US Trip, visiting PA: Nov. 28-Dec.28, 2006

The month long visit back to Zoe's home in Pennsylvania (PA) and some other parts of the US fullfills several objectives: to catch up with family and friends, to share Christmas together, to enjoy Chester County in the beautifully stark winter, and to plan our wedding next September. It has been five years since we were here over wintertime and the holidays. I forgot how elegant the bare winter tree limbs and sparse landscape can be. I didn't forget of course how lovely all of the people are and it's been nice to spend time with everyone. Wedding planning has been something of a stress, but we have suddenly become very knowledgeable about this area and are making progress. Christmas spirit is alive and kicking here, we've sung carols already about four times and watched the elaborate light displays (the only conceivable positive result of the development and suburbanizing of the once open and beautiful countryside here). Below are some pictures from our (ongoing) trip.

Brunch after Quaker meeting with
(L-R) Jack, Eileen, Cubby, Paula, Z & C

Zoe and her sister Beth

Zoe's nephews Cody (12) and Dylan (9)

Outside Zoe's sisters, Willow and Rainy's cafe with Unlce Joe


Zoe and her dad


A spring house in Winter, a common sight in PA which some wedding guests may see next year.