My dad and stepmom came to visit over Christmas break, and we (ab)used the time to get some more house projects done. Notably, that closet in the upstairs office which was too shallow to actually, y'know, hang clothes in. We had visions of turning it instead into a coffee nook. My own little coffee shop. With Wi-Fi, even.

Christmas was a grey, drizzly day. Perfect for lazing on the couch, or playing with the new yo-yos, and reading the new copy of Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs.

Our neighbors David and Kinsey left us a treat before they headed out for their holiday trips. Four dozen oysters.

Why do they say oysters are aphrodisiacs?

November was a busy month, both at work and at home. Result: severe lack of updates.

First, the front hallway was leaking, so we had to schedule the roofer to come out (and keep constant vigil over water on our nicely refinished floors).

We installed the door hardware for the two doors that have now been stained and polyurethaned - one to the walk-in closet, and one to the office.

We were able to reuse a beautiful glass doorknob from an ex-door to our screened-in porch.

And the weather outside was nice enough that we had to get out and visit some local wineries. Horton is a beautiful building on sprawling grounds.