On December 27, 2024, Eli Lee LeHoullier-Jordan was born. Caitlin and Jason welcomed a 9 lb, 3 ounce gorgeous boy into this world. Jason’s parents Carol and Maurice traveled from Indiana to experience the joy. Sara joined us from Olalla WA on New Year’s Eve so that she could meet her new nephew. We’ve enjoyed her visit so much. Sue and I are, of course, thrilled. The end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 have been all about family for us.

Our Olalla WA daughter Sara with Caitlin on New Year’s Day 2025

All of a sudden I find myself in this new year, with gardening events coming on fast, seed requests to jump on very soon, a garden to plan and plant and a book to write. I am sitting at Caitlin and Jason’s house in Fletcher NC - Sue and I are doing our first Eli sitting day to give them their first break. We are watching the Jimmy Carter funeral. It is very moving. We are expecting our first snow of the winter tomorrow. It is really cold out there!