Week 948-958 - We'll be Home for Christmas 2024 - 12-25-2024

We''ll be Home for Christmas 2024

"If only in our dreams!"

As we warned, we would only write if there was something worthwhile.

1) Here we are 50 years ago at our wedding in San Luis Obispo, California. Left to right are Donna, Debbie, Stephanie, the Beautiful Bride, Loving Husband, Tom, Dan and Roger.

Pete has kept in touch with Tom frequently and with Roger, calling him every year on his birthday. Haven't had Dan's phone number for years.

2) Roger passed away this year and his Celebration of Life was in SLO. We drove our car the 700 miles to be there; Roger would do the same for us. We stopped over at Tom and Sue's house on the way. Tom and Sue have also been married 50 years. The celebration was at a ranch in SLO. Roger was a master BBQer and had many get togethers on this ranch.

Hundreds came to be with Maureen, his wife of 48 years. Why would we present a photo of the meal? It was probably Roger's 1,000th BBQ and it was fantastic.

Once again, wanting to check on Dan, Pete searched the Internet and this time got his number! It was nice to get an update on Dan and Monica.

Back to Palm Creek and it was time to build our 13th deck; this one for friends Steve and Cheryl. The old deck was carpeted and outdoor carpet takes a beating in Arizona. It will be replaced with composite decking.

The material arrives and Steve and his demolition crew prepared the deck.

Finished in a few days and you can see the difference.

The new deck will last 20 years (but will we?).

When we are not building, we are playing pickleball, soaking in the spas, playing cards, going to free in-park music and building puzzles.

This year we adorned the MotherShip with Christmas decorations. All of these were provided by our friend Patty. Patty is home in Oregon and not only loaned the decorations but gave us carte blanche with her motorhome.

We accepted her offer and that allowed our daughter Melissa and Mario to come for a Christmas visit. The four of us took a trip to sister Donnalee in Green Valley. So our Christmas family grew to five!

We want to extend a special Christmas thank you to our dear friend Rosemary who gave us this golf cart. We want to wish all our friends and family, a Merry Christmas. May you find joy as you celebrate the birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior.

May your Christmas be sunny and bright.

With love, Pete and Ellen

Photos from Nov-Dec 2024