Hope the holidays are finding you well and prospering! We have had a relatively quiet year with only a little travel. But we are doing great and staying very active.

In May we went to Charlottesville, VA to watch our eldest granddaughter, Cate, graduate from UVA. Cate was one of the few to receive her diploma in a ceremony in the famous Rotunda! She celebrated with a memorable trip to Japan and Thailand with a classmate. Grandson Will graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (high school program) on the same day as Cate. So, son-in-law Brent left the UVA graduation to drive 3 hours one way and attend Will’s graduation. Then they returned to UVA that evening to join in the rest of the festivities!

In September, Cathy and I flew up to Nova Scotia for a week of travel. It was our first trip to visit the Maritimes, and we found lots of great food and friendly people. A highlight was a visit to the Bay of Fundy where the largest tides in the world occur. These tides average about 48 feet between high and low every day! We cannot imagine how difficult it is to boat in that area! We enjoyed some wonderful Celtic music in Cape Breton, along with scenic views of their very rugged coastline.

Our twin grandsons are now freshmen in college. Will is continuing to pursue an acting career and is attending the University of Southern California with 17 other entering students in the Film Drama program. He is learning a lot and having a wonderful time. Sam is now at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with his two sisters. Paige is in the Business program as a junior and will be in Italy for her Spring semester. Cate started her first year at UNC Medical School! Sam is adjusting well to college life and was accepted into Beta Theta Pi fraternity and has found many new friends. He is working to get into the Business Program. Liz and Brent are thrilled to have 3 of their children at UNC, only an hour and a half away!

Sadly, our beautiful granddog, Bear, passed away at age 11--just after the kids were getting back to school. He was a great dog and will be truly missed!

Cathy and I get to the gym frequently and powerwalk on other days! I’m playing golf 3 days a week with my friends and Cathy is active in church and visits elderly people most every week.

We just had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our daughter’s family in Charlotte, and we’ll be back there for Christmas. We wish you and your family peace and joy this Christmas season.

Cathy and Brooke