Where have I been?

Oh, my! Nearly a year has gone by since last I spent any time here. A full work schedule has seen me traveling to and fro across the state. Our growing family fills my at-home time. Three new grand babies since Thanksgiving!


Twin boys, Ori and Gideon, were born by emergency c-section Thanksgiving night. That they and their mama are alive and well, we are more grateful than words can tell.

Tyler joined the family just before Christmas. His mama has begun a professional photography business. Her work with infants, children and families can be seen on her web site.


This is the design of my mass greeting sent in January. The greeting read as follows:

To friends and family scattered near and far
Since last we wrote, how quickly time has passed!
You’re in our thoughts, we wonder how you are
And what’s transpired since we heard from you last.
‘Most everyone we know was glad to see
The end of year two thousand eight, a time
Of tumult, crisis and uncertainty.
We hope for change, new rhythm and new rhyme
The whole world ‘round. Now turning closer home,
We want to send a note, an update brief.
Our days are oft routine, and miles we roam
With ET work. It’s presently our chief
Means of support, but goals and interests change.
New plans emerge for life “home on the range.”


We’ve ordered grapes to plant, a tractor’s bought.
Springtime will bring a vineyard to the hill.
We’ll see if all that Larry has been taught
Can transform hobby into a new skill.
Besides our work we took a trip or two.
We went to Wichita for family fun,
A happy gathering of the Headings crew.
Then back in Kansas e’er the year was done,
To play with friends in the AETA,
While getting needed credits for CE.
Two weddings gave us chance to get away
To Texas and New York, more friends to see.
Our family grows and changes. Can it be
That by year-end we numbered twenty-three?

First Fran and Steve: one project for the year
Was finishing their basement, quite a feat
Enabling them to spread some Christmas cheer
By hosting family dinners. That was neat.
Another goal was reached when Steve obtained
A car wash which he tends with obvious care.
Her ER work plus parenting remained
The focus of Fran’s days. No time to spare!
The news from Reuben’s family came in twos
Yes, twins, two precious baby boys arrived.
Emergency C-section we’d not choose
But with thanksgiving we say all have thrived
And are adjusting to a house of boys.
The days are filled with active, joyful noise!

There’s baby news from Scott and Sarah, too.
A son was born December twenty-one.
This little fellow, name of Tyler Drew,
Came just in time to join the Christmas fun.
The economic madness came too near.
Scott lost his job, an unexpected blow.
We pray that new direction becomes clear
For him and several other folks we know.
Son Nathan and his family have returned
To Lancaster. They readily will tell
About their sojourn and the lessons learned.
It’s good to have them back and doing well.

This greeting ends with wishes most sincere
That love, good health and peace will grace your year.

Up next: Comments about books I've read recently . . .