Ahh...life in West Virginia is very rural, very rustic, very close to nature and very wonderful! Here is evidence of some of the animals we see frequently.  These are two baby possums on the side of the road-no doubt hunting for lunch among the snowy leaves.  One morning last week I took a trash bag out the back door to the trash can in our small back yard and I am so glad I first glanced into what I thought was an empty trash can.  Nestled in the bottom of the standing trash can was a sleeping possum!  We have also seen a bear running up the mountain and deer everywhere.  Beautiful country!

Yes, winter has come to West Virginia.  This picture was taken last week after a couple of days of snow.  The colorful leaves have been replaced with glistening snow.  Another evidence of the lovely hand of nature!  Today, in the 7 o'clock hour it is already 30 degrees with the weatherman predicting a high in the 50's.  We are witnessing the up and down of the weather however.  By Sunday we are to again have snow with a high in the 30's.  We especially know that it is winter in our cute old house that has no insulation and is so cold all the time.  We do have base board heaters but it can't keep out the chill.  So I sit at the computer in the living room with warm socks, pants, long-sleeve shirt and a sweat jacket besides! 

My, how we enjoyed Thanksgiving!  We actually had family here...Vicky, our oldest daughter, John, Brandon, Josh, Alex and Mary...Brandon's girlfriend whom he baptized just two months ago.  Every meal was a HUGE production but sure loved the help, the great appetites and so much fun!  Indeed, we have much to be Thankful for!

 

Here is the proud grandpa, Elder McBean, with Brandon...smart, accomplished grandson who has submitted his papers to go on a mission.  Right after this picture, Brandon and Grandpa went to a missionary teaching appointment.
Very memorable evening!

 While Grandpa and John stayed home in the relatively warm house to watch football, Vicky and I headed into the mountains, borrowing sleds on the way...the kids wanted to play in the snow and they did!  Grand time for all!! 

The Carter Family with Grandpa and Grandma.  Thank you so much for driving the 400 + miles to spend the holiday with us!
In three weeks we will be driving the 400 miles to South Carolina to spend Christmas with them!
        Family...that's what it is all about!
We send our love to our other 11 children and other 18 grandchildren (which includes Scarlett born in September and will welcome Maci to be born later this month!)  We sure miss you all!!