What a wondrous year I have had.
Last Christmas Eve found us celebrating at my daughter
Pam’s house—the one where I lived and raised my children. Jennifer and her family were in the midst of
moving to New Jersey on that day, so they weren’t with us---
My son-in-law Eric, will take over his father’s
prosthetics/orthotics business. Jennifer
is commuting between NJ and the law firm she is partner with, here in
Southfield, MI. She is an expert on
setting up Non-Profit organizations, so she travels to Washington, DC often and
all over to different States and abroad.
This past September, she was with our Governor and State
representatives on Mackinaw Island. They
have a busy life and so unlike the one she grew up in. Sometimes I wonder if it is all worth it?
To say I miss these 4 Grandchildren, would be an
understatement.
The rest of us were together.
My son Mark in the front, his wife Cindy; back left, my
Karen, Pam and Karen’s husband Mark.
I also acquired a new grandson—to my right, Mike, husband
to Helene, holding their dog, Marcus, Susanna, Stephen and Madeleine.
In June, grandson Stephen, graduated from Michigan State
with a degree in Physiology. He had his
“white coat” ceremony and started medical school in August. Madeleine, far right, is studying to be a
nurse. The first medical people we have
ever had in our family
Another first, on my daughter Karen’s birthday, October
24th, she became a grandma for the first time and I became a great grandma.
Four generations
Grand daughter Helene Mary, Karen Helene and precious 11
day old Della Helene.
She was named after my mother’s middle name, Della and my
grandmother Helene, and her momma and grandma.
My sister Susan and her husband enjoy living in our
ancestor’s home they renovated, and are enjoying their retirement. I am so happy to have them close.
Yes—she is a
Mini-Me. We look a lot alike.
I have been truly blessed this past year. A friend designs and sells patterns for
knitted and crocheted items. She sends me
the design pattern and I work it up to make sure the pattern is correct. She pays me for sitting in front of the TV
and knitting and crocheting. Who can
beat that kind of job?
I also started doing genealogy research for clients. When I am finished with all the research and
everything I can find about their ancestor’s, I write it up in book form, with
photos, census reports, marriage licenses, whatever I can find. I have become quite obsessed with doing
genealogy. So, if you want your genealogy traced, just let me know. I do a great job!! J
This added income has enabled me to get most of the
interior of this place painted, along with new carpeting and furniture for the
living room and, something I have wanted for years and years, a
“fireplace”. Yes—it is electric, but it
does have a heater inside. I usually
only use the flame setting for ambiance on a cool evening.
The fur kids, Buddy and Maggie seem to
enjoy it a lot.
Thankfully, we are all fine, healthy and happy. My last doctor visit revealed I have “the
blood work of a 50 year old,” which is great.
However doctor had no ideas on how to “cure” the pain of arthritis,
tinnitus ringing in my ears and sometimes, dizzy spells from my meds. HAH!!
So, in this joyous season, I pray God has blessed you and
will continue to bless all of us in the new year.
And
Love—Jude
