I cannot believe that almost a year has passed since I wrote on here.  I have been reading my subs through my e-mail, but seldom reply.  But think of you all so very often.  Some of you have had trials this past year, and prayers have always been sent up for God to strengthen and help you.  

We have had a good year---relatively speaking.  Ken had his second hip replaced in May.  He was frustrated because it didn't heal as quickly as the first one did 5 yrs. earlier.  He did not appreciate being reminded that he is also 5 yrs. older!!  

We celebrated our 50th anniversary out in Arizona by son, Jeff's.  Took them out to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant, and had a wonderful time.  It was nice traveling in the motor home, but again we were racing ahead of a storm--both ways--so it wasn't as relaxed as it should have been.  We spent a month out there, and didn't do much of anything.  It was just so nice to relax and visit the kids.  Little Catalina was so much fun.  Such a smart little girl for her age.  She turned 3 in August.  

Young Kenny, who was 13 at the time, loves golf.  He is part of the First Tee program, sponsored by the PGA to encourage young golfers.  He was one of 6 chosen from the whole state of Arizona to take part in a special day at the PGA tournament in Phoenix.  Had a luncheon, special lesson, got to tour the "backstage" areas that the public doesn't see and lots more.  Got a lot of nice gifts, too.  He was thrilled!!  Got a couple autographs, too.  Even though he and sister, Gretta, are home-schooled, they are able to take part in public school activities.  Kenny is playing Freshman football, and Gretta is taking an advanced placement course.

Grandson, Jacob, graduated from Chiropractic College last Sept., and now works for a chiropractor in Ventura CA.  He is doing so well that his boss wants to open another office next year and have Jacob run it.  In order to prepare him, his boss has Jacob pretty much running the office now.  Jacob will be going over to Phoenix for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It sounds like all of Jeff's kids will be out there for Christmas.  They wanted us to come then, too, but Christmas is the only time I really enjoy being home here.  Love the decorating and the tree.  It just takes me longer each year to get it all done.  We plan on another trip to Arizona this winter, though.  Not sure just when yet.

Jeff's oldest daughter was married in May.  Mindy and Andy were married down at Clearwater Beach, Florida.  They were married on the beach.  It is a good thing we had already decided not to make that trip, because Ken ended up having his hip surgery just a few days before the wedding.  They did have a reception here in Wisconsin--over in LaCrosse, 4 hrs. away, in July.  We took Y motor home over for that.  Was great seeing everyone.  The reception was held at a park a block from their home.  They did a great job with it.  Jeff and family came from Arizona, too.  So got to see all the kids----except Jacob, who missed his flight from California.  

In late summer, granddaughter Hannah moved to Arizona and is living with Jeff and family.  She loves it there.  So now the singing duet is broken up.  She had lived not far from Mindy so they could do gigs in the LaCrosse area.

Jeff's second oldest son, Jordan, is now living in Wisconsin Rapids, and working as a billing specialist for a cell phone company.  Never hear from him.  Just hear things through Jeff or Judy.  But did get to see him and his girlfriend at Mindy and Andy's reception this summer, which was great.  He is happy where he is.

Our local family has had problems lately.  Greg was left go from his job after 18 1/2 yrs as superintendent of the local private golf course.  The membership had dropped so much over the last couple years, mostly because of the poor economy here.  14 members got together and bought the club in January.  There were a couple of them that wanted to micro-manage the course, telling Greg what they wanted done even though Greg knew it was detrimental for the course.   Because of our late spring the course didn't bring in as much revenue as they had hoped.  The main owner came one Friday noon and told Greg they were letting him go immediately----that they were going in a "different direction".  No thank you---nothing.  Greg was actually relieved.  He was getting very stressed out this year and putting in way too many hours because they had cut back on his help.  Oh, and they hired a  new super who is half Greg's age.  Am sure his salary is a LOT less than Greg was making, too.

Greg did have a job offer already, but it was 4 hours away.  He would have accepted if the money had been worth it, but they have a lot of repairs to do to their house before they could even try to sell it.  Decided it wasn't worth it.  So, he is still looking.  But more companies have shut down around here, and there is nothing in the golf superintendent field available in the midwest.  So we pray that he can find something soon.  Lori has 2 part-time jobs that will help, and they are very good at pinching pennies!!  

Their kids are all doing well.  Lydia is in her 3rd year as athletic trainer at her old high school.  Her husband will be starting his internship as a physical therapist in January in Green Bay.  They will be moving up to GB, and Lydia will commute down here for her work.

Local grandson, Silas, spent spring and summer doing signage for PGA and LPGA tournaments around the country.  During the summer he was in Colorado Springs for a tournament.  This is where we lived for 4 yrs. during the '60's.  We loved it there, and so did Silas.  Said he wouldn't mind living there.  He was also in Vegas and enjoyed it there, too.  But liked the Springs better.  He plans on going back to school--possibly doing something in the nursing field.

Local grandson, Avery, had been working at Greg's golf course, but was let go "due to conflict of interest" when Greg was let go.  He is working part=time at the area candy store/ice cream store (they make their own candy) he worked at before.  He has gotten very good at oil painting.  Will have to put up pictures of some of his paintings here sometime.  He favors the Bob Ross style of painting.  He painted two for us, and we love them.

Greg's three youngest are still home-schooled and growing up.  I am glad that Greg didn't take the out-of-town job.  It is nice to still have some family nearby!

I am slowly putting up Christmas.  Am not doing quite as much decorating, and just have the big tree to go, along with the little one in my bedroom.  Ken's sis, who owns this house, is supposed to be coming soon.  She will stay at sis-in-law's behind us.  Want to get decorating done before she comes, if possible.

I think that brings you all up to date with us.  The Xanga gals did come again this summer for lunch.  Always look forward to their visit every year.  It was hot this year when they were here, and I was sweating like crazy!  Found out from Dr. that one of my meds cause this.  Sure had been wondering why I would sweat so easily lately!!  Glad that mystery was solved.

I've probably forgotten something---but have bored you long enough.  It is time for supper.  Ken made a BIG pot of vegetable soup a few days ago, and we are still eating it!!  Sometimes I won't eat what he makes, but this is GOOD!!

I hope you all have a Blessed Thanksgiving.  We will be by Greg's house.  Love you all!!