Where we are now

We're in Alpine, WY at the home of Ellen's son Paul Baker, his wife Jenny and two-and-a-half-year-old Max. Paul built his home - the green house in the lower left corner of the photo, and it is in a spectacularly beautiful place, mountains all around. It has been clear and cold since we arrived, though the bright, strong sunshine makes it seem pretty comfortable if the wind isn't blowing. But tonight it will get down to -30! A big dog-sled race is coming through town tonight and tomorrow - 16 or so dog-sledders, many of whom have competed all over the world, including the Iditarod in Alaska. It could be quite a sight. Also, just down the road from Paul's house is a big winter elk refuge where they are fed by the state, so you get a nice view from the car of hundreds of elk. Ellen and I are helping with taking care of Max and having fun with him. He is very verbal and extremely active. Where does all that energy come from? He is also extraordinarily sweet -- when you give him something, he croons, "Thank you," and if you have to take something away that he probably shouldn't have, and explain why, he says, "Okay" and goes back to playing. Usually. He can get tired and cranky like anyone, but his basic nature is very sweet. Paul introduced us to "Texas Fold'em" (a version of poker) which Ellen and I had never played before. It was fun. We also had a good Scrabble game last night. Ellen won both games, but they were close.