Yes, it's been almost and month and I have very few excuses. One, I'm working on reading the Bible through in five months, and much of my free time is spent reading. Fortunately, and I mean no disrespect by that word, I'm close to finishing. Another issue has been the challenge of posting pictures. It is not my strong suit so I hesitate whenever I can, although I love posting pictures of the kiddos. Then finally, I've started a part-time job and its a convenient excuse for posting lapses.
Nevertheless...I'm ready...And since Alice is in PA for the weekend and I have my ironing done, I'll see if I can get things in order.
From an overall update. Everyone is doing fine. Alice and I have daily conversations and her job and its prospects for longevity. Things seem to be okay, and they are close to starting a new community. However, existing sales are very slow. Fortunately, their demographic is somewhat different than traditional home buyers so there is hope. My job, at OfficeMax, is traditional retail. Nothing further need be said. But it is a job and it is fine.
Oh yes, almost forgot to mention. Alice has started painting the interior of our home. She finished the living room and dining room area last week and I believe our bedroom may be next. She really did a great job!
Our UK family is doing well. They all are very busy and take advantage of every opportunity with friends and school activities. Much of what they report seems like so much fun!
Our Texas family is also doing well. Paul had a new surgery on his arm and is optimistic that this surgery will fix the problem with the nerves in that arm. All the boys are busy with school and Trystan is mobile and working on teeth and an extended vocabulary (just kidding!)
My mom is doing well. She's being impacted like many seniors on a fixed income by the recent economic situation, but still stays positive. She walks regularly on the treadmill to help her legs and that seems to be working.
Alice's folks are well. In fact, as mentioned, she is up there this weekend to help with holiday chores and decorating. Unfortunately, her older brother was laid off from Pella Windows yesterday, so that is not good news. But he is a very talented and personable man and should have little trouble finding work.
We've wrapped up a new members class at Church. This has been Alice's project and she did a great job getting the class organized and developing an outline for "training" material. Now she feels its time to pass it on to someone, or a couple, that can take the class forward in the new year. The class will actually become a requirement for membership at the church, so it will have many benefits going forward.
I've not been writing as much. For some reason, inspiration has been an issue and the discipline to simply sit down and write something has never been my strength. However, I continue with my writing course and receive positive comments from my mentor.
Well, now it's time for some pictures....I'll not put captions, since most should be self explanatory. Hope you enjoy.
Merry Christmas to everyone and blessings to all.
Oh my...I just remembered I forgot pictures from Clay's birthday! Looks like that will be another time.
