Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for. Life is so good. Ron is doing very well. He is working again pretty steadily with lots of jobs coming from a special decorator shop and long time clients. He enjoys his work and would not want to be completely retired, although weekends off would be a desired future goal!

He was off from work for exactly 4 weeks. His left arm is still affected from the surgery so it slows down his work and therefore he is a little behind. He should be caught up after Thanksgiving – and we look forward to taking some days to play.

I have joined a wonderful community center which was just completed last year in Salem. It has so many wonderful things to take advantage of. Cynthia described it in a recent blog – dated Nov. 11 - since Mike joined as well and he and I go to Water Aerobics at least twice a week. It is so much fun. There is a wonderful warm leisure pool and the Olympic size pool where our classes are usually held. It is a little hard getting into that cold water but I sure feel good after a work out!

In my spare time I have started working on my fictional biographical book, "The House". It is the story of the people who have lived here in our house – as told by the "House". Many people have come and gone over the last 35 years – people who brought their own energy and intentions. The House tells the stories of these people and their personal growth over lessons learned and battles lost. I am having lots of fun with it – and am at 45 pages and over 25,000 words now. It is a good pass time to test my writing skills, and will make interesting reading for those who shared the space under this roof!

Our four teenagers have all grown up! The oldest two are 50 now and the youngest two are 47 and 48. They all have happy successful lives, and we are particularly thankful for Diana's treatment and recovery from breast cancer. We have 4 great grandchildren. Kaylee May Laramore (Jesse's oldest child) takes dance lessons – and is really adorable. Wish we were closer to see her perform. The second child is Landon – who looks just like Jesse at his age – curly hair and all. The youngest born son is Kaeden born August 26th at 10 pounds 12 ounces and 25 " long. We haven't met him yet. Joshua's first born is Isaiah born in April of 2007.


Landon, Kaeden, Kaylee


Landon



Josh and Isiah

This Thanks Giving we will entertain Eli (our adopted son) and Tim and Marilyn. Our house requires small crowds now that we have remodeled and rented out the Studio Apartment downstairs. We love our tenants – as you can tell. Life couldn't be better, unless of course Ron would win the lottery! We expect that to happen any day! (Ha



Marilyn & Tim
Happy Thanks Giving to all of you Americans – and Happy Holidays to our friends abroad! It is a wonderful time of year! Count your blessings and choose to be happy every moment. We love you!

Ron & Betty

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I so look forward to reading your book about the house. I have many wonderful memories of living there with you! Great pictures. I sure miss you all. Love Maria

Ron and Betty said...

Thanks for reading my Blog Maria - you and Cynthia are the only ones who do - but I am having fun writing it occasionally anyway. Hope all is well with you and kids.
Love Betty

Mike Nickell and Cynthia Johnson said...

Oh Betty - many more people read your blog. All you lurkers out there...leave Betty a comment!!

And we also have so much to be thankful for. The last couple of years have been a whirlwind. We're so glad we landed at your house!