Greetings,
In the middle of tolerable snow fall and have just come in from blowing about 5" of the most beautiful, fluffy, silvery flakes from the driveway while Mom pushed the same amount from the deck and cleaned up sidewalk areas where we can't get with the machine. Temp around 20, so a nice time to be out after all the bitter cold. What may still fall tonight we should be able to take care of with the big pusher before we head for mass in the morning.
Hope all of us are at the "Wait 'til next year" today! Mark thought he would be in the air flying to Las Vegas, so he was spared some of the shock.
Spoke briefly with the Sheboygan birthday boy this evening and
he had been out for dinner to get his gifts. Trust that Stephen will have had a memorable day, too--hopefully without snow in that IL Dixie.
Mom had a visit on one of these cold days with Tim and he reported -15F and that they were managing and that Alex really likes his new job. Had a visit with Maura a few days before when
she called for a 'poetry' recollection visit. This was related to a calendar they had given us for Xmas which had "The Jumblies"
with illustration. Since that call, Garrison Keiller read that
poem on his PBS Writers' Almanac piece which he does daily, but I get by e-mail. I'll send it along, Maura and to anyone else who like to hear it again.
We have learned that Domino is back safely at Vassar, actually a bit early to have additional fencing practice. We had a chance to say good bye when she, Calvin and Capri came with Mark for a Sunday afternoon visit on 1/6. While we a lot of snow, they were disappointed that they could not make a snowperson in the backyard--one of those colder days after the mixture of some rain/some snow. After a lunch they had to hurry back because Calvin had swim practice. We're still hoping to get to see one of his meets before the season ends.
With the cooperation of Casey and Matt, we were able to find a few days on their calendar in early February to visit them so that we can be with Freya for her second birthday. Had hoped, first to use frequent flyer miles to go first to Denver, and drive from there. But there were no open seats on the days we hoped to fly. So, found that to buy tickets on NW to Boise was only a few $ more than buying Midwest tickets to Denver. Avoiding the long drive and car rental made NW the best bet. We'll be leaving on 2/3 and returning 2/10.
Still pondering the trip to AZ. Ann and Ed have a house rented for March in Green Valley. We may consider something like that and not drive the RV at $3/gal!
Had a birthday phone visit with Michele on Saturday when we were at Susan and Jay's. They had invited us for supper so that we would have a chance to see Colin before Susan took him back on Sunday. Susan had made a great Lasagna and Colin was showing some earnest respect for one of his last 'home cooked' meals while he was describing his UW meal/food/nourishment schemes! Took some tour books for our lady travelers to examine.
We both saw our urologist last week and got no untoward reports and the next needed visits will be in '09. On 1/11, we had our annual eye exams at Great Lakes and had positive experience with a new doctor. We generally expect to see a new face each year, but this young man seemed especially solicitous. On Wednesday,
1/23 we return to Great Lakes for a Ophthalmologist appointments.
We began a year long (except summer) Bible study course at
St. Joseph last Monday. This will be an every other week
program. Over 70 people have signed up and it looks like it will be worthwhile, even though there is homework with a workbook!
We are in different small groups for discussion, so we'll have something to talk about between meetings.
Got some news from Michele about a house full of new carpet and the challenge this was to be during the whole weekend with the installation crew there all 3 days--1/19-21. Learned, too, that they are planning a CA trip for President's weekend.
Kevin, some where in the past week or so, I have heard on NPR, seen on PBS or found in a magazine article a story about Philadelphia being 'The Mural City' and how this civic project has been so widely admired and praised. I thought that I should communicate this to you immediately, but I didn't. Before I began this tonight, I checked some Smithsonians and a NatGeographic, quickly, but came up empty. Thought you would be interested, and perhaps you know about this and can help me remember.
David let us know that Cooper will not have a graduation until June (but not the day) with the rest of his class and that he will be
going to the luthier school in September. Bridget's graduation day is June 8. Hope we won't have any conflicts!!
Charleen and Bob were in Philadelphia this past weekend for
Luke's wedding. Charleen finally agreed to fly, so they drove to Chicago mid-week and then flew with Peggy and Bridget. Assume they will be home soon and we'll get a report on the big doings!
Mom looked this over and said it is OK--and she went to bed!
Love and prayers for each of you,
Mom and Dad, Gma & Gpa
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