Should have taken a picture, but it's to late now. The new washer was installed on Saturday (Sabato) and I have since washed 9 loads of clothes, remember Jeff was here for 3 weeks after and before I arrived back. And as you familiar with my challenges it's not the washing that's at issue, it's the DRYING!!!! Clothes everywhere!! This new washer has settings I can figure out, and the longest wash cycle is 1 1/2 hours! Now, the truly ugly part, ironing. I need to find some good TV to keep me company. Maybe the DVD's LaD got us for Christmas, or there's always Pride and Prejudice!! Jeff's work is getting intense. He needs to gather varying groups of people together and is having a scheduling nightmare. I think I'll be able to get him away for a day, or maybe something last minute. I need to find those web sites again. Last night we finally got to church. What with my broken ankle and visitors we hadn't been for some time. I'd guess there were over 80 people there, 70% filapino and the rest a mix of African, Italian, Russian etc. Since our first visit 2 American expat couples have returned to the states. I have only one question, the last service we attended here was a group in Monza mostly American and British and the sermon was on giving, and darned if our sermon last night on Acts 5 didn't take the time to have an aside about the congregational giving not meeting expenses. One of the first things we asked of this Pastor when we had dinner at their home was how was this church financed, and was it in need. We were trying to determine how to split our giving. Last year the majority went to our Kingwood church. We'll have to rethink that I guess. I think maybe I'm so chatty because I don't want to IRON!!!!

I'm back in Milan. I arrived in the fog, but have since had 2 beautiful sunshiny days. Haven't stepped outside yet, still haven't straightened out the sleep schedule. We had a new washer delivered yesterday, but they didn't have the proper parts to connect, so we will need a plumber. Jeff's been here for 2 weeks and the laundry is piling up. We don't have alot of storage space here, so we don't have a month's worth clothing on hand. This weekend we will seriously look at buying a car, so will go see what is out there and for how much. We had our first Italian lesson last night. The teacher comes to us twice a week. Last night after the 90 minute session our brains were full. Jeff wants to be homebodies for a few weeks, but then he's willing to go somewhere for a weekend. That's my favorite job here, picking places to go visit!

Hello from Edina, Minnesota! I'm here 'til the 17th then back to Houston for 2 days and then Milan. I've been on the Swetman computer for 2 hours now, clearing out my email box, renewing library books, and taking my first visit to the Eggers blog. That visit took the bulk of my time. We're watching Lexi today as Rachel is still restricted from lifting and also had her appointment to get her staples removed. To top it off it's Curt's birthday today! I've not been in Minnesota this time of year since '84 and these 3 birthdays in 1 week caught me by surprise, though a pleasant one. So far my visit here has been a vacation. I lounged and read for most of yesterday and have sprinkled in some visiting here and there. It's not to cold...yet.

Janet and Jeff are on the move again. I'm in Minnesota for a 10 day visit, and Jeff leaves today from Houston to return to Milan. I will be joining him on the 19th. It was in the high 70's when I left Houston yesterday and the high 30's when I arrived here. Maybe by my next return tour of the states I'll do a better job of packing for 2 climates. For some reason the shoes tend to be my biggest challenge. I don't know what I'll be doing here with whom, but the calls are coming in and I'll have to come up with a plan soon! Hope everyone is enjoying the new year. I hope it is peaceful and full of God's blessings.