Christmas

36 plus years later, I have my first white Christmas. Living here is really difficult to explain. I feel so fortunate, so blessed. Our family is tight and close although I do miss my friends and family from back home. There is so much to be thankful for just living here.

Jake says on Christmas Eve that Santa doesn't even have to come because this has been "the best Christmas ever!" That made our Christmas right then and there. We were able to celebrate despite me working both days, and it really was special.

I'm grateful my mom was here with us. I'm extremely appreciative of my wife and kids. I'm thankful for friends that try to stay connected to me and us despite 2300 miles of separation.

So, yes, Virginia, we have snow. Probably 3 feet in spots, but it's definitely about 2 feet in general. Even having a 4WD, we struggle getting up our drive. It's a very difficult v-shape turn followed by a steady incline on a curve. Add inches of snow and ice underneath it all, we struggle. We are getting chains soon!

I can't explain it, folks. It's magical here. I hope and pray we get visitors from back home at some point. Maybe they can see and feel this magic, too.