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This past year has been a good one for Mike & I; interesting and then some.... Despite the grand adventures we have had traveling in the Mobile Moose Mansion - even doing the "snowbird" thing in Arizona during winter's dreariest - Mike had to admit that he was "a complete failure at retirement". When his friends at ReMax offered him a position, he cheerfully jumped on it. He is managing an office (soon to be two offices), and "having the time of his life" doing what he does best; teaching sales training and motivation courses. I did enjoy his being home when it meant we could do things together, especially the traveling in our "Mobile Moose Mansion", but he is much happier being productive. As smart as he claims Skeet to be, she isn't much of a conversationalist. He'd insist I mention Skeet is a great bird dog. Oops, make that huntin' dawg! Brittany, Koni (the Cavalier) and Edith (the kitty) are still living in their neat apartment in the Pearl District downtown, where she can walk to just about everything. She is working on her last year at the Art Institute, doing well, and looking forward to graduating this spring. She has also been instrumental in bringing Mike into the current century with guidance in the selection and use of his new Android phone! She (and Koni) will be home with us for a week or so, as she is scheduled for knee surgery December 21st. Kyle joined the Army reserves, and headed off for "basic training" before Thanksgiving, so we had our family turkey day a week early. He has 2 weeks off for the holidays, then returns to South Carolina for his basic, and then advanced training. I know he'd appreciate letters from family and friends. It's a tough economy everywhere, but after finishing college Colin was hired by a firm in Beaverton, and has been selling health insurance. While it might not be his dream job, it is a good resume' builder. He has been talking to Mike about possibly joining the company for a Real Estate career. (Colin might not remember that when he was a wee lad he told us that wanted to sell real estate in Dad's office, and have an orange BMW!) He, Steph, the kitties and Chewie (the Labrador) are living in a cute house in SE Portland - so he has a long commute to work.
As for me? Well, I was in pursuit of titles on two of my dogs, so I logged a lot of miles, going to many dog shows this year, and, as you read this, I will be in Florida at the AKC National Championship dog show (and, oops, missing our awesome family Christmas get-together while I'm gone). I finished a Grand Champion title on Birdie, and she was rather accomplished during that journey. I also put championship points on her sister Stella, but in February, she found a boy of her own in10 year old Andrew (whom Mike & I have enjoyed ‘borrowing' to practice for being grandparents). They quickly became an awesome team, with some coveted All-breed and Specialty "Best Junior Handler" wins, as well as more points on Stella! I guess the highlight of my dog year was my "international incident": spending 2 weeks traveling up to Calgary, Alberta to introduce Birdie to her "betrothed". Birdie & I enjoyed some breath-taking scenery while exploring Alberta and the awesome Canadian Rockies. Nine weeks later we welcomed her litter of five Black & Tan puppies! As you can see in the photo card, they are awfully precious at four weeks old. One of these cute girls will remain here, and she will be named "DarkStar's International Incident"! And, of course: I continue love doing artsy stuff, playing on my computers, and taking zillions of photos!
We mourn the loss of a couple of family members this year; so we feel even more grateful for our wonderful family and friends. We hope that this letter finds you enjoying your own good health and happiness. Best wishes for a wonderful new year!
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We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Sandra & Mike
and the DarkStar gang: Tilly, Phoebe, JoJo, Skeet, Birdie and the babies!
3>(Thanks for the snowflakes, Grandma!)2>
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