December 2007
“What do you do all day?” That’s the big question people ask. “Anything we want . . . or nothing, if we want.” That’s our answer!
At the risk of gloating, we’re enjoying retirement. We’re learning a few things about gardening, taking house tours, learning country line dance, hosting bunco and Mah Jongg parties and learning some interesting curses from the golfers that play through. The Blakely Court July 4th block party was a huge success thanks to hosts Bill and Trish Lemmon and everyone’s delicious food and drinks. Looks like it will become an annual event. Despite the ongoing drought, things are still beautiful here. After all, who can argue with wearing shorts and t-shirts in November?
Vacationing at “off peak” times is a real luxury. In August we attended a conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with Neil and Cathy, Don and Terry. What a glorious place to visit! We spent days touring the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone - so beautiful - impressive wild life, shopping for local crafts, rodeos and cowboys, wild game for dinner, vivid opal pools, sulfurous hot springs. Except for the stomach-turning, over-the-edge-of-the-cliff mountain climbs, the week was perfect. In September we were lucky to be able to spend a week at a friend’s 
Nantucket house. The crowds were gone and the summer warmth lingered to give us another wonderful vacation week. The mild weather lasted through two weeks at our camp in Maine . . . lobster and fall colors and a pleasant stay with Terry and Don. The old place will be getting some sprucing up next year, to make it more “visitor friendly”. By the time you read this we will have returned from a week in Asheville, NC, touring the Biltmore Estate, enjoying the Smokies and checking out indigenous crafts. To see the photos from our travels and some family shots, go to our Flickr page.
We still see the kids now and then. We head back to Chappaqua, still our official home, but usually for a short layover, where we get to say ‘hi’ as the “twenty-somethings” cycle through. Kate is still doing graphic design. In her free time she is making and showing jewelry [See Kate's work at http://katecojewelry.com/ and http://www.katestudio.net/], running a freelance design business, volunteering at church and investigating buying a house. We’re quite proud of her drive and determination and the success they’re bringing. A bumpy employment year for Rob finds him in the job hunt again. He’s still making baseball bats in the basement and hoping for that big break. Check out his site at www.yarddogbats.com. He and Adam are still having a blast anchoring the infield in the men’s summer softball league. Adam is in his last year at Hofstra with student teaching coming up. The big news (read that as “surprise!”) was his new boxer puppy, Mason. He’s cute, but getting LARGE!
This year consisted of fun and travel, but also some sad moments. In March, just short of her 87th birthday, Dy’s Mom contracted pneumonia and, after a short hospital stay, suffered a fatal heart attack. She was given a warm, heartfelt sendoff by her long-time church friends. Thanks to everyone for your support.
If you're ever thinking of a trip to NC, stop by! The welcome mat is always out.
Wishing you all a blessed holiday and a safe and healthy new year.
Pray for peace.
Diana & Bob
“What do you do all day?” That’s the big question people ask. “Anything we want . . . or nothing, if we want.” That’s our answer! 
