Last night, we shifted our base of operations to just outside Lawrenceburg, Kentucky-- which is just outside Lexington. Bruce's sister Lisa, her husband Tony, and their daughters live on a small farm here. It's not where I'd want to live for an extended period-- a bit too isolated for my taste, with the closest neighbor a quarter-mile away-- but a beautiful place to visit, even in the winter when everything's brown and stark. Gorgeous rolling hills, and picture postcard views out every window.

Some of the family has arrived already; more will come down in the morning, and that's when we'll celebrate the last bit of Christmas for the season. Then we drive back home tomorrow afternoon.

But tonight, the clan is ringing in the new year, with much glad family talking, and grandchildren playing, and extroverted festivity-- in which I will join gladly, and then trundle off to bed.

A joyous New Year to all of you, my friends; and may you all be blessed with the awareness of a gracious God watching over you.