Cleaning and Noel

Today was a long day. We tackled the kitchen, which was at such an advanced state of dirtiness at the outset that it felt distinctly unsatisfying at the end. After 4 hours of concentrated scrubbing, there remain many grimy spots. As Ed put it so nicely, "it's like trying to clean out a puddle."

One big thing that we have forgotten to mention is our Christmas experience in Europe so far. Now that it's less than 2 weeks away we have of course been thinking about it, though sadly we haven't really had any exposure to the joys of commercial Christmas. We are trying to accustom ourselves to the idea that we're not really having a Christmas this year, since it will just be the two of us in a hotel and we don't even know where yet. We are okay with that though it is sad, too. They only have one little string of greens here at the farm; they're going away for Christmas this year so they aren't going to decorate. They have a very lovely advent calendar, though, which consists of small gold-wrapped presents dangling with red ribbon from the greens that are strung along the exposed beams in the ceiling. Very pretty to look at and every day the gift has a different person's name. So far Ed has received a truffle and a burned CD and Marisa has received chocolates and a special pen. It's a nice idea and was very thoughtful for them to include us, so at least our one and only Christmas exposure has been a good one.

Tomorrow, rumor has it that we have to wake up between 5 and 6 to drive to some place "in the high mountains" where Ivan keeps some of his horses and then we are going to walk back to Cavalus (all the way down "the high mountain" and back up this one) leading said horses. We can't get anyone to tell us exactly how far it is but supposedly it will take all day, which is why we have to leave so early. Considering that it will be us, Ivan, and The Spaniard, there is a good chance that the entire day will pass with fewer than 10 words spoken. So another fun day is in store. Though on the bright side, the weather has been incredible here lately - there was snow on Monday and every day since has been cold but bright and wonderfully sunny so it's fun to be outside where everything looks clean and sparkly - so it may be an enjoyable day after all.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry