We’re staying near Penrose, North Carolina, in our exchange family’s house. Today we took care of grocery shopping, got in a little exercise, and generally lounged around.

Dale cooked dinner at home tonight. She loves the big kitchen here, especially the commercial gas range and oven, and the butcher-block table.

There’s a big yard and garden out front, but out back, the house backs up to woods.

We’re all set for the kids to join us. We’ve got a Christmas tree and Santa’s already stopped by with presents!

I spent part of the evening browsing through Bob and Anne’s music collection, after having a little FaceTime video-conferencing with Mother in Florida and Christopher in Germany! Technology is really amazing.