In early December we joined with four family from “Lancaster” for what has become our traditional meal to celebrate Christmas. It’s been quite a while since we’ve been together and it was nice to do some catching up. Attendees were: Mrs. Gerrie and her Mom Mary (me of course), Elizabeth and her daughters; Paulette and Lisa. Also present were Paulette’s children, Brooke (with her friend Lee), and Jacob with his friend Mallory, Lisa and son Derek. Everyone seemed healthy and somewhat happy and we had a nice visit. I took some time to talk with the kids about their world and what plans they have for the new year. Lisa says that she and Derek are moving from the family home early in the new year and thinking of a new place in the vicinity of Pataskala. Paulette, Rick and their two children are also leaving the “nest” to move to the Circleville area nearer to where Paulette works. From what I hear Elizabeth says the family house will put up for sale when all the kids have moved and she will remain there until it sells.

The three cookie bakers

Those who read our monthly letters will know that each year we observe a tradition called "The Great Cookie Bake". All that means is that everyone in the family gathers here and for one day bake cookies till they come out our ears.

We all have our favorites, of course, but each year the crafty bakers try some new stuff just to make things interesting. Everyone gets into the act with the exception of Pa Paw and Dee Dee. We just sample whatever wine that happens to be open and watch football.

This year both Brian and Kristin are watching their weight and for the most part most of the cookies were left here when the day was over. I guess they weren't watching Pa Paw's weight and that means extra pounds for me. I've also been working on weight loss and having all those yummie cookies around hasn't helped one bit since my discipline tends to slip a bit every time I see a cookie. ….and they were very good…………...all of 'em.

Bob in the hospital

We arrived there in good time and it only took a few minutes before the hospital staff administered oxygen and began some mega doses of a diuretic. Things did improve quickly but we knew that even with the improvment it was likely that they would admit him for further tests and observation. Our fears came true and they did keep him for the next three days. He did have one or two more spells of shortness of breath during the stay, but they said that there was not much more they could do for him. They did order oxygen to be placed at his home and will get him some physical therapy to assist with his balance.

As we write this letter (01/03) he seems much improved and actually went back his job at the Diamond Cellar today.

Jacob ripping presents open	Shrey and Jacob

Needless to say that Jacob was thrilled with the presents that were left for him. An air hockey table and, some electronic do-dads, movie and other stuff. Funny how I remember that all I used to get was underwear. Oh yes, I think he got some of that too.

Great Grandmother Mary sat on the couch taking her usual nap with the cat while we photographed the two. (see below - another tradition around here). We all had a present or two to open from our stocking. For the most part we have given up exchanging presents with the adults. Oh yes, I do remember now, this year we are all going on a family cruise. That’s our gift to each other.

Jacob’s best friend, Shrey came over in short order to share his gifts and see what Santa left for Jake. They play well together for hours and hours and hours. Needless to say we saw very little of either of them after that.

Greg and his bum finger

They patched him up just fine even though it took several hours. One doctor showed up and did plastic surgery on the finger before they released him. This just happened to be the same doctor that did back surgery on Greg when he was in high school. To top that off he remembered Greg and the surgery without being reminded. That guy must walk on water.

The photo was take a few days after the accident. We’re happy to report that he is progressing nicely and we’re hoping that the nail on that finger will grow back in well. He did cut in enough to hit the bone on that finger, so it was quite serious.

The birthday kids	The most observant child with helper

but it's funny how neither of them picked up on my attempt at humor. None the less they are still quite capable of blowing out the candles on the cake. Oh yes, I forgot there wasn't a cake but they did handle the job very well.

You’ll recall from earlier in this letter we spoke about Dee Dee (Bob) being hospitalized. That caused us to put off our traditional find the “pickle” on the Christmas tree. This was the first time we were all back together since Christmas Eve and we opted to have Pa Paw hide the pickle on the tree before the tree disintegrated. Let me tell you, it wasn’t a moment too soon either.

After searching for a suitable place on the tree, Pa Paw hid the ornament, then made a gun sound to alert the “kids” (we use that term loosely around here) that the hunt should begun. This is one activity in which all the “kids” participate. Jacob led the way as they spread out to find the best spot to search. Search they did, and searched and searched, but no one found it.

At some point there was some question if Pa Paw had tricked them and not put it on the tree at all. (I can't believe anyone would question my honesty in such things). After some reassurance that the ornament was indeed on the tree, they began searching once again.

Perhaps it was the multitude of hints or just sheer luck, but suddenly Jacob spotted it and was designated "the most observant child". Others were disappointed I'm sure, but there can only be one "most" observant. For his efforts he was awarded a special prize and he picked his dad to be his "side kick". Greg was also awarded a price for helping.

Lynn & Glen Pete & Jean

Aunt Nevada

Jerry has two first cousins who live nearby and we hadn’t had contact with either of them in quite some time. We hoped that we could spend time with both of them but didn’t know if that would work out or not. The motel we selected is only a 30 mile drive from Biloxi. We made reservations in advance (not something we always do).

Our plane was scheduled to arrive at 10PM and we didn’t want to be driving half the night to find a good place to stay. That all worked well.

Our check in didn’t go without incident but for the most part we got a good room, which, as it turned out, was an upgrade from what we reserved.

After breakfast the next morning we phoned cousin and found them available so we drove north about 40 miles to Lucedale, Mississippi where both the Harvisons (Lynn and Glen) and Aunt Nevada live. I might not have mentioned that Nevada Holland is the last person living of my Father’s or Mother’s generation.

We arrived and found the Harvison house and after settling down spent a great time visiting. Since we have seen little of each other over our lifetimes Jerry and Lynn had lots of stories to swap. Of course, family history was a large part of the conversation. Mr. Jerry is very anxious to gather as much information as possible about that side of the family.

After lunch Lynn accompanied us to the assisted living facility where Aunt Nevada is now a resident. We found the home very nice, secluded, extremely clean, and modern. Actually there are only two ladies staying there at this time. The facility has not been open for business very long and likely when the word gets out they will have many more customers.

We found Nevada to be in good spirits and wheelchair bound. She speaks in little more than a whisper. It’s not clear why she speaks at that level. We were warned before we arrived that she has trouble remembering people from time to time but she had no trouble knowing who we were. The visit went very well but I, for one, had a great deal of difficult hearing and focusing my attention on her with all the other conversation going on in the room at the time. Given that the visit was a bit hurried and there was so much commotion we felt that we needed to get back there again before we left the area.

The next day we spent with our cousin Pete and his wife Jean in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Pete is retired from several occupations. First of all he operated heavy machinery at the ship yard locally, plus he worked in building trades over the years. More recently he is acting a bit more like a retired person.

On our last day, our flight was scheduled for late that evening so, we headed back to Lucedale for one more visit with Aunt Nevada. This time it was much better and there were fewer people there to add to the distractions.

It was during this trip that we learned our Aunt suffered a bout with breast cancer earlier in this year and with some surgery and other treatments it is in remission. She did not mention the cancer or surgery during either of our visits and appeared in good health. The only complaint we heard was that she couldn’t walk on her own and is not independent as she would like to be. That seems very understandable to us.

We do extend our best wishes to all of you who read our NewsLetters. We wish to thank you for taking time to keep up with our world. Hopefully you found something of interest in what we wrote for last year, and if it was interesting perhaps it was entertaining.

Do take good care and we extend our best wishes for your good health and peace of mind. The riches you gain are up to you.