Just some stuff...

Rebecca-
I'm so happy for you, and thankful for your signs of hope. Its wonderful to see God work; after all, the Bible does tell us that God is Love (and as vague as that is, I believe it). Its great to hear from you again and I hope that everything else is going well.

Bryan.

P.S. Thats funny about the typewriter . Did they not have a 1 key?

Bryan-Yeah, there was a one key, but it was just easier to use the l key as I remember it, because the number keys are up above. I still hate when I have to break the rhythm of typing to do numbers.

Yes, I feel much better about things with Joseph. I won't go into details, but it feels like a reconciliation and that finally, we're both on the same page, or at least trusting in the knowledge that we are each someone that the other loves and doesn't want to hurt.

And Spring is coming and it's lighter earlier and stays lighter later-everything's looking up. The snowdrops and daffodils are already blooming in my yard. How about where you are? Are you in Washington State? Do you know that's one of the nine states I have yet to visit. I've been to forty-one states- all except Alaska,Washington, , Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nebraska- when I get back, I want to do a western trip- see the Grand Canyon- etc.
Are you seeing signs of global warming where you are?

Thanks for your good wishes. Hope you and April have a happy valentine's day. Take care- Rebecca

Again, happy to hear about your family status. Any news?

Not really sure what to look for to be honest. I know I should, and somewhere back there I might, but as of now I'm far too tired. The winters are gradually getting warmer (according to my skin thermometer), but I really doubt the symptoms are anything noticeable over a year.

You've really got your states down! The Grand Canyon is absolutely amazing. No picture can capture the feeling you get when you stand on the edge and feel sucked in... and it seriously falls off like that. There is almost no middle ground. You have to take a donkey ride down unless you want to walk (as I recall). If you happen to be passing through Eastern Washington (or Western if I'm home) I'd love for you and your kin to stop by. Valentine's Day was great, even though I hate the holiday... we already have an anniversary... shameful economy boost .

The Best,
Bryan.

Not really no, except that things have kind of settled down and back into our nice old groove- and I'm so appreciative of that because he seems like his old self again, and I no longer feeling like I'm constantly missing him. So things are good. Thanks for asking.


I think it struck me when I noticed the trees blooming at the end of January or beginning of February this year. It just looked so unnatural. I haven't really read any of the statistics to see if this winter was noticeably warmer than last, but yes, definitely, the plants seem to be totally out of synch with their old established cycle.
Tired, huh? Have you been working too hard?


Yeah, I saw some amazing photographs of it this past year, I can't recall where, but they really reminded me that I'd like to go. We had planned a trip in l998, but that was the year that there was a heat wave that was actually killing people in Arizona (and we had planned to camp across country) so we changed our plan and drove across the northern US (from Maine) through North and South Dakata (which I loved-beautiful scenery in the Black Hills and through the Badlands) and then we drove back across Canada. So we got as far west as Montana in the US and dipped down into Wyoming, but didn't go any further south than that. So I am really anxious to see that whole area of the southwest, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah, especially.

I think I'd choose to walk. Anytime I've ridden horses downhill, I always feel as if I'm going to pitch over their heads and necks with every step they take. I like to walk anyway, and it'd be easier to take pictures if I'm walking so, that's probably what I'd do.

Wow! My first invite from an a2ker! That's really nice of you Bryan. Someday, I'd also like to do that whole Pacific Northwest loop too- Idaho, Washington, and up into British Columbia and Vancouver. That's another area of the country that just looks so beautiful that I haven't ever been to, so who knows, I may take you up on it.

We're moving back to the US this summer. It looks like it'll be Vermont-which I'm excited about. And actually, if I have to leave Somerset, Vermont seems to me to be the part of the US that is most similar in terms of landscape..that's important to me. I'm sad about moving back in a lot of ways. It wasn't in the plan, most of it has to do with my dad's health, and that just kind of popped up as an issue this winter- so as I'll be leaving a place I love and a job I love and people I've come to love, it's important to feel that I'm going someplace I'll love just as much. Of course, the big bonus is that I'll be back nearby my family. And it helps to remember that I've made a lot of connections here, so I can always come back to visit- and who knows, maybe even to live someday.
Usually, I'm really excited by change, but this one feels really sad. Anyway, if you ever want a place to stay in New England, same applies to you and your kin-you'd be very welcome. We'll have to stay in touch.


You hate valentine's day?! I love it. I just buy little things, make cookies, stuff like that, but I get into it. But I guess if you want to make your anniversary the big celebration, that's enough. Do you say happy valentine's day to your mom and dad though? I was talking to one of my students and he was sending his mom a birthday card (her birthday was on Valentine's day) and I said, you should also tell her happy valentine's day. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, "She's my MOTHER!" I said, "I know- I tell my mom and dad happy valentine's day, don't you?" He didn't. I guess I look at it as an all-purpose express your love to anyone you love kind of day instead of just a romantic holiday. Everyone's different I guess.

Well, nice talking to you. Enjoy the spring. Now that it's March-even the sun seems different. There's just a whole different feel -I really enjoy it-how about you?

Take care - Rebecca

In reference to your family, phrases like "settled down" and "back into our nice old groove" sound good.

Yesterday was so warm. Would global warming have anything to do with sudden changes in temperature? It was like 55 yesterday over here, and it was maybe 30 the day before. I took April out shooting it was so nice. She loves to learn, and it was her first time with a rifle. A couple of pictures if it will let me...




Such good times, but an expensive hobby.

I haven't noticed plants or flowers blossoming any sooner, but I'm sure thats due to our constant subfreezing temperatures this time of year.

I have PT for ROTC at 0615 three times a week, and school goes late. In the evenings I have things like church and youth group, studying, browsing around the internet, etc. On Mondays and Thursdays I watch TV at night. Plus I've spent the last 3 weekends in the field between ROTC and my Washington Army National Guard commitment. So yeah, I've been working a bit hard but its all for good.

Out of the states you haven't seen, Arizona and Colorado were my favorites. If you get a chance, the US Olympic training center is in CO. Its a terrific place and open to the public during many parts of the year. Theres also a large "garden" of rocks called Garden of the Gods. Its a great place to take some pictures and go sightseeing. I was rather young when my family visited so I did a bunch of climbing and stuff; good times for all ages.

April and I would love to take a road trip some day... the immediate future just holds so much. If we do we'll have to stop by though.

Spring is awesome, especially over here. I hope you enjoy yours, and keep in touch.

Bryan.