As in previous years, we walked a short distance from the house and picked out a tree. This year we picked the shortest one yet — only a hair over 9 feet. We managed to decorate it without having to get out the 10 foot ladder. Marcus, Samantha, Lauren, Allison, Dan and Kristina arrived Saturday, 22 Dec, between snowstorms. We're having a winter storm today (Christmas Day) which will probably not let up before 8 more guests arrive for Christmas dinner. Gary will be out shoveling and plowing just before scheduled arrivals!