End of year updates

First of all, we're getting through our first Christmas without Dad about as well as can be expected. More than anything, we're just trying not to think about it. But, I think we'll be fine.
Next, the party house: it doesn't look like it's gonna happen by New Year's Eve. The weather's been too crazy around here lately. Now we're shooting for Jan. 27, Mom's birthday. We'll see.
Now, the woman I may be re-connecting with: I sent her a Christmas card; she sent me one back and told me to keep in touch. Still haven't seen her or actually talked to her, but I think that's coming. Not getting my hopes up too high, but I'm optimistic.
Well, as we enter the New Year, that's where things stand.