…and it feels so good!

A Newsletter for the Awesome AHS Class of ’59 Volume 12, Number 1 – January 2011

 

On Thursday, June 24, 2010, the HomeTown Chapter hosted a leisurely luncheon cruise aboard the “Grand Belle of Geneva” on beautiful Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. The weather was picture-perfect, the luncheon was delicious (especially the apple crunch pie), and the

camaraderie delightful as forty classmates, spouses and friends spent a lovely afternoon together.

The exuberant group consisted of the following:

Al & Jill Purvis Marty & Pam MielkeGary & Nancy (Deming) Snell Dan & Diane RauppFred & Linda Fischer John & Robin KrukJack & Jeanie (Ewert) Miller Egon & Beverly KoselDon & Mary (O’Connell) Olson Marian (Glade) NeumannTom & Carol (Haegele) Thompson

Dan Schmeichel

Ray & Sue (Stevens) Dunn Verne & Shari (Ackerlund) Jobst

Doug Leicht Doug & Anna Marie YatesMarj (Ibbotson) Kelly Pat & Karin CorteenBob & Kathy Wake Dave BurenWilly & Marlene Neurauter Russ JohnsonLynn (Stadell), Smith Patty (Mahler) McDonald

A really big THANK YOU to Tom & Carol (Haegele) Thompson for hosting the fun-filled “After the Cruise Party” at their beautiful summer home in Lake Geneva, where most of us spent several hours imbibing in more food and drink while chatting, laughing and enjoying our fellowship together.

Thanks, Carol & Tom for warmly welcoming us into your lovely home—it was a great day!

 

This great weekend began with a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the Stone Harbor Resort. Our hosts, Ralph & Judy (Eich) Herlache, presented each of us with packets containing maps, brochures, etc., of Door County, along with a cute favor (three red & white paper roses, each with a chocolate kiss inside), which Judy had made for everyone. Donna & Jesse Nehf surprised us with a yummy chocolate cake for dessert, which they had brought in to celebrate the “Man of the Hour,” Bob Curatti, who was celebrating his 70th Birthday. We all sang Happy Birthday to Bob and enjoyed a piece of his birthday cake. The next morning, most of us boarded a trolley for a scenic tour of picturesque Door County. We enjoyed stops along the way at the Simon Creek Winery, the Eagle Bluff Light House, Roadside Markets, lunch at the White Gull Inn Restaurant, shopping, and finally a ride up to Limestone bluffs overlooking panoramic views of the islands and crystal-clear waters. Our jolly tour guide (a friend of Judy & Ralph’s) was very knowledgeable and the weather was perfect—all of the ingredients for a truly lovely day.After the tour, with only an hour or so to rest, we all headed to Egg Harbor for a cocktail party at Mike and Gere Warnecke’s magnificent

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home nestled on an impeccably landscaped 6-acre setting over-looking Green Bay. Their home was beautifully decorated by Gere, who is also a gourmet cook (lucky Mike). The Beverage of your choice and delicious hors d’oeuvres were abundant. The party was co-hosted by Mike & Gere Warnecke and Ken & Judy (Rosa) Hadland. As a special treat, Judy presented each of us with a gift/remembrance, which was a Christmas ornament commemorating Door County. From the Cocktail party, we all headed to The English Inn in Fish Creek for our farewell dinner. A really big THANK YOU to Judy (Eich) Herlache for all her hard work, planning and hosting this fun event—it was “northern” hospitality at its best! GREAT JOB, JUDY! Thanks also to Fred Fischer who helped in the initial planning, but was unable to make the trip. A very special THANK YOU to the Warneckes and Hadlands for co-hosting a most memorable party.

This lively group included:

Bob & Daly Curatti Joe & Lynda (Peterson) SchrockJesse & Donna Nehf Janet (Cloud) VarneyJohn & Robin Kruk Darlene KerrPaul & Jean Syoen Mike & Gere WarneckeMarshall & Carol (Maisel) Crane Ken & Judy (Rosa) HadlandPaul & Shari Peters Russ JohnsonRalph & Judy Herlache Patty (Mahler) McDonaldDoug & Anna Marie Yates

The Colorado chapter got together on August 20 for a wonderful outdoor luncheon at Colterra's, an upscale restaurant known for their fresh farmer market offerings, in Niwot, Colorado, a small and quaint little historic community about 8 miles east of Boulder.

There were 7 people in attendance made up of 3 Colorado classmates, 1 Galena, Illinois classmate, 2 spouses, and the Galena couple's daughter who lives in Niwot.

Back Row L to R: Ken Winge, Sandy (Peterson) Winge, Jiim Timmermann (AHS '58), Roland Kehe Front Row L to R: Kirsten Winge, June (Hall) Timmermann, Janet (Lunsmann) Acker.

It was a beautiful, sunny August day for a charming outdoor luncheon under the shade trees. Many nostalgic stories were shared and enjoyed. Some of us ventured into antique shops, but only Ken Winge purchased an oldie, but goodie.

October 9-16, 2010on RCCL out of Boston, MA

Another great trip! Started out with 25 people, but only 19 made it on board. We lost three couples because of health reasons the day before we boarded (Tom and Marcia (Born) Watts, Dick and Barb (Muhly) Plambeck and Verne

and Shari (Ackerlund) Jobst). All are doing better. Fall colors were behind schedule a bit, but weather was beautiful. Some of us rolled into Boston the day before the cruise and took the Old Town Trolley Tour for almost a day. We actually got to tour Fenway Park and sit on top of the Green Monster. We also walked on the Freedom Trail and saw some of the other historical sites. Next morning, we boarded the ship. The ship, The Jewel of the Seas, is the largest our class has been on (90,090 tons). In fact, it was built in 2004 and is one of the largest ships that can still make it through the Panama Canal. It has a ten-story glass centrum in the middle of the ship—very unique and beautiful. Next morning we docked in Portland, ME. Most of us went on the Highlights and Lighthouses Excursion for a couple hours, or just walked around town. The Portland Head Lighthouse was the highlight at Casco Bay. Later, eleven of us met up with our local classmates, Carol (Volkmann) Bressi and Melissa (Smith) Mercier at DiMillos Floating Restaurant for lunch.

Next morning we arrived in Bar Harbor, ME and were tendered ashore. Most of us took the Best of Bar Harbor Excursion, which stopped at the Thunder Hole and at the summit of Cadillac Mountain. We also stopped at the Oceanarium to learn more about lobster trapping. The island has a lot of barren peaks and granite cliffs from centuries of erosion. It was 1604 when Champlain discovered this island. Then, we stopped at a restaurant for MORE lobster rolls before shopping and headed for St John, New Brunswick. Took various excursions, including the Bay of Fundy, and photographed its spectacular coastline. The tides here are the highest in the world and force r the St. John River to reverse its flow. Twice a day, 100 billion tons of water change direction and flow in, and then out, of the Bay causing the St John River to reverse at high tide.

After three days of cruising, we got our first full day at sea—now time for some bingo, trivia, towel and/or napkin folding, and miniature golf!

Our last stop was Halifax, Nova Scotia. The majority of the group went to Peggy’s Cove (the world’s most photographed fishing village). Visited Fairview Cemetery and learned about Titanic burials there and some of the history of the ill-fated vessel. Also went to Halifax Citadel National Historic Fort and were photographed with a kilted member of the 78th Highland Regiment. Day 7 we were back at sea heading to Boston.

Next trip could be to Bermuda or to the Caribbean. Hope to see YOU on board!

Cruisers Included

Bob & Kathy Wake Bill & Marlene NeurauterDon & Mary (O’Connell) Olson Doug & Anna Marie YatesAlan and Jill Purvis Marj (Ibbotson) KellyTom Stewart & Jeanette Medinas Gary & Nancy (Deming) Snell

Mike Kauffman & Pat Goebel Marian Glade Neumann & Jean

(See more photos on our Website)

“I remember…”Have you said this lately? How about, “When I was young…”? Well, I sure have! Often these words seem to start flowing faster

than oil spilling into the Gulf! Maybe it’s my age (of course it is!), but so often something seems to trigger a memory I really

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want to share, whether with my grandson, friends, daughter or even a stranger when I am trying to explain “how things once were.” I defend this desire to communicate by decreeing this is only natural—face it, we all have done a lot of living; we are history books, old enough to have many, many chapters, yet young enough to keep adding more pages.

However, it has come to my attention that childhood memories should not only be passed along to the younger generations(s). We are missing a lot by not sharing these times with each other, we who can smile, nod our heads, and exclaim, “Yes, I remember that, too! Now let me tell you about the time…”

You know, the Class of ’59 had so much in common--same era, geographical location, school, etc. Yet, even though we grew up in a similar environment, we “saw” things differently. Our activities varied. Friendships and problems were unique. And all this happened in a unique bubble of time—from WWII to the election of JFK (no drugs and little violence, radio, TV, McDonalds, rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis, the initiation of the space program, and ’57 and ’58 Chevy’s!). These were the years that one day others would envy, but never be able to recapture or duplicate. (Continued on Page 3)

Yes, we sure do have a lot to remember and talk about. So why don’t we do just that in our Newsletters?

We actually did some of this when planning for our Reunion, when one of us happily started talking about a youthful adventure and the emails zigzagged back and forth, as we all had something to say about the subject. Some stories made us laugh; others made us recall also doing something just as silly, scary, or perhaps just plain stupid! There are a zillion recollections to be shared, so let’s start writing about them! A paragraph or several—just think of the possibilities! Someday we may even have enough submissions to put together a best-selling book! (Names changed to protect the “innocent” of course!)

All right, now that I have suggested this new project (at the prompting of John Torrens and Patty Mahler, as you all can imagine), I suppose I have to start the ball rolling by giving you a memory of mine….

“It is early June, the last day of the school year, and the time is 11:50. I am sitting, so to speak, in Miss Arnold’s Seventh Grade class at Central School in Mt. Prospect and constantly checking the clock, but the hands still crawl toward dismissal at noon. There is a beckoning breeze coming in the open window, and even Miss Arnold looks through it with longing. She tries to find something for us all to do, so we remove the tattered (and grafittied) paper covers from our rented schoolbooks and pile them up on the back shelf. They will now have three months of rest before getting a new cover eventually splattered with hearts drawn around initials and timeless school wisdom like, 2 good 2 be 4 forgotten. Squirm time spreads faster than the measles, for now with two minutes remaining, all self-discipline evaporates. Everyone is talking and dodging spitballs and flying rubber bands. We are so full of anticipation that, ironically, we end up finding ourselves caught unaware at the loud CLANG-CLANG of the shrill bell in the hall. However, the shock only lasts a millisecond. Grabbing whatever is left of Seventh Grade, we all rush for the door, fly down the stairs and out into the sunshine, hugging each other and dancing around the playground.

I remember those days each and every June, the time when the familiar smell of notebook paper, heady mimeographed tests, stubby pencil erasers and dry ink bottles were exchanged for long, lazy days, chlorined pools and the freedom to make choices, independent of structure. No more getting up early, racing to class, or cramming for tests. Nevertheless, in retrospect, I think summer vacation meant a lot more than having a reprieve from the school bell. That first week in June marked a new milestone. Somehow (usually by the Grace of God) we had passed another grade and been “promoted” to the next phase of growing up. No one had to

bolster our self-esteem or convince us of our worth--we had proved ourselves and now the ultimate prize had been awarded.

Ah, the joy of June! This time of year keeps us children of yesterday as well as adults hopeful for the youngsters of today. Oh, 55 years later the culture is much more complicated than ours was (or seems to be in comparison), but yet, come summer vacation, kids are still kids. They beam at their recent achievements, but are ready and eager to tackle the art of leisure. Reality and the future will come later—in September. But right now, this magical first week of summer, the world is full of promise and life is nothing but good.

For us, too, it was really that simple—remember?”

Okay, NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Send your special childhood memory to Patty (Mahler) McDonald at (213 South Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050) pattymcj@aol.com; or to John Torrens (2958 Middle Two Rock Road, Petaluma, CA 94952) tworockent@aol.com.

DUES RESOLUTION

Happy New Year! Resolutions? Here’s a thought! Why not make paying your Class Dues a resolution for the New Year. In fact, how about doing it right now! What a great time to send inyour check.

At our 40th Reunion, we agreed to a voluntary dues schedule of $10 per year. This was reaffirmed at our 50th, so it’s “official.” We can sure use the money to continue putting out this Newsletter and to maintain our Website, www.arlingtonhigh59.com , so that we can all stay in touch. If you’re a little behind, what a great time to catch up.

Thanks to all for any help you can give, and a special thanks to those who always remember, and sometimes do so with a very generous gift. Send your checks made payable to the AHS Class of ‘59 to our Treasurer, Gary Snell, 604 Can Dota, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056.

We have Memory Books remaining at $37.50 each, which includes cost and mailing. THIS WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE BASIS. Please contact Gary Snell at snell604@wowway.com or call 847-259-2963.

WEBSITE INSIGHT

Visit our website at:www.arlingtonhigh59.com

If you were lucky enough to attend some of our special events last year and have photos you’re willing to share, please mail or email them to our Webmaster, who will scan the photos and return them to you. Reunion & mini-reunion pictures have been posted on our website—please don’t forget to send us yours—and keep smiling!

Willy Neurauter1604 South Meyers Road, Lombard, IL 60148

willy2806-ahs59@yahoo.com

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CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Congratulations to DON & MARY (O’CONNELL) OLSON who were delighted to welcome their new grandson, Owen Patrick Piper, born to their daughter, Liz and her husband, Pat, on August 20, 2010. He’s their first child, but joins five Olson cousins, 3 boys and 2 girls.

IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERSGET WELL WISHES TO:

To our classmate, CAROL (MAISEL) CRANE, who is battling cancer.

Feel better SHARI (ACKERLUND) JOBST! Shari fell down their front porch and hit her shins on the bottem step. Some 70 stitches later they sent her home from the ER. Ouch! Unfortunately, she and Verne had to cancel out on the New England cruise.

Get well to our former classmate VERNON WEIDNER who is battling leukemia.

Get well wishes to Connor Egan the grandson of our classmates, GARY & NANCY (DEMING) SNELL: In June our eight-year old grandson, Connor, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, in his leg. He began chemo treatments early in July and had surgery in September to remove the tumor and fibula bone in his leg. His chemo treatments will continue at least until mid February. At the time of the diagnosis, there was no indication that the cancer had spread, and we're praying that is still the case. Further testing will be done when he completes this chemo cycle in February. We ask for your prayers for Connor, his mom and dad, Heidi and Tim, and the medical staff who guide his treatments and surgeries. Even when life gets tough and seems unfair, we know that God is good and we're thankful for the gift of faith.

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers go out to:

Our deepest sympathy to the family of our classmate and friend, ROBERTA F. “ROBIN” (FONTAINE) BLASIUS formerly of Ransomville, NY. Robin passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in the ElderWood Health Care at Heathwood in Williamsville after a courageous fight with Multiple Sclerosis. Robin was born October 29, 1941 in Evanston, IL, the daughter of the late Robert L. and Alma C. (Clarke) Fontaine. In 1963, she received her B.A. from Ohio University in Athens, OH. Robin had lived in Youngstown, Lewiston, Grand Island and Niagara Falls before coming to Ransomville, NY in 1996. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and had volunteered with the American Red Cross. She is survived by a son, Gary (Heather) Blasius; and a daughter, Pauline (Dan) Robinson, both of Ransomville; a brother, James C. (Pauline) Fontaine of Salt Lake City, Utah; and eight grandchildren.

We were sad to learn that our classmate and friend,CAROL ANN (ROESKE) LOKEN (Glenview, IL) passed away from cancer on November 14, 2009. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Robert Loken; three stepsons; and a sister, Barbara.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of our classmate and friend, KATHY (DAY) SLOTTAG of Lake in The

Hills, IL. Kathy, born on November 16, 1941, passed away on August 9, 2010. On July 18, 1964, she married Harold (Butch) Slottag, AHS Class of ’55. Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Harold (Butch); their children, Vicki (John) Pastryk, Hollie (Russ) Szadowski; and Bill Slottag; her grandchildren, Garrett, Katrina,Nathan and Brooke; her great-grandchildren, McKenzie,Trea and Emma; and her siblings, Barry (Peggy) Day, Toni (Dick) Feasel and Rick (Kay) Peterson. Kathy enjoyed watercolor painting, crocheting, cooking andcanning. Along with other medical conditions, Kathy suffered from pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung) and primary billiary cirrhosis (inflammation of the small bile ducts within the liver). While the last few years have been difficult health wise, Kathy always maintained a wonderful outlook on life and will be greatly missed.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of our classmate and friend, DONALD KAY SLONECKER (Cary, IL). Born January 15, 1942 in Omaha, NE, he died Tuesday, June 8, 2010. Donald was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, who enjoyed camping, woodworking and auto racing. He was a dedicated family man who loved his wife and kids and playing with his grandson and his dog, Briggs. He was dearly loved and will be missed by so many. He is survived by his wife, Beryl; children, Renata L. (Robert) Remington and Chris K. Slonecker; grandson, Benjamin H. Remington; brother, William (Diane) Slonecker; and nieces and nephew, Mellisa Lye, Tina Kruse, Tanya Esmond, Damon Koch and Colleen Techtmann. His parents, Raymond Slonecker and Roxanne Slonecker; and his brother, Robert (Lola) Slonecker, preceded him in death.

Our deepest sympathy to our classmate, TOM LANDMEIER, and family on the death of Tom’s mother, Esther Landmeier (96). Born Nov. 7, 1913, in Arlington Heights, to Rudolph and Martha (nee Garlisch) Kranz, she passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, at Lexington of Schaumburg. Mrs. Landmeier is survived by her son, Thomas (Barbara) Landmeier; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Lois (Joseph) Godlewski. Mrs. Landmeier was preceded in death by her husband, Walter K. Landmeier; her son, John W. Landmeier; and her parents.

Our deepest sympathy to our classmate, RALPH WESTBERG, and family on the death of Ralph’s wife, Pat (Meriwether) Westberg (65). After a year-long battle with cancer, Pat passed away on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at their home in Payson, UT. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, which was helpful in her 23-year teaching career at the high

school level working with handicapped students. She and Ralph were married in 1997. Pat was a tri-athlete and a winner of mini-triathlons. She also loved gardening, yard landscaping and being a Cub Scout leader. Pat leaves behind her husband, Ralph, two children Matthew and Erin, her father Charles, Sr. and seven step-children. She lived a full life and will be greatly missed.

Our deepest sympathy to our classmate, JUDY (SCHMOYER) NORTON and family, on the death of Judy’s mother, Wilma A. Schmoyer (95). Mrs. Schmoyer passed away on October 18, 2010 in Mesa, AZ. Mrs. Schmoyer was born on Christmas Day, 1914 and was married 67 years to her dear late husband, Fritz. Her career was in education, working as a principal in Petoskey, MI, and as an

elementary teacher in Arlington Heights, IL. She was a

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talented pianist, loved cheering for her favorite sports teams, and played a great game of bridge. Her main loves were her home and family. She is survived by her loving daughters, Judy, Kay and Claire; grandchildren, Catherine, Linda, Daniel and Christopher; and great grandchildren, Christopher, April, and Jameson. Her support and love of life will be missed.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of our classmate and friend, GARY JOBST of Anaheim, CA. Gary passed away on November 26, 2010 from complications resulting from his long battle with cancer. Gary and his wife, Kay, had one daughter. He retired after 30 years of active duty as a USUS a Marine. I received the following note from Fred Herdt telling us of his long friendship with Gary: (Continued on Page 5)Gary Jobst and I remained friends for 56 years. He stood up for me when I first got married and I was the Best Man at his wedding twenty years ago. Gary served in the Marine Corp for 30 years and retired as an E-9, which translates to Master Gunnery Sergeant, which is quite an honor. He served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Invasion of Granada. He stood embassy duty in Beirut Lebanon when the Muslims bombed the Marine Corp barracks. Gary was decorated three times for bravery. Most of all, he was the dearest friend I ever had. We laughed in the good times and cried together in bad times. We were always there for each other no matter what and, finally, I never heard him say a bad word about anyone as long as I new him. He loved being a Marine and protecting the country. Semper Fi! Fred Herdt

Because you are my friend, I seeLife in a different way,

And joy I had not hoped to know,Adds sparkle to each day.A long forgotten memory

Arises from the past,Of all we are allowed to keep

And things that never last.

But seasons come and seasons go,And we remain a partOf all the true nobilityWe carry in our heart.

A friend to understand and careThat's how it ought to be,

And so I pray the road you walk...Is wide enough for me.

KEEP THOSE EMAILS, CARDS & LETTERS COMING!We’ve had a great response to our “What’s Up?” column and we would love to hear from YOU. Please send a short note and/or photo letting us know what you’ve been up to lately, and then look for your note in the next Newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for space, taste, and bad jokes. First come, first served, is usually the way it works. Call or send your note to:

Patty (Mahler) McDonald213 South Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050

815-575-1959 or pattymcj@aol.com.

Here’s a note from DICK & BARBARA (MUHLY) PLAMBECK (Chatham, NJ): Last May we attended our granddaughter Emily's Commencement at Southern Connecticut State University where she received her Master's Degree in Library Science. That makes three degrees (two Bachelor's and the Master's) in five years while enrolled in their Honors College. That gives her one more degree than I have. Having her 96-years young great-grandmother (Dick’s mom) there for the festivities made it extra special for all of us. Mom still lives independently in our old house in Arlington Heights and still loves to travel, including Arizona, New Jersey and Alberta, CA so far in 2010.

Master Gardner, KATHY (BERG) CONNOLLY (Lake Orion, MI) sent us this note: I’m finding that a lot of seniors in my area grow crops in pots. Fewer bugs, no weeds, and not too much extra produce to give away. This year I'm doing my Master Gardener volunteer work with the area Farmers' Markets. An excuse to sit down for an afternoon

and a chance to talk with other gardeners. This is a bumper bird year, wood ducks, swans, chickadees and wrens all nesting in the yard—probably a few robins and sparrows too. 

DATE EVENTMarch 17-20 AZ Birthday Celebration

CARDINAL CLASSMATES ’59Maiden/Last Name:

First Name:

Married Name:

Spouse’s Name:

Home Address:

Phone Number: # of Children:Email Address: # of Grandchildren:

Occupation:

Return to: John Torrens2958 Middle Two Rock Road, Petaluma, CA 94952

Tworockent@aol.com or at 707-763-6480

A few months ago, there was an email exchange about Organic Foods between a few of our classmates. Two of our colleagues, Sue (Tabacik) Renaud and John Torrens shared beautiful thoughts, which I found profound and heartrending. Below is a portion of the conversation that they have agreed to let me share with you, which, in my opinion, sums up the spirit of friendship shared by the awesome Class of ‘59:

JOHN: It’s always nice for me when our classmates take the time and the courage to respond from within themselves. I know that is a scary thing to do, but It makes me feel like I know them better each time I hear how they think and what they feel and do about those thoughts.

It has shown me that reuniting is not only about reunions and getting together for a few hours, or days. I feel that by sharing our stories and feelings with each other, we also have reunited in a very real and special and on-going way.

This has added so much to my life and for it and your efforts to share who you are and what you feel with the rest of us, I am most grateful.

SUE: John, I love how you take the time to express what is in your heart, and on your mind. You seem to recognize, more than most, how closeness is not simply a matter of physical proximity, but of the sharing of mind and soul, which knows no time or space.

Relationships formed, and experiences shared, in childhood last a lifetime. No matter how many years pass, renewing one of those friendships, or recalling one of those experiences bridge the gap of days, months and years. We just pick up where we, in a sense, left off. Before us are not graying heads or lines and wrinkles, but

youthful faces, strong agile bodies, and ever curious (and daring) personalities.With these friendships come perpetual childhood, keeping all things possible--while adding the wisdom garnered from the years in-between. We are blessed—all of us—to be able to keep ourselves fully alive and "together" in this way!

I continue to marvel at our classmates! The enormity of intelligence, achievement and fortitude everyone has shown is staggering. Truly, as John stated, much has been added to my life to have you all part of it.

We continue to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and love each other--may it never end!

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May you always have a twinkle in your wrinkle!

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