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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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:

Another Bath tub, the ‘41 Ford