The night the lights went out in Durham

I've officially experienced my first power outage! Last night we were having a relatively normal evening until about 6pm, when all of a sudden the lights went out at our house. After taking a minute to process what had happened (I assume that's what adults do, of course), mom and dad went to find the flashlights and candles and we were bathed in a rosy glow. They checked the neighborhood and found that we were not the only ones. In fact, several blocks were also in darkness. Thus began the waiting, and the bath!

It didn't take long, really--only about 3 hours until the power company had it all fixed. I did find it a bit confusing why I couldn't listen to my music or watch Baby Einstein, though. But Dad helped pass the time by regaling us with some rusty tunes on the new (used) violin we bought. He's still got it, if I do say so myself. We are all excited about having some "jam sessions" soon. In fact, dad liked the whole evening so much that he said we should have a power outage every week!

I never mentioned our trip to Florida last week. It was a great time--Oma from TX came in on the evening after Christmas and then we took off, arriving in Orlando at 5am! It was a pretty long drive, but brother and I slept for much of it so we didn't mind. The weather in Orlando was warm and sunny, and we had our Seneff cousins to play with and lots to keep us occupied. We saw the Citrus Bowl parade and went to a farmer's market and played lots. It was a great week overall, even with the 12 hour drive home in traffic.

Oma left on Monday, and it's been back to "work" ever since. Mom has been trying to keep up with my cold, her cold, brother's cough, dad's cold, evenings out, back to school, and the usual household things. It's been a funny week with us all sick, but not too bad. I have another ear infection that I'm getting drops for--had to stay home from school today but I'll probably go back tomorrow.

That's all for now. Happy New Year to all! Love, Adam.

p.s. here is a picture from Christmas that you might enjoy!

A Christmas poem from me to you...

Twas the night before christmas, and all through the air
the shouts of wild Brock boys could be heard everywhere!

The baths had been taken, the snacks had been et--
but pajamas we had not put on quite yet.

And after a while my father and mother
put Thomas the Tank engine on for my brother,

And then we were dressed, and ready for bed
Just time to brush teeth and then Daddy said:

Go to sleep boys, and in the morning you'll find
that Christmas has come during the night time!

So away now to sleep, just one thing to say:
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good play!!

Love, Adam

Christmas break has begun

Hi all,

Well, we are off to a COLD start, with temperatures in the 20's this morning, warming up to a balmy 35 degrees by 2pm. I know, you are surprised that a young man like myself knows the word "balmy". Let's just say I have some wordy parents!

Mom dragged brother and I around Durham today in the buggy, wrapped up but still cold!! We had some errands to run and then had a root beer float at the soda shop on 9th street. It was fun, but not enough chairs and brother was ancy.

Tonight we went to a Christmas party at St John's church here in Durham. It was for all the people who had received presents from other people at other churches. Let me be more clear: it was mostly for people who had no money to buy presents, so were being given things so that their kids might have something to open in 3 days. It was really nice--and really good to do. Brother gave a gift to another young girl who was really happy. We felt good being there, because it made us think about how good it is to be a community together with other people who live near you. Sort of like me being in a classroom with other kids with disabilities--they are the ones who hug me the most, you know? Dad introduced me to a man with Down Syndrome who was there. His name is Luck, and he is 28. He's a bit bigger than me, but I know we are friends.

Oh, and I played piano for the whole group. Lots. Even when I wasn't supposed to--but you know something? They didn't mind.

Blessings to you all--more before Christmas.
Love, Adam.