Blogging into 2009

Hello one and all (or one of two- mothers who read this)
Sorry the blog has been a bit neglected lately... Mom, I can send you photos and Louise, you have facebook- but nevertheless I thought I should give it a little love.
This winter is a mild one over here- though everyone moans and groans when temperatures get anywhere near freezing... and we had a welcome dry patch after Christmas that allowed our world to become a little less muddy. We're still loving our countryside caravan existence- views of green valleys and cows staring at us from just beyond our garden.
Andrew has been working really hard- trying to ensure that DARE doesn't fall victim to the credit crunch... and I've been able to work a little less hard since students this term seem to realize that, with exams looming, lessons might actually have a point and be worth taking seriously. I really enjoy the students and staff and the social side of work is a real plus for me. Unfortunately, I had to miss out on that today as I'm home with a nasty cold/chest infection.
Tilly has overcome an ear infection with flying colours and gets shaggier by the day. Brushing her is a daily ritual but one that she doesn't mind too much. In our grooming, it feels like we've cut and brushed out enough hair to build a second dog yet it seems to make to difference to the thickness of her coat. I guess it will be a help to her in Canadian winters to come.
Thanks to the wonders of the internet (through which I was able to watch biography channel online in my ill state and indulge my inner documentary nerd) I feel in touch with folks back home but I still miss you all (again, I am probably addressing 2 people right now). I wish I could live in this exact place but have all my friends and family in one country... I'm destined to always feel spread across the Atlantic- but there are worse fates.
Happy 2009.
xoxo