I can’t believe how time flies! It seems like only yesterday when we were opening our school (in fact it was last March), and now it’s nearly Christmas! It’s been a great year. I’ve met lots of new people and made some good friends. Ed and I moved to Ashiya last May so it’s been fun settling into a new city and a new routine. Ashiya is a very nice place to live, quiet but not too quiet! Also, it’s in an excellent location – in between Kobe and Osaka and next to the mountains and the sea – perfect! Our family will be spending Christmas and New Year in Japan so we’re looking forward to seeing them and showing them around. I wonder if it will snow soon? It would be so nice to have a white Christmas! I hope you all have a lovely break this New Year; relax, have fun and all the very best for 2009!