Erin and I watched the first two episodes of Jane the Virgin. So funny! Our daughter told us she’s watched every episode of all the seasons.

House needed milk and daughter’s car needed gas, so I made a run to the grocery store. Saw guava and bought three for the fragrance that reminds me of my days on Oahu and hiking the trails above Makiki.

House renovation proceeds apace. Tonight we’re picking grout colors for the various floors that are to be tiled. Still to select: tiles for kitchen walls. So many decisions. But I stopped up to the house, walked in and around, and felt good. It will be our home soon.

Seattle

When in Seattle … made my way to the sprawling, cool Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a pastry and cup of Panamanian brew. (This after I sat with cappuccino in nearby Victrola cafe.)

Morning walk in the rain to see the Pacific, Seattle waterfront. In 3 months will be across the ocean in Vanuatu.

Arrived in Seattle via a very smooth Alaska Airlines flight, then the Link light rail. Checked into hotel, and walked a couple of blocks to Serious Pie for a late pizza and beer. ‘I see you are two issues behind,’ waiter commented on seeing my reading material, (New Yorker).

Red currants at the grocery store again, so I brought more home for another try at currant jelly.

I see you

“A big grand gesture, it’s not about the actual thing that you do…It’s about intent. It’s about taking the time to tell the person you care about, I see you I hear you, I know exactly what you need right now & I’m showing how important that is to me.” - Jack Pearson (This Is Us)

Who was I to object to my wife bringing home a new, big TV and soundbar. Makes my Sunday morning soccer watching much more enjoyable.

Am signed up to run the 20 mile trail race in the Uwharrie National Forest. Will be a cold start (20ºF). My son has flu, and I’m using my usual mind-over-matter philosophy to fend off the damn virus. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.

Making currant jelly today.

Still snowing …

Snow day across North Carolina. About 7 inches so far here in Carrboro. Went for a run in the woods earlier, so beautiful and serene.

Oliver and I sat in the afternoon cold to test the new Biolite CampStove 2. Worked well. Will be fun to use when we camp this spring.

A cold (9°F) beautiful morning, snow has stopped falling, time to venture outside to clean off the van.

Another holiday in Cleveland, and another cherry pie made by my mother-in-law from the cherry pie filling I canned back in rhe summer. Nice way to celebrate Christmas. Earlier we stood around a blazing fire out in the cold.

Preparing Momofuku bo ssam foe the family Christmas Eve meal. Erin made Poole’s mac’n’cheese.