Happy 2009

I want to wish all my friends and family a very Happy New Year -- 2009. Even though there are so many terrible troubles in the world today, I feel confident that everything will work itself out in the end. My hope for the new year is for peace, good health, and prosperity for each and every one. My message -- stop fighting and start loving.

40 years of wedded bliss celebrated 12/15/08

We were so happy that our son and daughter-in-law made the trip from San Diego to spend two weeks with us and to explore Kentucky.

Aprilyn and Eli

Also celebrating with us were daughter Allison and kids (Jason joined us on Christmas Day).

Following an anniversary dinner at one of our favorite restaurants complete with family and friends, son and DIL (as a special anniversary present) took us to Memphis for a two-day, fun-filled excursion to play tourist. While there, we were treated to a luxurious stay at a fab hotel and trips to Graceland, Beale Street where we gorged on Memphis ribs and other goodies, BB King's Blues Club where we were treated to authentic, down-home blues, Sun Records Studio where Elvis and other notables got their start, the Rock and Soul Museum where we were entertained for hours with all types of music, and a visit to the Gibson Guitar Factory. After checking into our hotel, we rushed over to the Peabody Hotel to watch the parade of the famous ducks from the lobby pond, down the red carpet to the elevator, and up to their penthouse suite. Memphis was terrific but boy was it C.O.L.D.

Note to readers: they were going to take us to St. Louis but we quickly decided to go South because St. Louis was socked in by an ice storm.

It was wonderful having all our children home at one time. We had a terrific Christmas and it was a pleasure cooking for everyone. The turkey and all the fixings were the best.

One of our presents was a new digital camera. We were shocked and delighted to receive it. Now all we have to do is learn to use this beauty.



Hope your holidays were as pleasant as ours were.