We will remember 2022 as the year of the River House. A life long dream, to build our own home, it has been both a joy and a massive undertaking. We spent a full year living in the old house to experience every season so we could make the most informed design choices. The next 6 months were spent developing our plans and obtaining the necessary permitting for the project. During the last 6 months the actual work of demolition and construction commenced in earnest. With any luck, we hope to be “finished” in the next 6 months.

Jeanine and I tried to recreate a picture taken 2 years ago after we had just moved in. I think we did a good job on matching the clothing. but construction materials made it impossible to position my camera to get the same perspective. Consequently, the new house appears much taller compared to the old one. In fact, it is only slightly taller.

Behold the perfect Zeppole ball. Normally, our family prepares this traditional Italian treat on Christmas Eve. This year that did not happen so we decided to add it to the menu this evening. The kids arrived early afternoon and joined us for dinner. Maya prepared an exquisite mushroom risotto while Jeanine made a delightful salad and collard greens and red bean soup (for prosperity in the new year). I decided to tackle the Zeppole and must say that they came out very well. I used a new technique for cutting the dough which produced less of a ball and more of a tiny pillow shape. A nice bit of innovation with which to start the new year.