So apparently when you live in Colorado and you leave town during the winter months you’re not supposed to turn off your heat. But for those of us whose winter wear (up until now) has consisted of only long sleeve shirts and light jackets, we figured that it’d be a waste to pay to heat the house when we’re out of town. So we returned on Saturday after being gone ten days to 40 degrees inside the house and a few frozen pipes. (The water in the toilet bowl was frozen!) Who knew??? Okay, well I guess every other resident of Colorado knew. Rookie mistake. None of the pipes burst so I guess we lucked out this time. If anyone has any other winter weather tips that we really should be aware of, please pass them on.

So while our house was icing over, we were in Texas for an early Christmas with Russ’ family and stayed on to be there for Russ’ dad’s heart surgery. He is doing well now and recovering.