights need booked.

Small layer of snow on the ground. Doubled the drive time in this morning. Definitely feeling more like winter.

Merel: Tell your grandma a Merry Christmas from Mt. Pulaski, too.

It snowed last night so we definitely have the Christmas feel here. It's 32 degrees. Hopefully we'll miss the frigid weather that's been out in Montana.

This was my Dutch grandmother, she wishes you all a merry Christmas and a very happy new year. She also thinks of you all.

Hallo allemaal,
Hier is de oma van Merel, Ik wens jullie een zalig kerstfeest en een heel gelukkig nieuw jaar. Ik denk aan jullie.
Oma

3 layers of leggings, 5 on the chest, 2 pairs of gloves and socks, hat & snood. It's really not that cold then, except around the eyes.

Go Lauren! (and Michele)

My race didn't go as well...why are there so many people in my age group? Anyway, it wasn't as cold as MT, but it was cold.

Yay Lauren!

video made public. PBKAC

Well taod decided to put her livelihood ahead of her health and didn't come cross-country skiing. Instead she sent her ringer to leave coca-cola in my fridge. It's not gonna work, I'm movin' on up the ladder. Just need to do this another dozen times...

Also, this was the first time I went out cross-country and did not fall, so that's pretty sweet too. Unfortunately I rediscovered the cross-country skis I tried so hard to locate are actually skate skis, so I may have to go to the second hand store yet.