Dear Journal~

Might as well get this typed in before nightfall: more auroras expected tonight.  When the auroras come out, they really play havoc on the radio, tv, and Internet, sooooo ....

People have been wondering how I (as well as my beautiful wife, Katrina and our two boys)  have been doing.  Well, here goes ...

Both Frank, Jr. and Maverick are growing like gangbusters.  Frank Delano Hammer, Jr. just turned three years old back on November 1st of last year and Maverick James is babbling up a storm at six months old and is rolling all over the place.  We have had to put the baby gate up and keep a good eye on Mav, especially when he is on the couch or on our bed, so he doesn't accidentally (or unexpectedly) roll off.

Maverick is also learning to crawl and is becoming more and more mobile each and every day.  Another reason to put the baby gate up.

Maverick looks just like Katrina in miniature, even though Mav is a boy.  He is absolutely precious!  Meanwhile, Frank, Jr. looks like ... me.  (Poor child!)

Kat is doing great.  Still working with me at the Jeep dealership, enjoying it, and making a mark in the world.  Kat is a great worker: she has such an awesome rapport with people and people are always commenting on her gentle, sweet demeanor and savvy businesswoman skills.  She is very good on the phone and dealing with the public.

Kat continues to shatter the myth about the disabled.  She may be paralyzed and in a chair, but it's really never stopped her from doing anything she sets her pretty li'l mind to!  Katrina is a remarkable woman and I feel incredibly blessed that she is in my life!  God truly had His hand on me when Katrina came into my world!

We still have our animals: Aurora Borealis of the Far North (Norwegian Forest cat), Grinnin' Jack (our Alaskan Malamute), and Raggy (Ragdoll cat).  We have since acquired another cat: Chinook, a solid white Maine Coon with orange eyes.  She's gorgeous, but I don't think Raggy or Aurora Borealis like her that much.  There's usually a regular hiss fest going on whenever those three get together!  LOL

The dog doesn't mind Chinook, but as for Aurora Borealis and Raggy, they can't stand Chinook!  

The weather here is brisk: bitterly cold, with snow falling.  We may get up to 2 inches before it tapers off later tonight.  Lows between ten and eighteen below, with highs tomorrow around 10 above, with partly cloudy conditions, according to the weather forecast.  So maybe we don't have to worry about auroras tonight, even though they are possible.  We just won't be able to see them unless the clouds start clearing out.  :)

We have a nice, roaring fire going on in the fireplace and Kat is sitting up by the fire, wrapped up in her nice, thick bear-fur blanket, drinking a nice cup of hot toddy.  She looks absolutely content.  Maverick is in his crib, watching the fireplace, and Frank, Jr. is playing with his toy cars and trucks on the livingroom floor.  It is a nice peaceful scenario in the Hammer household.

As for me, I'm by the computer, obviously, typing this down.  :)

Well, I gotta decide what to fix for supper; I have chili con carne and mashed potatoes in mind.  Sounds great for a day like today.  I will then prepare it; let my wife be lazy for once: she works hard enough with the boys.  :)  And she looks too comfortable; I don't want to disturb her.  I will write in here again; sorry it's been so long, but you know how life goes.  It has a way of throwing things into your face when one least expects it!  :)  Take care and may God bless you always!

~Frank.