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Hi Folks,

Seasons Greetings from Jolly Old England.

We are doing great. We have been here for over four months and have packed a lot into that time.

Thom is involved with an art group that meets on Mondays. He thoroughly enjoys it. It gives him time to discuss and work on his art, along with politics, travel and local gossip. He has been walking the moors on Wednesdays. He meets up with his walking partners and head off to many interesting places within about 50 miles from here. He even bought special boots and gaiters. Thom does not like to spend money on himself so we know this is serious. He comes home excited and exhausted.

I have become very spoiled. Thom does all of the cleaning, laundry, shopping and cooking. He is coming up with some great meals. That is a challenge because our oven does not work and our kitchen is in the cold basement.

I am having a great time teaching. The staff is warm and welcoming. My partner, Helen, is fun and helpful. After the holidays I will have my own class of 28, 4 -5 year olds. Up until now I have shared the class with Helen. We have many new students coming in from the Nursery. The school day is from 9 a.m. until 3:30. It is a long teaching day but it goes by very quickly.

We had an American Thanksgiving with turkey and all of the trimmings. We celebrated Thanksgiving on the Saturday because we worked on Thanksgiving. We feasted with other exchange families and friends. It was a wonderful day.

At school we have a lot of holiday festivities. The school puts on the Nativity and we have a singing program. The kitchen staff prepare a special Christmas dinner for the children and the staff. We make decorations, cards and gifts just as we do at home.

We get a lot of questions and comments about the US presidential election. The English are very curious and interested in what is happening in America. We get good news coverage of the happenings in Florida.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you families during this wonderful holiday season.

Love, Joan and Thom