Family Mellmann

"Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore." I didn't hear any reports of tornadoes, but we sure did have some seriously strong winds here over the past several hours. During my drive home from handling some rental business in Middlebury, I passed twenty-two trees (of varying sizes) brought down by the winds. Some were uprooted completely and some were simply blown over. Three of the blown trees crossed the road I was traveling and had to be removed by city crews. I was able to take a detour for one of them, but had to just wait for the other two to be chopped up and moved to the side of the road. Garden sheds were flattened, whole gazebos and heavy wooden swing sets were flipped over, lawn furniture was flying...it was like a scene out of Twister . The roads were littered with tree parts, yards were covered in blowing garbage from the upturned garbage cans...it was a mess. When I got home the wind was still blowing and the rain was still falling...sideways. Just as i

Happy Holidays...No wait, how about Merry Christmas...actually, I think it is too early for that. Let's start with Happy Advent. December is here...ready or not. With the beginning of December comes the beginning of our annual Advent Calendar with the kids. They each have their own calendar and I fill it with little wrapped goodies, that they will hopefully enjoy, as we count down the days until we celebrate Christmas with singing, the Christmas story, a few presents, and (hopefully) family.