Today Is Your Birthday!

Caroline is 28 today!
Happy Birthday!
We love you!

Nebraska

We had a fantastic time in Nebraska and South Dakota.
The folks are friendly and the scenery is beautiful!
We flew into Rapid City and rented a car
and drove to Mt. Rushmore and then on to
Gordon.
Lots to see and loved ones to visit with. Gordon is small
(pop. 1750 or so) and out in the middle of nowhere.
Everyone is so nice and friendly.
Melanie and Adam have lots of space -- so book a room
and go see them. You'll have a blast.
Adam was ordained on Sunday in his new church.
Mom, Dad, and I also attended Mass at St. Leo's
Catholic Church in Gordon.
We all had dinner on Saturday at a local restaurant -- best Mexican food ever!
I especially loved Rapid City! Beautiful!
We saw snowy mountain peaks when we approached Denver.
All to soon the trip was over and we were back in Tampa!
Can't wait to go back!

We're leaving Tampa and heading out west!

Meet Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
A national park ranger is standing on Mr. Jefferson's head.

Pop-pop's two best new friends -- Angel and Abby.

Big boy Elijah.

Melanie and Adam's home -- the parsonage.

Soon to be ordained pastor and family in church entrance.

Blessing the new pastor.

Local and district church officals.

The Sorensons.

Big family group shot. Moms, dad, granddads, grandmoms, aunt, brothers, wife, and kids!

Newly ordained and installed Pastor Adam Sorenson.

Their pretty little church -- Grace Lutheran, Gordon, NE

Best place to stay in Gordon, NE. $36 a night!

Skyline Drive view of Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City landmark -- Mountaintop Dinosaur.

Our Rapid City host and hostess -- Don and Margie Wickler.

View of snow capped mountain peaks from Denver airport.
Next stop, Tampa!

Big Adventure

Mom, Dad, and I leave this afternoon for Tampa International Airport and the start of our trip out west. We will end up tonight in Rapid City, SD.,via Denver. Tomorrow we pick up a rental car and drive to Gordon, NE. Melanie and Adam and their boys now call that "home." We will hang out in Gordon over the weekend. All of Adams family will be there.
The ordination is Sunday evening, followed by a potluck at the church.
We leave Gordon Monday morning and drive to Mount Rushmore. Plan to be back to Rapid City and have dinner with Don and Margie Wickler( dear old Air Force freinds). We leave for Tampa on Tuesday morning. Will post pictures on our return!

Bye Bye, Convertible!

This post is overdue because I actually turned in the car in late November. But it was a significant event- captured on digital camera. My new car is behind it in the driveway. Maybe not as exciting- but it is paid for!





Allan posed me all over the yard. This turned into a major studio production.



I really enjoyed this car and I will miss it. I do not miss the payments!



Across the street under the green tarps is our old digs. It had termites. Mom and Dad stayed with us during the tenting. They moved out in mid December. No one has moved in yet.

I'm Back!

Our wireless net is once again working thanks to a new router. So now I can sit at my desk and work at my laptop. It's great! I'm off work til Friday so lots of little projects are on the schedule. Got my desk cleared off and a new window shade installed in the office. I would also like to paint the bathroom and decorate it.
My boss will travel to market in Atlanta next week so I'll be working all week while she is gone.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and healthy and safe New Year!

Patrick Update

Patrick made it back into Texas and should be making his way back home tonight. His bus gets into town sometime Thursday a.m. His Dad is waiting for him! He has a big mess to sort out to get his life back on track. Please continue your prayers - for all of us!

Patrick

We could sure use some prayers as we are a family in crisis right now. Some of you know that Patrick ran away over 2 weeks ago. He has contacted us- he is in Mexico. We are trying to get him back to Florida. We don't know many details yet - but hope to get him on his way in the next 24 hours. Pray for him and us!