Well, after a hectic week at work, I finally arrived in New Hampshire late Thursday night. The new wood stove was installed and Amanda graciously waited for me to start the first fire! The stove is amazing and we no longer have to cut our logs in half because they wouldn't fit. Can I just say how much I love cuddling by a crackling fire? Happy sigh!

Amanda bought me a fabulous new workbench for my workshop (a.k.a front porch). To help unwind from my week, I finally finished building the window seat! I must say, it is my best work yet! I even got to use my new router.

As a pre-birthday celebration, I took Amanda out to dinner Saturday night. We had a lovely time. Today was my beautiful bride-to-be's birthday. I was planning to make a fabulous dinner tonight, but my poor baby has been sick all day. Thankfully, I can play nursemaid pretty well. Although, it was tough trying to keep the boys from jumping around on the bed and wanting to play. Her fever has finally gone down and she is resting well. I hate seeing a loved one in pain. Hopefully, I'll be able to handle taking care of her after her knee surgery. I can be tough!

On another note.... be sure to check out some new pics: Toemas, Henri, Amanda, Amanda & Gina

So, last Sunday when we were driving back from the dairy farm (yes, a real one), we saw a truck pulling in to a self-storage complex. In the back was what looked like the last of their life-sized nativity scene - the three wise men! Hysterical laughter ensued.

It has been a long week to say the least. My big project launch was pushed up a week to January 30th, so I've been inundated with getting the site ready for launch.

In other news, my mother is out of the hospital (she had part of her colon removed). She ended up getting an infection and is having a bit of a rough time; but she is okay and should start imporoving soon.

My brother's biological mother died last Thursday night. She choked on a French Fry. She was only 50 years old.

I'm not going to Los Cabos (but to San Francisco on business) instead.

Did I mention I had my period this week? Egads. Talk about moody.

I was up at 5:30 this morning to ensure that I made an 8:30 meeting in Boston.

a) 5:30 is too early to get up (at least for work)
b) The tempurature gauge read 6 below zero

I would have preffered my "work at home" on a holiday with the fire roaring, dogs and lady by my side. brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

I waltzed into the Court House yesterday morning with the expectation of having to pay $250 for my speeding ticket. After hearing a few folks attempt to get out of their tickets, my trooper didn't show up... therefore, I'm "not responsible"! Hallejulah!

Saturday night, we dropped the boys off at Aunt Julia's & Uncle Joe's house so that we could have an evening out to ourselves. It amazes how similar owning dogs is to having children!

With me behind the wheel (lord help us all), we braved the icy conditions and finally made our way to Nahant. "Singing" - Memories! For those of you in the dark... this is where Amanda was staying when we first met. Ohhhs & Ahhs, please!

Our hosts, Tiffany and Linda, greeted us with big congratulatory hugs & kisses and a glass of Vueve Cliquot. (I knew at this point that it would be a sleepover). We toasted and then started right in on the cheese selection that we brought.

It was certainly an evening of great scotches (and I normally do not care for scotch). Linda happily opened (and graciously shared) her very rare bottle of: Lagavulin 1986 Distiller's Edition. After not wanting my own glass; I quickly changed my mind. Wow. What a finish!

Other scotch whiskeys we sampled: Bowmore 25 yr old and Scapa 12 yr old. I also enjoyed both of these. And if the night couldn't get any better... Linda uncorked a bottle of Charbay (Amanda's fav). Bottle #72 might I add.

I almost forgot to mention dinner. Apparently, Linda shares the same obsession I have with food magazines. Not sure exactly what was in the soup, but we started off with a mushroom & clam soup. It was just delightful. We then went on to have rice balls served with a spicy sauce followed by stuffed eggplant and we finished with a main course of venison wrapped in seaweed. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Be sure to check out the pics from the evening (and yes, I was getting a bit camera happy as the night went on).

Earlier tonight, Amanda surprised me with a matching engagement ring by getting down on one knee and asking for my hand in marriage. I cried.

After we composed ourselves, we ate dinner at Delux (first night of their new menu) followed by going to see "Million Dollar Baby".

I must say it was a wonderful evening. Happy sigh.

So I picked up the latest issue of BOSTON magazine. Apparently, Clio has a tart with ice cream and banana crumbs. Who's up for dessert at Clio?