October 2005
WE HAVE MOVED OUR SITE--PLEASE GO TO www.santacharlie.com
CHARLIE AND PAM
Charlie has been busy throwing his paper routes and doing some part-time work at the church headquarters (switchboard and guiding).
However, the first weekend of November he puts on his alter ego and begins his Santa Claus work out at the mall. So...better be good!
Pam is still working on Spanish--had an opportunity to try some of it out during a "summit" at work, and discovered she was actually able to communicate and understand some things that were said.
In October they spent some time in Vermont at the Reed Organ Society (pump organ) gathering. This group gets together every couple of years or so, and this year the gathering was in Brattleboro, the home of the Estey organ manufacturers. Lots of fun visiting with old friends, making new ones, touring the countryside... but not seeing much beautiful foliage until they were on their way home. Summer had been too dry--but it made up for it during the event! Lots of rain and flooding, but they still had a good time.
JOHN AND AVIS
John and Avis have finished their new house and moved in. They think they've found all their boxes and are getting everything organized.
Avis has a promotion from work--now in charge of the bakery. She's enjoying that, especially being able to spend her days out of the freezer!
STEVEN
Steven survived his basic training and is now undergoing some additional training. He's hoping maybe to have an opportunity to take some jump training, but we're not sure if that's going to work out or not.
He was home for a very brief visit after his basic training and is hoping to get back for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas.
IMOGENE
Imogene is continuing to do well. Her last few blood counts have been indicating that her current medication is working, so that's been good news.
Mark is still job hunting. He and Charlie had been throwing paper routes, and Mark has currently taken them over while he's still looking. He's gotten close, but no offers yet. So...
Alita is still at H&H and enjoying the work. She had a temporary break in the amount of work after Hurricane Katrina, since a number of their customers are from that area.
They've moved to a different duplex--one that is in the Independence School District (their old one was in the Kansas City District).
DAVID
David is thoroughly enjoying school, and doing well. Unlike his father, his report card has indicated that he does well in spelling! But like his dad, he also enjoys reading.
He's become quite interested in swimming as well--taking a couple of different sets of lessons through the city.
DV AND HELEN
DV is finally slowing down--might seem appropriate at his age, but it's been somewhat frustrating for him. He still enjoys using the computer to keep in touch with family and friends--and sure is able to come up with some cute e-mails!
Helen still comes into the church headquarters to chaplain--in between all their doctor visits! They sometimes wonder what they did with their time before they got so well acquainted with their doctors.