FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LOYAL READERS OF PATSGAZETTE.COM

   Family, friends and loyal readers 

Is it my imagination or does time fly? When I was young (and yearning for independence) I “wished” that I was older. My mother warned me that I should not wish my life away. Today I know the wisdom of her words. In spite of the year’s short duration, Ken and I hope that you have had a good year and that you and your family have dodged the “grim reality” of governmental incompetence, a fledgling economy, frail health and the grief that comes from the loss of a loved one. For those who have endured that loss (and at our age the number seems to increase each year) may the memories of happy holidays past sustain and comfort you during this holiday period and always.

We have enjoyed good health (considering our age and the shape we are in). Daughter, Terri, is still single and lucky for us, living at home. She watches over our house when we are away (and over us when we are home). Gary and Marci live busy lives nearby. Grandson, Sean, attends college in San Diego and granddaughter, Lauren, lives in Dallas.

Ours has been an interesting year reflecting more travel than good sense. As our “window” for seeing the world gets smaller, we took advantage of availabilities as they arose. We started the year with a South America cruise that departed Ft. Lauderdale January 31 and arrived in Los Angeles March 19. In June, we did a Baltic Capitals cruise which included two days in St. Petersburg, Russia. We concluded the years travel with five weeks in Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England in November. Ken did a great job adapting to driving on the wrong side of the road. He managed the stick shift with his left hand and skillfully navigated narrow cow paths the Brits call roads with his right. Except for veering out of his own lane while counting exits in the roundabouts or hitting the left curb, his driving was masterful. However, the “horn blower” is alive and well in Britain. Near the end of our trip, I fell down some steps at the Tower of London. Though I suffered no crucial injuries, it provided a sobering reminder of my pending old age.

Christmas is a time when we look forward to hearing from and about you and your family. Our family and extended family of friends, are the source of many happy memories. All of you hold a very special place in our thoughts and heart.

WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR