Greetings from Nebraska

I suppose most of you have heard now that I have recently become engaged. I am delighted to announce that on Dec. 27, 2008, Angela Ellis accepted my proposal and we have already selected April 4, 2009 to be married. We are spending much of our free time together making preparations and should be mailing invitations before too long. If I have managed to figure this blog thing out then you will be seeing this message with a picture of the 2 of us taken on the 27th. I am looking forward to seeing those of you that can be in attendance, and all of you getting to meet my sweetheart.

Captain Vincent

Vince has been wanting to get his captain's license for quite some time now so that we would be able to rent a boat and get out on the bay. Like so many things here in GTMO, it all takes T-I-M-E..........

But, it was finally accomplished -- he passed a required test one day and then another day successfully navigated through an orientation of the bay. So, last Friday, we rented a pontoon boat for a whopping $6 an hour and went to Hicacal Beach. This particular beach is mosquito heaven, so we really lathered on the bug spray (which worked!), and then had fun doing some beachcombing.

We look forward to hearing some updates from the rest of the Grove clan -- we are feeling pretty isolated here and always love knowing how things are going with the rest of you!

Happy Birthday

The song went....

Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday to you...
Happy birthday dear grandma...
Happy birthday to you!
Cha cha cha cha cha cha (Eli likes to add extras!)

Happy Birthday Cathy! Happy Anniversary as well to the both of you! The boys were sad that they couldn't actually sing to you, I did assure them I would post this for you to see!

Our prayer for you this year is that your blessings richly abound and you find favor from God! We love and miss you!

Love,
The McGouyrk Clan

Toady at the Villa

In response to Julia's questions about bugs, I think there are some bugs here and there. But when you have a residential bug-eater like this guy, the general population has to be somewhat decimated.

Vince says that Toady realizes that the photo shoot is for the Grove family and that is why he is pooping. (the toad is pooping, not Vince....well, Vince does sometimes, but not here...well, here, but not now....you know what I mean!)

Applesauce, too

I'm so excited that I was able to put up the door trim myself since I got my new mitre box. I also bottled 7 quarts of applesauce with produce that Karen brought me from Crowbar's farm. She also bought me an apple corer and peeler. It is really slick!! (Of course, I had to allow for a learning curve on adjusting the peeler.) Both tools are great -- thank you both very much!

Still no job, but I'm plugging away and exploring different options. I'm eligible for Social Security in Januaary, so that will help. I am getting lots done on the house with the extra time I have! Phase I is almost complete (kitchen, living room and yard). Shel and Matt are coming up in a couple of weeks to help me with the patio area. Phase II is the upstairs bedroom and bath area. At least there are no major expenses there -- just painting and curtains. I'll post some photos soon.

I'll also post some photos of our Alaska trip as soon as I get them titled so I know what the heck I'm sending.

Bobbo and I met Hal and Shel at the annual Apple Fest in Weston, MO yesterday. We had a great time, and the weather was gorgeous. We ended the day listening to a Celtic band named Dogtree -- they were wonderful! (No, Bob and I are not getting back together -- he was a lousy husband, but he's turning out to be a good friend.)

Love you all, MF

Dear V&C,

Just tried to post the previous message to your new blog, but it didn't work. I'll keep working on getting it right. I hope you check the old blog occasionally.

JL

Dear V&C,

Thank you for the update and the beautiful pictures. It sounds as though it will be a nice stay there, with all the kind and welcoming people, and the large lizards to keep you entertained.

Are there bugs there, big bugs? That would be my concern, but now my phobias are peeking out, and they are probably not yours.

I just had an evening of dinner with the neighbors, and a bit of really nice wine.

Russ and Karen called just before the neighbors arrived, and we had a good chat. Apparently they were in Omaha not too long ago, and visited Sandy. They bought her a miter box, which she really likes, and has already framed a door. Russ sounded like he had had a bit of bourbon (imagine). Russ went to see Dad while in Omaha. Karen declined, which I can understand. Russ finally used his birthday gift certificate, and had a massage. Apparently, they have become converts to having massages. Aaah, yes. In my spoiled, middle class American way, I have elevated massages from luxury status to necessity status. There's nothing better after a lot of physical labor.

Matt's still in China, Steve's still in Petaluma, and Rowan is getting cuter.
All the animals are well (my surrogate family).
I'm trying my hand at watercolors now. It's daunting. Not nearly as easy as acrylics.
Work is actually better. I'm not sure why. I'm scared to analyze it for fear that it will change.

Love you,

Julia