Back in Bass Lake

I'm here at Summit, back in Bass Lake, cozy by the fire, which would be lovely, but for the smoke that has been slowly leaking out of the chimney for the last few hours filling the airspace in the 'living room' here. It must just be the makeshift piece that is trying to block the chimney from all the smoke. Ick. It's a little too chilly to be outside, or I might opt for that instead of inhaling this mess. I'm sure we'll get it all fixed up soon. Crazily enough, though, come 11am or so, the temp outside should be a balmy 70 degrees! It's been incredibly warm here since I got back. Summer weather! I met the students that I'll be staying with here. They seem easy enough to get along with and I bet we might even have some fun these next few weeks. There are 2 students, I think 18 and 20. It is strange how young that seems...or how far away those early days in college seem. I'll be responsible for driving them to town for errands and service projects and church and hanging out with them for dinner etc. I've realized since meeting them, how little practice I've had at interacting with new people, especially if they're not my peers, or something. So, I'm happy for a change like that...though it will only be for a month!

Other things I'm looking forward to:
Spending more time with my friends here in the off-season
Being responsible for just my own food (at least for 2 meals a day) It's been a while!!
Exploring the lake that has been drained for the winter
The next snow (IF it nows again!) and possibly skiing in it :)
Making a decision about the next phase in my life
Running again in this area
Being cozy by the fireplace :)

Oh, and a couple more pics from my brother's skilled hand:

From the Butterfly Garden in Tucson where he and my mom go every year

Timothy and his wife Marika

Timothy and my mom

In the baby room at my brother's house
A picture of my dad as a baby, my soon to be nephew's namesake :) He's due February 18!!