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Christmas 2008 |
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This year Dotti and Mark became empty nesters. it's like we are newlyweds again, but much smarter! But I'm getting ahead of my self. First, Mark's textbook recovery from last year's bypass surgery cleared him to ease back into his work routine by late January. this relieved Dotti sufficiently to allow her to join her vacationing sisters in Florida for a week. Then after the most dreary stretch of winter, Mark and Dotti spent three fun-filled days in early March, eating, sunning, snacking, swimming, munching, shopping, dining, and other stuff at an "all inclusive resort' in Cancun as an award for his business unit's top performance in 2007 Did I mention we ate a lot?
In the meantime, Zack was weighing his graduate school program options while diligently completing his senior year coursework at the College of William and Mary. After a number of campus visits interviews, and promising offers, he accepted the distinguished University Fellowship PhD program a Michigan State University You ask 'what's he studying to become?' Well,, essentially he is going to be a very highly educated gentleman farmer. At least for the next five years, he will be able to ride out the current weak economy while researching his way into sustainable farming strategies and techniques. In May, the sisters three, Amye, Aubree, and Amanda and their families joined us at the Great Wolf Lodge, Dotti and I luxuriating in Colonial Williamsburg, and culminating with Pierce's Open-Pit BBQ at the "best-family-outdoor-picnic-ever-during-windy-rainy-downpour" following the graduation ceremony. Just ask our grandkids; they will gladly regale you about the soggy details of this unusual family gathering. the weekend was really memorable.
Now armed with sheepskin credentials and high confidence, Zack ably spent most of his summer power washing our large, high wood deck in preparation for a long overdue staining. Hence, from July into September, Zack, Mandy, Dotti and I brushed on two coats of preservative stain on all the upper outer surfaces (Golly, those bazillion fence pickets are monotonous). Throughout this period, Zack also concentrated on crafting a proposal that needed the perfect diamond finger bling. After much sister consultation and jewelry shop negotiation he was ready to officially pop "the question" to Ashley Kupiel. But by this time in late August, Ashley was already in new York City starting her Masters program at Columbia University, and Zack needed to leave for East Lansing, MI. Although pressed for time, he arranged a surprise romantic rendezvous at a NYC restaurant with the deceptive assistance of their mutual classmate/friend Taylor Burgess. But to keep another amusing story short, Ashley said "YES:" and they set the wedding date for 8 August 2009. Consequently, this year we lost our last tax deduction, but next year we gain our fourth daughter whose name, if you haven't noticed, also starts with "A".
So in mid-October, Dotti and I felt the need for a quick road trip to Southern Illinois to visit Dotti's sisters, and check on Zack at MSU on our return trip. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the brilliant fall colors, having brief family reunions, watching the unique black squirrels at MSU, and visiting antique shops along the way. The last activity is especially unnerving, though, when you realize many of the same things we possess are only found in these quaint havens. Since we couldn't include all the places and people we wanted to visit, we will just have to arrange time to do some more trips in 2009. So Watch Our: we may be knocking on your door looking for another all-inclusive experience (meaning dinner)! By the way, Bluster and Pounce, the family cats, lounged at the vet's Spa during our travels.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and prosperous Happy New Year! May our new leaders inspire and enable peaceful relations for everyone in our time; guide us smartly out of the current financial SNAFU, and wisely employ freedom's defenders where necessary. God bless our service members at every post and station; keep them safe, vigilant and honorable.
Dotti and Mark