Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 the rest of the Story

Yesterday I spent most of the effort on our trip around the USA  in 2013, since it was a highlight and probably our last effort of a real long RV trip.  I have to keep in mind my travel partner is gaining some age. Winking smile
Luke 2013b
So we are still basking in family fun with our sons and the rest of the family.  I kid everyone about scheduling their lives around ours, but we know they have their own plans. LUKE VEGAS our youngest Grandson graduated from High School and entered College.
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This year we saw a romance bloom and come to fruition in a beautiful wedding.  We gladly accepted Megan into our family as a full member.  What a joy she is with that lovely smile.  We enjoyed seeing her family again.
final coverfinally love
This was the year of my most successful book so far, ‘Finally Love’. Thanks in part to Bonnie Knox as a great friend and proof reader.
scans GITMO 018
(Me, Pam,jason (Gillian’s feet) & Kim and they left Gitmo)
No year goes by without some negatives. We learned of the passing of a good friend from GITMO. Kim Farr, the only Ivy League Grad (Princeton) I have ever known personally. Fair winds and following seas my friend. C.H. Matthews (early pastor & Missionary) is still in critical condition but good spirits, from a stroke.
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Oh and there is Vickie (Niece) who did so much to arrange a very successful benefit for Megan Helms, she endured a surgery that was successful.  Surgery seems to be prominent now a days. Dan up in Lancaster, PA got two new knees, and doing well. Doug, Don & Evelyn’s son,  who happened to share a first grade with our son Jack jr., is  recovering from a successful major surgery. Don & Evelyn’s motor home is beside us here in Florida and they are home for the surgery and Christmas. Our prayers for those in need of them.
Flavous and Virginia 003
Also had the distinct pleasure of having dinner with Flavius and Virginia friends from our USAF days. They were a joy to be around and reminisce. We discussed and thought about our mutual friends, Fred, Frances, George, Donna, and the Matthews.
Conrad folks at the party22
We had a special treat, joining the Conrad group twice in one year. It is also a thrill here in Florida to see Wayne and Juanita Carter, also a former pastor.
Home and Stella 064Home and Stella 068
I am sure I have missed something in this full year. We all have those special times.  We have enjoyed all of our family, but Sherece, being the only Granddaughter, is the  mother of the youngest of our group  Stella, are special.
LAST DAY IN UTAH 006
Woodshed and family 017
To TOP a year’s special sundae, with a cherry, one of our favorite people, Jennifer A. (the nurse who wears the button that says, “I am the mean Nurse”, which ain’t true BTW), has agreed to become our Granddaughter. Stephen has asked her to marry him and she said yes ( as I reported earlier). We love this couple and wish them the best FOREVER!
 Last but not the least of our family is Sister Shirl.  She has been my biggest supporter as a writer and traveler.  She and I are the only remaining siblings of the Rev & Mrs. B F Darnell. She helped launch the new book "Forever Love" at the Garibaldi Fest and gave me fodder for the BLOG from her work at the Historical House.  Me 'n U babe.
We are expecting wonderful things from you 2014, and I am sure you will not disappoint us.
I say this in all humility, God has been better to us than anyone.
Nite shipslog
PS:Closing out a good year, and like ‘ MA’, http://onyama.blogspot.com/
opening another book. Blank ready to write.
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Friend Louis, told me of seeing a new ‘57 Ford in ‘57. and the excitement it caused.  There was a time that New Cars were the highlight of a year:
1941_Ford_Tudor-green
Another Bath tub, the ‘41 Ford

12 comments:

Paula said...

Nice entry! You have a good memory. Wishing you and Sherry a very good New Year.

Jean said...

Wishing you and Sherry a Happy New Year! Thanks to you for taking us all with you on your trips around the US. Maybe not in person, but with many great pictures. I'm sure the New Year will be just as great.

TARYTERRE said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2014 be a healthy and happy year for you.

Jackie said...

You have had a full year...filled with memories. Thank you for sharing your year with us.
Happy New Year, my friend.
Jackie

betty said...

I love how you did your last 2 blog entries, Jack, summing up 2013. It was nice to read of the accomplishments of your grands and the anticipated of an upcoming wedding whenever it may be! Happy New Year to you and Sherry! May it be a great fantastic year filled with more wonderful memories!

betty

Melanie said...

Hope 2014 is better than the last for all of us!

Hope you have a wonderful new year!

I love you both!
Have a blessed New year!

Melanie

shirl72 said...

Well we are the two left in the
family. Enjoyed reading about you getting to see old friends. 2014
is getting close..I didn't like
writing 2013 so will be glad to write 2014, but it makes me one year older. HAPPY NEW YEAR

Louis la Vache said...

What a nice recap of the year you've posted, Jack!

After the e-mail exchange where you and «Louis» have been talking about the excitement new cars used to cause - he remembered how in the '50s, the car dealers in his home town of Lubbock, Texas would coordinate and have a city-wide open house for the new car introduction. The dealerships would stay open late; there were searchlights lighting up the sky; the dealers served coffee, punch, doughnuts, popcorn, etc. It was a BIG deal and the whole town, it seemed, turned out.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Thank you! Yes it is wonderful to be starting a new book with blank pages to fill in. Every ending is a new beginning. This past year was just wonderful for the two of you and I'm sure we'll both be sharing lots more in 2014. Happy New Year !

~mel said...

Happy New Year Jack and Sherry! I'm so glad I got to meet you both in person :) I love you and think of you always in all your travels and reminiscing. Some day I hope to scrounge up a few extra bucks and purchase your book.
Also Jack,(you old codger) don't forget what month it is???? S o m e b o d y is getting older than dirt. LOL Love me!!!

Mevely317 said...

What enjoyable posts, these recaps in the rear-view!
Lots of love on those faces, and much to anticipate!

Happy New Year, Jack and Sherry!

Huggers,
Myra

Chatty Crone said...

I have to say that he looks like Sherry.