Christmas 2010

It's been a year of notable changes, some significant, some not so much, some surprising, some not so much.

Rachel was valedictorian of her high school class. That wasn't surprising since she had a 4.0 average. What was surprising was her speech. It was perhaps the first valedictory speech that stressed the need to own a dog. For weeks afterward people approached us in public places and raved about her speech. It was surreal. We spent the summer at home, but took a trip to... the Twilight Zone.

After being courted by several colleges, Rachel chose to go to Ashford. Getting a full scholarship and being able to come home every day to her pup, Gimlet, was more than she could resist. We're happy with her decision, she's a joy to have around.

We had a bar-mitzvah-ish celebration for Joshua at church. That was Patricia's idea. She can be wondrously creative.

Not pausing to savor his new status, Joshua has continued his own scholarly 4.0 achievements. He joined the Junior High marching band. He still takes piano and tennis lessons. He's still growing like a weed. Where does he find the time?

Patricia continues her illustrious medical career as a school nurse. She also teaches Sunday School.

I continue my life as a slacker retiree. It's the only thing I've ever excelled at.

We got a 24' swimming pool this summer. Perhaps it was only a coincidence, the town decided to replace its water tower with two new ones. Considering there was a crew here to prepare the ground for the pool and install it, and the city then put up two water towers, we did more to stimulate the economy than the government's $1 trillion stimulous. You're welcome.

Merry Christmas!