HOLIDAYS IN FLORIDA AND OHIO

After leaving Oregon the first of November we dropped the motor home in Arizona where we planned to settle for the winter. At that time our plans changed and we left in the car for New Orleans and the Florida panhandle to visit with Audrey's two brothers before going on to Ohio for the holidays. Our time then became so hectic that Audrey was not able to do the Blog and we did not do any sightseeing to share with you either. Now that we are back in Arizona I will do a little catch-up. We begin work here in the park tomorrow. I will work in the construction office and Gary has two colored pencil art classes to teach here in the park. One of his classes will be new people and the class on Friday will be the people that he had in his first class last year. So we are looking forward to our new schedule. Now backing up in my story, we visited with Audrey's brothers while her sister was down from Ohio also. Early in November our oldest brother went with Gary and I to celebrate my sister's birthday at a Logan's steakhouse. We were so hungry for a good steak, so it was very much a pleasure!! Gary and I then left for Ohio for holidays with our children. We spent Thanksgiving at our oldest son's house and all were there except for our step-granddaughter and her boy friend. We missed you!! The turkey was great and Vic is always glad to have mom home when she is willing to cook and keep up with the dishes!! I even managed to get some cookies baked for them. Our daughter-in-law helped with kitchen duty, while the guys did their usual, watching movies and playing computer games!! While we enjoyed our dinner in Ohio, Audrey's relatives were enjoying Thanksgiving at a great nephew's house in Florida. Our last visit with them had been in Norfolk not much more than a year ago. How the boys have grown!! Sorry we could not be with you also!! After the first of December, Audrey decided to return to Florida to spend time with her brothers so that her sister could return to Ohio. After I was there for three weeks, Sis and I changed places again. Now I had a few days for Christmas before Gary and I began the long drive to Arizona again. And all before the snow began to fall!! Audrey's gift to her daughter-in-law, of course, is the usual breakfast at their house. It was awesome breaking in the new oak floor that our son drove himself to have finished for Christmas. It is beautiful and we can hardly wait until he gets the insulation and walls finished as well as the entertainment center!! I doubt that it will be by next Christmas, but I do expect that he will make good progress. Rich also had a job that he was doing for his wife's step-dad. So he took his son along and broke him in on some of the work!! Good idea!!

This is the pattern in the center of the floor and it looks great!! I am sure that John was very pleased!!

We stopped on our trip west and had a day's visit with Gary's cousin in New Mexico again. And that is always so enjoyable!! They have traveled a lot in their lives and thus have many stories to share. Mildred and Zollie, thanks again for that lovely visit!! We are wishing you both a very healthy and happy New Year.

Now that we are back "home" in our house on wheels, we are relaxing and planning some sight seeing and fun. We stopped to tour Elvis' Graceland in Memphis on our way through, and I will share those pictures with you in the next Blog. I am sure that you are all holding your breath to see those!!

Gary will also be volunteering to teach a pencil art class at Sunshine Acres, a children's home here in the Mesa area. So he went out today to meet his seven students. Later we went back to the home for a tour with our Ohio friends who are wintering here in Mesa as our neighbors. It is always such an inspiring tour because of the way that the home was started in 1953, without borrowing money and without accepting government funding. They do not solicit funds, but with a thrift store, individual donations and organization's donations they have developed a very well rounded educational Christian home for disadvantaged children. They have great plans for more growth in the near future!!

Stay tuned and I will try to get back into a routine again with the Blog. We are praying that you all have a wonderful New Year!!