Since we last met ...

This blogging stuff was actually my idea a while back -- to keep everyone up to speed on what we're doing, I said. Turns out I am not that good at keeping up to speed myself!

Since my last post we've had Thanksgiving and Christmas, both pretty quiet holidays at home. Lou and I actually went out for dinner for Thanksgiving this year, which was different. We've had up to about a foot of snow on the ground at times, with temperatures in the below zero range for a time too. The snow is now all melted off (for the time being anyway), which means it's pretty muddy out there. I am not a fan of these gray, foggy days, so bring on spring!

We went to Hillsboro for a quick Christmas visit with Mom and Dad between Christmas and New Years. We also went to see Lou's 6th grade teacher, Amy Slatta, and another old family friend, Al Haase. Amy is always fun to visit, and at 101, can remember far more than I can now! She remembered the subjects of some of the papers Lou had written in her class, what, 45 years ago?? Except for being nearly completely blind and almost deaf, I have no doubt she would still be living in her own home -- physically strong and mentally sharp, still walking around without any assistance other than to feel her way. She's pretty impressive!

Al had a rough year, suffering from some sort of blood or bleeding disorder (cancer?), so we knew that seeing him and Carol after visiting Amy would be a whole different type of visit. He was quite weak and probably on a pretty strong dose of pain meds, so he faded in and out as we visited, and Carol (my 3rd grade teacher) is beginning to show more symptoms of Alzheimer's. The home health lady was there and helped us keep the conversation going a little bit. As it turns out, Al died less than a week later, so it was good that we were there. He was tired and ready and knew where he was going, thanks be to God!

[More updates to come ... I don't want to overload you with everything at once, after such a long time with no news!]