My sister Peggy, from Durango, CO visited us for the first time. Notice the blanket on her lap - she couldn't believe how cool the evenings felt. It was great fun to have her here.

The master surveying his kingdom - this picture was taken the evening before he had to go to the hospital for surgery.

A trip to the Mercado - My son Matt and his wife Stacy - their third trip to Panama in two years. We were buying ingredients for salsa - Stacy makes the best salsa I've ever had.

Michael had emergency spinal surgery about a week and a half ago - he had two ruptured lumbar discs - the surgery was a little complicated by the fact that he had two previously healed spinal fractures that he was unaware of. All went well and he has been home for over a week. He feels great and can't wait to get back to his regular routine. I knew he would be OK since he never lost his appetite once.

While I was at the hospital with Michael, Peggy, Matt and Stacy began decorating the house for Christmas - I don't know what we would have done without them - they were a great help!

Our new garden room decorated for Christmas.

Looking from garden room into living room.

Looking from kitchen into garden room.

Now we actually have room for the piano.