It has been a very busy few weeks at my house. First, the Gallaghers (Paraguay fiends) visited us for a week; second, ma's sister was here to visit us over Christmas; third, Julia came for a week visit over New Years; and finally, we spent the past five days doing a mini road trip to the Lake District of Southern Chile.

Last Tuesday we drove ten hours South to the town of Pucon, on the edge of Lake Villarica, Chile. Pucon, is an adventure paradise, with lakes, volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls, virgin forests, and a nice little town.

We rented a cabin above the city that had an amazing view of the volcano. It was a great time for me as the cabin had so many things to do - swim, play with the turkeys, chase the sheep, ride the rope swing, takes walks into the woods, feed the chickens, and drive all around the country side looking at nature. It was a great time, and I hope we return soon.

I am now trying to rest for five days before we head to New England for two weeks. Pa has a conference in Richmond, Virginia then we are going to visit and meet with college people at other colleges and universities in New England. We return to Chile the first of February, and then will be heading out to Mendoza, Argentina to enjoy the Andes, and for pa to see and make climbing plans for Aconcagua.