Thirty-six inches of snow, anticipated blizzards, week-long ice storms and temperatures cold enough to freeze your toes off.....!!

All these weather reports from friends and family back in the states have made us especially appreciative of our tropical paradise here.

We had a very special Christmas Eve celebration. Our friends Chris and Tamara treated us to a really exceptional dinner at a hotel called El Escollero. It's located high up on the hillside above this cove. Dining on their outdoor patio, we enjoyed the balmy breezes and and spectacular view of the anchorage and surrounding city lights. Dinner was spinach salad, lobster bisque, turkey and cheesecake. The picture here is taken from our dinner table overlooking the bay. Although it's hard to pick out, Journey is the closest yacht in the picture.

It's a different kind of Christmas for us this year, but two things are still the same. It's a time to remember and be thankful for all those who are dear to us, and to rejoice in God's great gift of his son.

Jeff and I wish you all a most blessed Christmas. Feliz Navidad, Dori