Sunburn and Falling leaves.

It has been a wonderful and terrible few weeks. It is a strange sort of stress when the very best and very worst things are happening all at once. From the fabulous-news department, my beautiful sister Kate got married to Hans after 13 years of dating! Well, it was worth the wait. Beach wedding in Florida? Don't mind if I do! I also had the fun task of playing photographer for the day. Most of the photos are still being worked on, but I am excited to share some more of them soon. Such a memorable weekend, not least all the men in the party dancing 'gangnam style' post-ceremony. So festive.

On the heartbreaking side of things, our beautiful boy Rudy has been battling with a sore leg that has turned out to be a very rare and aggressive fungal disease in the bone of his hind leg. After numerous visits to the vet and specialist, it has been decided that surgery is Rudy's best chance for recovery. As such we are currently preparing for his transition to three-leggedness. His surgery is on Monday morning, so wish him luck!

Thankfully we have still been able to do gentle exercise with him, which worked out perfectly while my parents-in-law were visiting this week. A trip to the lake helped everybody's mood, and Felix indulged in his signature brand of mischief to keep a smiles on our faces....

Fall is putting on quite a show here in Tennessee. Hope it's just as lovely wherever you are!

Thank You!

I send a lot of cards- the result of having my friends and family dispersed across two continents. Plus I'm old fashioned, with my penchant for snail-mail. As such, it was high time I made some 'thank you' cards! So I whipped out the linoleum, carving tools and got pretty messy. I'm really still getting into this block-printing thing, but a uniquely printed image is very pleasing. It takes the concept of handmade to a new place for me. A cosy sort of place where it's warm and there is probably a cup of tea and a blanket waiting for you. I like this place! (the cards are also available at the LouPaper store).

Speaking of thanks, I am reminded daily of how grateful I am for my friends and all the brave men and women who are currently serving in Afghanistan and Kuwait. We all have our own opinions on the situations overseas... but regardless of the politics, some of my best friends are out there representing American interests today. They are wonderful people who work hard and have a lot of heart. Forrest and I had a lot of fun putting together some Halloween care-packages. It is my hope that the plastic rats will  assist in some excellent pranking. Plus...there is nothing like a Box of Boogers to boost morale. Ha! We miss our boys!