It's another world!

Twenty years of marraige to this guy earned me the opportunity to travel all the way to China! We had a great time exploring another world Thanks to all those individuals involved in keeping the household running efficiently while we were away!! Hopefully you're none the worse for wear! A few random observations on the country: The airports, roads, and buildings are engineering marvels. It's a world where the old and the new are literally side by side...vast skyscapers along a six lane parkway with sculpted plants in the median are the backdrop for the Chinese farmer in his straw hat pedalling his tricycle loaded with hundreds of pounds of lettuce he his taking to market....bamboo scaffolding is used when building the newest builings...bikes and baskets are parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot, not cars. The term "Foot Massage" has a whole new meaning for me, if only I could franchise it! The arts and crafts passed down for generations like brick carving & silk needlepointing are becoming extinct as the new generation heads off for University rather apprenticing the masters. A meal is not a meal unless it has a minimum of TEN courses all served in the original baking dishes placed on a huge lazy susan and you're served by the person on your right! Speaking of food-let's just say that no part of the creature goes to waste! A few more photos.... Dongguan's ""Lovely Park", Hong Kong's incredible architecture, and last but not least, the North Pole! If you ever have a chance to take a trip outside your "comfort zone", we recommend it!!

Scuba Diver Extraordinare

Happy 56th anniversary to Grandma & Grandpa! Wow! Congrats!

Who's the mystery diver?
That's right....Eric! Hew's now a PADI Scuba Diver! He worked hard and completed the course with Taskmaster-Divemaster Smith leading the way. Thank you JR! Mom worked hard too, so watch out for the diving duo during the next warm weather vacation spot! As an added bonus... Shortwave now has her own "cleaning crew!"

And life goes on....

With the pet woes aside, Summer 2006 has had many memorable moments! Eric's "Bluejays" won their tournament, Sarah learned to drive the family vehicle, new friendships were forged and exist in a whole other hemisphere, old friendships were strengthened while trapsing around Italy, a fun trip to Wrigley Field was had, two new kittens were added to the barn, and of course, visits with various family members rounded out the summer. Now with only a few days before the start of school, we are checking off those last few empty boxes on our to do list. Here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure.
A lovely Venetian day &
Anna with her kitten Snickers

Iron Cross 1995-2006

June 30, 2006 Felix was laid to rest.
We will remember him always as a great horse
with a big heart...a true friend.

Iron Cross aka Felix Update

Just a note for those of you following the progress of this magnificent animal. He seems to be moving more slowly over the last few weeks. I had the vet out to do a rescope and general update. He said while the pharynx hasnt gotten worse - 20% of normal diameter, the palette is having trouble moving, letting food be diverted in the pharynx rather than just the esophagus. All this would make Felix frustrated, but not in pain. He coughs when all this is happening. With all this in mind, we feel it is time for us to let him go. Sarah had a great "last ride" with Patty for old times sake. God certainly blessed us with a beautiful day, and both Sarh and Felix enjoyed themselves. Felix has been a great horse with a big heart, taking both Sarah and me everywhere we would have wanted to go on horseback!