December Goings and Comings!

Hi Sibs, In-laws, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, etc.

I just came home after completing several errands. I located a shoe repair shop in west Eugene and they were able to save my favorite pair of penny loafers. Does anyone remember that Mom didn't like slip on shoes i.e. loafers as the motion of the shoes going up and down wore out your socks faster. I think that is why I have the passion for the real penny loafer. I hit my favorite coffee shop and picked up an apple-cinnamon bagel which is very good considering I do not care much for cinnamon. Attempted to get Lyman off the Dept. of Motor Vehicles listing...didn't succeed. Have to have his death certificate. He has been called for jury duty and the only way to have that not happen is to have him certified deceased. The courts did excuse him when I informed them that he was no longer with Lane County Residents anymore...in other words, he is no longer online! THEN to the U of O book Store and in case you do not know, the Oregon Ducks will be playing for the National Championship in early January in the Phoenix area. I have never seen so much Oregon paraphernalia in one place...I lucked out as most of it was 25% off. The young checker said it was a mad-house right before the students went home for break. I do not think I have ever been associated with a school that had a perfect 12-0 record.

Janna and Rivers have been in Belize...they return on midnight of the 22nd. Rivers parents will be with them on Xmas. They have been to two Mayan Ruins, Valley of Peace (a valley financed by a wealthy man for El Salvadorian Refuges) and done some snorkeling (her first time). She would like to bring home the monkey that hangs around their hotel. Thank goodness for custom rules. Patrick has been in India for ten days. He has been in a city near Lucknow studying the Shea Muslim people. He was able to attend an Indian wedding reception, watch the Ashira Celebration parade and meet some interesting people. Will be fun to talk with him when he returns. I always like to see all the pictures that he takes. Jayne has been with the two "little people" by herself and it has gone well. Even with Thomas getting a 24 hour flu. I plan to drive to Tacoma on the 23 and come home on the 27th. Will see Janna and Rivers sometime the next week.

Katherine is in Pre-K and hearing Bible stories. She asked their neighbor if she had ever heard of a man named Joseph and a lady named Mary. Louise said "Did they have a baby named Jesus?" We have a little news spreader among us.

Bob, I liked the Norweigan ice breaker...very clever. To each of you I send my love and wishes for a Joyous Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. I remember a xmas sermon of a few years ago when the pastor said that the wonderful thing about the cradle of Christmas was that it became the cross of Easter. God's Choicest Blessings to all.