Happy New Year

The close of 2008 finds us once again in Bonita Springs.

We left home on Dec 26th, dropped Rachel at the Kansas City airport and drove as far as Manchester, TN. The next day was a long one as we drove the remaining 815 miles to Bonita Springs with an hour time change and very heavy traffic. We arrived 'home' about 10:45 pm.

The weather is great -- sunny, light breeze and currently 72 degrees.

We'll attend the New Year's Eve dinner & dance in the park tonight.

We wish everyone a Happy & Healthy 2009.

Family Christmas

Today we celebrated Christmas with a dinner at the Horton Christian Church. This is for the Sullivan family and extended family. I counted 90 in attendance (wouldn't be surprised if I missed counting someone).

The first photo is our immediate family and the second photo is Walt with 10 of his brothers & sisters. The oldest brother and youngest sister were not in attendance this year.

Lots of babies and small children this year -- what fun.

It was a great day, good meal and the weather wasn't too bad -- just cold.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!

We have been busy since arriving home -- mostly catching up on doctor and dentist appointments.

Walt had carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand on Dec 5th. He is doing well and the stitches will be removed tomorrow afternoon.

I had a broken tooth crowned. That process was finished yesterday.

It has been cold here and we have had some snow. The snowfall yesterday was so pretty - dry and soft. The yard is beautiful and we are especially enjoying the view out the window!

Thanks to dear freinds in Bonita Springs who call to let us know that it is "seven zero" in SW Florida. Well, it is "zero point seven" here!

The last photo here shows our little '98 Buick (aka Mrs. Grimaldi) in the snow. After a cushy life in Florida, she is very cold here. Mrs. Grimaldi got new tires and windshield wiper blades for the trip to Kansas. In return, she gave us almost 30 mpg on the road. She now has over 12,000 actual miles on her odometer. She's just about finished her break-in period.