STILL ALIVE!!

So it has been WAY too long, and I am so sorry for those out there who sent me e-mails and texts asking what the heck I was going on! It took my sister from Oz wondering if I was still alive...so here we go!
Yes, D am still alive, Daryl is alive, Fletcher is alive, and Christmas has puked on our house! I accepted the position in the engineering and development department with the City of the Loops and started work on the 27th of November. I was in Toronto for 5 days visiting with Daryl before I had to start work, and arrived in Vancouver on the 26th to 20cm of snow. The drive home to Kamloops, which normally takes 3 to 3.5 hours took me over 7! Fletcher, in the back seat, was thinking that we were heading to Mexico. Oh no, my dear chow, not to Mexico...to snowy HELL! I met some truckers in Merrit, the arm-pit of BC, and we formed a convoy taking the old highway 5 to the Loops. I've never been on that road before, but have heard that it is quite beautiful. Too bad I couldn't see ANYTHING!! We were driving in white-out conditions the whole way, and I was doing anything I could to follow the lights in front of me. We did make it home, but I was exhausted and vowed never to do anything like that again. But I had a new job to start the next morning! My supervisor wasn't in due to the snow...Gotta love 4x4!
Work has been great, everything is new and exciting, and I'm learning to be political and diplomatic and not to commit to anything when dealing with the public. I've never had a government position before, so this is all new! I have to learn not to talk so much!
Fletcher is very mad these days, as he has had me at home with him for almost 3 months. Now, I leave for work everyday, and he is home alone...poor Chow! He doesn't look at me when I leave, won't come to say goodbye...but goes freaky ballistic when I come home. So, I think he forgets that I was gone all day! Good thing they have short memories!
I decorated the outside of the house for Christmas over the weekend, as it was snowing again, but very mild. I hung the lights, with the neighbours watching me to make sure that I hadn't fallen off the ladder! I would wave to them every once in a while, just to let them know that I was ok. The house looks amazing! Last night I decorated the tree, and hung some decorations around the house, and will start on the mantle tonight. I love Christmas, but it really sucks being alone this time of the year.
Daryl comes home on the 21st for almost 2 weeks, so we are very excited! We are heading to Kelowna for Christmas Eve and Day, and then might head to Vancouver, weather permitting. I won't drive in the snow! As I am now a working girl, I have to be back for the 27th. I can't take vacation days just yet!
I've been keeping the house occupied with four legged friends too. I was puppy sitting last week and over the weekend for Kristen & Stephane, Zara came to spend some time with her auntie and cousin Fletcher! We had so much fun, and I think even Fletcher misses her! This weekend I might be a foster mom for a 5 week old baby that was found by animal control in the Loops, and can't be put in the SPCA cause she is too little. So, a public request went over the system here asking for a home for the weekend. Silly question! Of course I'll do it! She doesn't have a name, but I will call her Pancake!
Then on Sunday, Marci heads off to Mexico for a month, so STELLA will be back in the house, along with her sister, Delilah. Fletcher might not remember STELLA, as she was only a wee kitten the last time she was over. That will be interesting! I've got quite the menagerie going on! It keeps life interesting, that's for sure!
Well, I guess that's it for the updates for now. I'll add photos later, but at least you know we're alive and well!
Happy Holidays to everyone!