Memphis Democrat
January 8, 2004

Happy New Year! It's been quiet around here with so many people gone to visit friends and family for the holidays. And folks who are here are in winter mode, cozying up with books and hot beverages as the cold wind blows outside. I had a lovely vacation visiting my family in New York and Tony's family in Detroit. Several ex-members and interns were in Detroit, too, and we had a fun New Years Eve together playing games.

I heard though that there was a terrific New Year's Eve party here, too. It was in the common house, which is looking mighty good I must say. We invited Sandhill and other friends. The theme was a Mexican cantina, complete with enchiladas and margaritas. The common house is so roomy and well-insulated, I heard they were able to have a dance party in what will be the library while having a more sociable gathering in the great room without disturbing each other.

Skyhouse was finally able to fire up it's boiler. The wood-fired boiler heats a big tank of water that will both provide hot water for the house as well as run it through tubes embedded in the ground floor. Now the floor feels warm to the touch and keeps the house more cozy. And just in time, as the weather dropped from 60 to 0 in just two days.

Slowly people are returning from their travels all over the country and we get to hear stories of their adventures. Alline is still out in Califorinia with her parents, but we heard that she is featured in the most recent magazine of the Sierra Club. Congrats Alline!

The snow sure makes it beautiful outside but I could live without the wind. Stay warm!

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