"I can't believe TRANSPLANT GIRL won" -Sherry Tolkan (Day 13)

This morning brought the first measurable snow of the season - it came down in a hurry and turned Chateau Paradiso into a glistening winter wonderland.

We bundled up for a walk in the snow - I made it the furthest yet, ALMOST to the Copper Dock (The local Supper Club on the lake). Will be many month before I can head back in doors to this place, but its a destination nonetheless. Hoping by mid-week at the latest to make it there on my daily walks.

A mix of snow, sleet, and rain made it a wet and slippery jaunt :)

On this snowy day at Friess Lake, and the last night of Hannukah, we traded Netflix binge watching for a day next to the fire - playing Rummikub and listening to music. A welcomed change of pace!

The headline of today's blog post comes from my Mom proclaiming after my first round win, "The Transplant Girl actually won!" Thus my new nickname was born! Let's see what else "Transplant Girl" might get up to!

Just to keep things interesting, my mom and I also dressed as twins today :) The last time we likely did this was when Sherry chaperoned a school field trip in kindergarten and we wore matching Bennetton shirts - glad to keep the tradition going. Also special shout out to Barb for the beautiful matching scarves she made us!

I've saved the very best for last...an EPIC surprise visit from our dear friends Jamie and Theo - complete with an dangerous and icy escapade (undertaken by them) to appear on the back porch! They came with a light show and balloons - and through the glass patio doors, we caught up while they so graciously stood outside in the cold!!

Feeling so incredibly touched by their visit, and the surge of love I feel seeing friendly faces right now!

As we close out this week, and 8 Nights of Hannukah, may the light of this holiday carry us through the year ahead, and may we all continue to experience Miracles of all kinds!

Especially grateful today for:

- Jamie & Theo's visit

- Raj's patience with my impatience

- 13 days without complications

- The Grateful Dead playing in the background, reminding me "The first days are the hardest days, don't you worry anymore"

- Making the most of this downtime, with close to zero energy, exploring this very different way of being