Happy holidays to our friends and family!
This year is one of those years where I tossed around the idea of not sending out a Christmas newsletter.
Years ago I promised myself that no matter how boring our life seemed I would not give up on the newsletter. Surely I could find one or two interesting things to write about. We couldn’t possibly have been reduced to the ranks of boring married people who work too much and can’t find time to enjoy life. Well, unfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened and it’s quite the eye opener.
We had this realization a few months ago when our friends were going on exotic vacations, graduating from college with their Master’s and expanding their businesses. We have been so wrapped up in the needs of everyday life; working, grocery shopping and housework that we forgot to have fun!
So…. We have dubbed 2008 the MORE year. More FUN in life, more traveling, and more trying new things.
In preparation for the MORE year we have bought a brand new 29 ft. travel trailer with two pop outs and a full sized bedroom complete with king size bed and full size closet. It will come in handy for all the places we want to visit this year.
We have started a list of locations to visit and we’re putting together our calendar for next year. Our first trip is planned for New Years weekend. It will be a short local trip out to Duck Island in the delta with Dale, Diane and a gang of ex co-workers we haven’t seen in a while. It will be nice to spend time with them and also it will give us a little time to familiarize ourselves with the trailer.
Our second trip is planned (without the trailer) for the second week of January. We are hopping a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to Mexico for 7 days. I booked it a few weeks ago and because I know there is absolutely no way to diet and loose 30 lbs. by January 13th this is the most relaxed I’ve been about a vacation. We are looking forward to relaxing in the warm Baja climate and having a good time.
We’re not sure what February or the coming months will hold but we guarantee next years newsletter will be more exiting.
As the months of 2008 progress I will be updating my websites with photos from the trips, holidays, and family functions for everyone to enjoy.
My spoiled chickens and their magnificent condo
As fate would have it I had a co-worker give me 1 day old baby hen chicks for a birthday present in May. I came to work and heard peeping. I wondered who gave me an annoying peeping stuffed animal for my birthday. I opened the gift bag and there were three tiny chicks. I couldn’t believe my eyes (or ears.) I had no idea how to tell Brian or even what he would say. And I had no idea what they needed for their first day home.
Brian was less than pleased but knew what he must do…..build a chicken coop and run before they got too big for their brooder and began running amuck in the house. He drew out the plans and began building. It got bigger and more elaborate (and expensive) as the days went by. I figured since the three had all this space I might as well get a couple more. I came home with an Americana (blue eggs) and a Rhode Island Red.
O
ne of my little hens who I named Maxine after my grandma actually turned out to be Max! So, Atilla the hen, Millie (named after my other grandmother), Pollyanna, and Rosie are now well guarded by Max.
They all live comfortably in their $700 double walled, insulated coop complete with scroll work, heater, fan, double paned window, 8x10 run, and 3x8 sun room. They supply us with off-white, brown, and blue eggs that are delicious.
Waiting to be hand fed corn.
Goodbye to the best dog we could ever hope for. We were very blessed to have her in our lives. She will be missed.
Sable
January 2000
to
November 2007
7 year anniversary trip to Bodie and Mono Lake
Labor Day weekend we spent our anniversary at Bodie Ghost Town and Mono Lake. It seems to be a tradition for us. This year we took my brother Richard along. We traveled for miles on a dirt road in the Bodie Hills.
It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. We finally made our way to Mono Lake in the afternoon and enjoyed the cloud formations and cool weather.
At Christmas time I believe the things that children do.
I believe with English children that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.
I believe with Swiss children that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.
I believe with Italian children that La Befana is not an ugly doll but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.
I believe with Greek children that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.
I believe with Bulgarian children that sparks from a Christmas log will create warmth in human souls.
I believe with German children that the sight of a Christmas tree will lessen hostility among adults.
I believe with French children that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.
I believe with Dutch children that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky and fill the earth with joy.
I believe with Swedish children that Jultomte will come and deliver gifts to the poor as well as to the rich.
I believe with Finnish children that parties held on St.Stephen's Day will erase sorrow.
I believe with Danish children that the music of a band playing from a church tower will strengthen humankind.
I believe with American children that the sending of Christmas cards will build friendships.
I believe with all children that there will be peace on earth.
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
