i have started painting the cheap ugly blocket bed. i think it's going to be ok. i still think it was an anti-bargain, though. we probably payed more for that ugly thing than it cost when it was new... or maybe not (i just like complaining and being out of proportion)

new years eve was nice, by the way. the princess l took a picture, of our cosy new year's pic nic on a hill with 6 dogs, 2 babies, >5 normal sized children and >7 grown ups. we walked up the hill in daylight, and down the hill in darkness. the normal sized kids had those wonderful mattresses (i have wished i'd get one for christmas every single year since -98). and the parents had torches to help the children avoid the biggest trees, stones, dogs and other obstacles. i hope someone saw our little train of lights and heard the shouts and laughter coming down the hill.  ¶ 4:50 PM