We got a new tree planted in our backyard. I couldn't be more excited about it. I thought it was never going to happen, but it's so thrilling to finally see it. This past summer, our neighbors on the other side of the fence decided to take down a bunch of trees that were giving us a lot of privacy. I was pretty upset about it, but what can you do? It's their property. I had a very well known tree guy (who's actually been on This Old House) come out and give us some ideas of what kind of tree to plant. His first suggestion was a Cornus Mas, and we decided to go with that. Of course he couldn't find a somewhat big one like we wanted, so we had to go with the second choice of a pear tree. I'm actually loving this tree as it should have really dark green, dense leaves during the summer. It seems kind of strange to be planting a tree in November, but we've been unusually warm here this fall. I can't believe the leaves are still on the tree!

For inviting me to the OSU vs. Northwestern game. I had a blast. Being back in the Horseshoe brought me chills and memories of happy times. I really need to make it back to Columbus more often.

Visiting Mary was amazing. Even though we don't get to see eachother often, everytime we get together we just pick up where we last left off. I always have fun with her, and it was also great to catch up with Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty as we sat around a fire. They have always treated me like one of their own kids. I'm so lucky to have them.

Mary has just broken up with her boyfriend, so we enjoyed a little "retail theapy". Since I do so much of my shopping with Brian, I forgot how much fun it is to shop with another female (plus, it's a little easier to splurge). Mary and I share so much in common that it's so assuring and wonderful to have her as a friend.

Like out of a movie, a house in Lexington exploded due to a gas leak on Wednesday, November 9th. The house on Hancock Street is less than a mile away from us. The strange thing was that I saw out of my office window, miles away, some heavy smoke coming from the area that I thought was Lexington. Up until now I wasn't exactly sure where Lexington was in my view. I called home to see if our answering machine picked up...relieved when it did confirming that our house was okay. An hour later Brian sent me a news story that explained what happen. It's weird to have something so serious happen in "your own backyard".

The explosion was due to a high pressure gas released into a low pressure pipline. The gas company admitted that it was their mistake, and immediately turned off the gas in our neighborhood. Holes, like the one pictured, were dug up all over town as Keyspan has been trying to restore service to everyone. Not only did we loose heat, but also hot water and our stove. It was a good thing I went out of town to Columbus for the weekend, because service was not turned back on for us until Saturday afternoon. It makes you appreciate your hot shower in the morning a little more!

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 9/10 correct!