pining for home

I write after a windy rain storm swept through Maastricht, pelting our windows with water though we have almost 2 meters of overhang on that side. Though our mail slot has been opening and closing in the wind all evening, I'm just now learning not to check for mail with each door clatter. Besides, it's Sunday. In Minnesota there's a fresh 10 inches of snow, in Des Moines they closed the airport yesterday. It's times like this I really miss home. Ryan's in LA, Ellie's sleeping upstairs after finally agreeing to part with her pink leotard (courtesy of Becky) and get into her pajamas, the wind is now dying down now. In lieu of dwelling on the NY Times news (I can be obsessive, which becomes depressing), I finished reading Harry Potter--again--trying to nurture my hope, which it always does. The tea kettle's on and I'm thinking of all the people at home I'd like to share a cup with. Sending love.