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Merry Christmas 2008 |
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Greetings from The Villages in Florida! We had a great year in The Villages and also found time to travel into the real world. Well it does seem like we live in a "Disney bubble" and realize the need to visit places where normal people live. In January we drove down to McAllen, Texas, to visit Jean's old flying buddy, Kathy Plummer, and her husband, Frank. Jean and Kathy lived together in Washington when they were flying for United Airlines years ago! We had a wonderful personal tour of the Veterans War Memorial, a life long project effort by Frank. And we had a good time visiting and even going over the border into Mexico for the day (they are so close). In February, a major tornado struck The Villages just 3 miles south of our home. In The Villages alone, over 100 homes were destroyed and over 1000 houses were damaged. As Red Cross volunteers, we worked in a shelter, a FEMA assistance center, and even worked in an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) feeding workers and residents. In April, Michelle (Ken's daughter) and Tony Snyder were married in New Orleans. The ceremony was held at a hotel in the French Quarter in a beautiful courtyard setting beside the pool. The event went smoothly and we are so happy for them. They are now living in Chicago, with new Westie puppy, Walt. This past summer we visited them in their new home and did some sightseeing too. In May Ken went to Slidell LA to help Shawn with his new home. During the visit, Shawn and Bonnie announced that they are expecting a new baby this coming February. How exciting! In June, Ken finished his last year teaching at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research in Birmingham. After years of professional genealogy research, teaching, and speaking engagements, he has decided to retire again. In July, Jean celebrated the BIG ONE!!! Jean found that there really is “Life After 70”! Cathy Bluemling and Ken conspired to throw a surprise birthday party, and 130 people showed up to help us have a truly memorable evening. What a great bunch of friends we have! In August she flew to Bellingham to spend a week with Judy, Greg, and the children, and was given the new guest quarters – they are doing a huge remodeling project on their house, which is still under way. It will be amazing when it is all finished, and the view of the lake and the hills is still as beautiful as ever – we spent every possible moment outside, using the grill, and enjoying Bill and Jennine (next door neighbors). Alison and I had a birthday celebration while I was there, and Valerie and Bill (Judy's in-laws) and other family joined us. Fun, fun! In late August, we flew to China, for a three week tour of nine cities, with two short cruises in the middle. We were amazed at how modern and vibrant the cities were – such a contrast to the countryside and underdeveloped areas, and we were able to meet many locals, visit a medical center, a school, a senior center, several families, and really get a good feel for today's China. They are gearing up for the Summer Olympics, and building stadiums, housing, and roads in preparation. It was the trip of a lifetime. In October and November we spent two weeks of timesharing vacation at the beach (Hilton Head) and the mountains (Asheville, North Carolina). When the first snowflakes appeared, we turned tail and fled south again! We continue to love the Villages lifestyle, and both keep busy with pickleball, golf, and other activities, the local Soup Kitchen, and the Red Cross. This past weekend Jean played pickleball near Tampa, and was awarded two gold medals and one silver medal. Jean's goal is to keep going long enough to enter the first National pickleball competition in San Francisco in 2009! Now we are looking forward to Christmas. Dave and his fiancé (Kate) will be flying down on the 25th for a few days, and we hope Mike will be joining us. Judy and Greg will be on the West Coast, and are going to find the sun on a Mexican cruise with the children. Michelle and Tony will be hosting his family from Cincinnati. Shawn and Bonnie will be spending their Christmas in their new home in Slidell LA. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible if you can come down to Florida and stay with us – we love visits from friends, and the welcome mat is always out. We wish you a peaceful and Merry Christmas, and hope that the coming year will bring resolutions to all these world conflicts and food crises, so that the world will be a safer and easier place for all those who struggle day to day. We, ourselves, feel very blessed to be healthy and happy, and we wish the same for each one of you in 2008. HAPPY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS Here are some pictures taken during the year:
This part of Florida has very mild temperatures all through the winter, and it is a joy to get up in the morning to bright sunshine, and be able to play golf, pickleball, swim, bike, or whatever takes your fancy. Our welcome mat is always out, and we hope that you will come and visit us if you are down this way. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ken and Jean |
Our Christmas Season Message from 2007
