New Year 2014 (from Clellie)

Another year has come and gone.  I spent two months of the spring in the hospital.  I managed to work hard and get my strength back.  I’ve got 83 years behind me.

Bryan and Danielle had a beautiful outdoor wedding at Bethel Farms, where Bryan works.  Timmy, Jim, Jennifer and Blaine were in the wedding party.  Ellie and Lexie were the flower girls and were so cute.  Bryan and Danielle bought a nice house on two wooded acres in Arcadia.

Dave sold his house and bought a house on Venice Island, a few blocks from the beach.  He did a complete remodeling job and put in a pool.  He gave his refrigerator, washer and dryer to Bryan.  They were in good shape. Dave just wanted new ones.

Simon James Thawley was born April 22. His parents are Matt and Christy and grandparents are Tom and Sandy. Sandy and Tom came to visit in July. Michael, Kathrin, and Jennifer have all visited. Brother Gus came in August and in November.

Joan did her 60 mile walk for 3 days in Tampa for cancer. Zach is now 16 and Joan is happy that he can drive and do some of the errands. Amy had her 14th birthday and had 20 girls over for the evening with 9 of them spending the night.

Kim and Tony are proud. Elspeth, our drama actress. competed against 16 schools. She did a monologue and placed Superior, which pays her way to the State Convention. Her part time job at Cold Stone Ice Creamery gave her a plaque for customer service employee of the year. Emily has a part time job at Chick-Filet and got 3 promotions and 2 raises in 3 months and is now a trainer for new employees. Luke is growing fast and doing well in school. He recently won his spelling bee.

Tod, Billy, and Jessie are doing fine. Tod gave a sermon on Charity and sang a solo at church. Tod takes me to the Brew Crew every Wednesday for coffee with friends.

Tim and Pat are staying very busy with Jim & Jen's kids, Ellie (4) and Aubrey (1). Timmy's daughter, Lexie (3) stays every other weekend. They get to see Blaine regular. Blaine is in the 6th grade and still makes straight A's. They feel truly blessed to have their children and four grandchildren close by.

The family continues to be busy, but they still have time to come and help me as well take me to dinner once in a while. Dave took me shopping one day and then came and wrapped all the Christmas presents. I am lucky he moved to Florida when he retired a few years ago.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love,

          Clellie