Somehow we found time for house and yard projects.  In May, we had ceramic tile installed in our entryway, kitchen, and dining area.  We only mention this because we also added a radiant floor heating system under the tile.  Now that winter is here, we are really appreciating it.  If you haven't experienced radiant floor heating, try it sometime.  It's extremely comfortable, and it's very energy-efficient!  Speaking of energy-efficient things, this June we became the proud owners of a new Toyota Prius, which is a hybrid gas-electric vehicle.  It's very well-designed, and we especially like the gas mileage!

Also in early summer, our electric company agreed to remove several trees in our front yard that were directly below the overhead power lines.  These trees were unhealthy from having been "topped" many times over the years.  This provided us with lots of firewood and mulch, but left us feeling rather exposed to the street.  Time to design a hedgerow!  Well, as such projects have a way of doing, our hedgerow has evolved into an underground utility conversion, and we are in the thick of that as we write this.  How do you get from a hedgerow to a utility project?  Don't ask…!

Well, that brings us around to the present.  And speaking of the present, have you finished your obligatory seasonal consumption yet?  Well we haven't, so we'd better get this letter wrapped up so we can head to the malls!  There's hardly time to remember to slow down and enjoy Nature's slow season, as we always like to remind everyone else to do.  But we're looking forward to spending time with family and friends, and hope that you and your loved ones are all happy and healthy.  We wish you all the joys of the season.  Let us all take care of each other, and work for peace in the New Year.

Happy holidays!

Brian	Sharon	Mason
Mingus	Mike	Murray