Lane! It's Here!

I thought I'd better let Lane know that I picked our first of this spring's asparagus -- just four stalks, but they'll start producing pretty quickly, especially if we happen to get any rain. You better plan a trip to come see us, Lane, so you can eat some of the asparagus!

The Shumard-Wiles Gang

We had a very special trip to Grand Junction this past week to remember and celebrate Uncle Wes Shumard's life. It was a blessing to connect with these dear cousins and share memories and laughter and tears.

The Wiles and Shumard cousins: Bob, Joann, and Larry standing behind Rita, Dorie, and Julie.

The gang all gathered on Sunday evening at Gary and Dorie's home:

Standing -- Dick Gimple, Rita (Shumard) Campbell, Joann (Wiles) Gimple, Julie (Shumard) Campbell, Bob Wiles, Ann Wiles, Gary Alstatt, Dorie (Shumard) Alstatt, Larry Wiles, and Kevin (Rita's stepson).

Seated -- Cheryl Alstatt, Earl and Lois Wiles, Megan and Aiden Alstatt (Jason's wife and son).

The Shumard clan: Gary, Cheryl with Aiden, Jason, Dorie, Kevin, Julie, and Rita.

Who's next?

The Berning family stopped by Saturday afternoon for a visit, and that was really a treat!

Now who'll be next to come to our "neck of the woods"? We'd love to have every one of you!

Way Too Long!

Time to update all of you on the happenings around here since it's been a month. Where did January go?!

A chunk out of the middle of the month for me was consumed by helping Dick's mom as she went through surgery for breast cancer. At 80 years old, we weren't sure what to expect as far as recovery, but she did great. We brought her here to our home for about a week-and-a-half right after her dismissal from the hospital, and she and I had a good time together as the days went by and she was doing so well. We're thankful that the surgery was right for her. Mom and I will go to visit with an oncologist this next Tuesday and consider what he might recommend (if anything). Pray for us to listen well to what's said, for her to know what she should do, and for us to wholeheartedly support her in whatever decision she makes.

Dick's traveled twice in January. The first time was to Atlanta for an unexpected visit to a company there. The second time has been to Montreal, Canada -- he'll return late tonight from that trip. He has said it was very, very cold up there, so I think he'll be glad to get back and enjoy our unusual Feb. upper 60s tomorrow. However, the wind may blow him away -- awfully windy today and supposed to be tomorrow as well.

It's always delightful to hear what's going on with all of you, so keep up the good communications! Larry, we're all watching and waiting to see the Model T come together for you; thanks so much for sharing your progress with us.

Sure Is Quiet Around Here

The tree and decorations have been put away. The family has all returned to their homes. The friends have come and gone. The 30-or-so church friends came and played cards, snacked, laughed, greeted the New Year, and then left. We've made three day-trips for wonderful times with family and have made two airport runs to collect and return travelers. The dishes are done, the furniture has all been returned to its places, and the towels and sheets are washed and put away. It sure is quiet around here. Okay -- so which ones of you are going to make your way here next? We're ready!

Kansas Christmas Greetings

This is a special greeting to the New Mexico family from the Kansas family. We love you guys and missed you at this side of the family gathering!

How am I supposed to get any work done???

I've seen downy woodpeckers (like this one), flickers, nuthatches, brilliant cardinals, chubby juncos...right outside my office window this morning, sitting in the frosted redbud tree, eating at the suet feeder, flying about distracting me lots. I'm not getting much work done!