We're packing and getting ready to jump in the car tomorrow and head to DC, for Margaret and Andrew's big event. We are so looking forward to it; should be a lot of fun to be together again. I am going to bring a football in case anyone wants to have a revenge touch football game on the mall. You think the old guys could still take the next generation? Perhaps, if we shorten the field, and outlaw running.
Anyway, it's all about collecting memories, and we'll have a lot more for the next letter, based on the events that Margaret laid out in her recent e-mail to everyone. We spoke with her a few times to iron out some details; she's had weekend classes and dance classes on top of her planning.
Sorry we'll miss Mathew and Tina, who have their hands full with young Donald and trying to get the closing for their new house. And Claire who has school work. Speaking of Claire, we pass along the big news that she was accepted into the Hope College orchestra. That is wonderful.
We've had a busy few weeks, but at least I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My tours at Arrowhead end next Tuesday for the season, and my class at the lifelong learning institute ends on Monday. So it looks like I am heading toward my second retirement. I have a number of postponed jobs around the house and some planning for our trip to Gabon. Speaking of which, we bought our tickets for the month of January. We also bought travel insurance and will work on getting our visas when things quiet down a little. Our fund-raising is going very well and just a little bit away from reaching the goal we set to allow us to buy the materials to repair the school. Mary added swimming lessons on to her schedule, as she is helping a young doctor from Nepal learn how to swim. Mary's had some shoulder issues, so she has slowed down here swim regime (and taken on some interesting new stretching exercises.)
Sounds like Joe has been busy as well. He had a lot of preparation for his boss' trip to China to attend the APEC finance minister meetings. Sounds familiar, preparing all the papers required for these meetings. He had a special visitor last week from Portugal/London and is settling into his new apartment.
If you're looking for things to talk about this weekend, ask Annie about her new job offer. She has a tough, but wonderful decision to make. We'll be picking her up tomorrow and then driving to Philadelphia so that Greg can hop on board the wedding reception express south. Also, congratulate Kathleen on her big birthday Saturday, and Billy who passed that milestone a couple of years ago. And ask Peter about his court case at the state Supreme Court - his one comment was he loved the intellectual exchanges. And ask David how is it that he always calls me when I'm driving? What kind of drone does he have watching me?
Cultural happenings include a trip to the Clark Museum in Williamstown to see the Magna Carta on display there, a movie at home called "Mud" that we recommend, and a local play, on Edgar Allen Poe's last days, and an art exhibit in Worcester by an artist/monk friend of Mary's from years ago. Spectacular collages and discussion.
We are awaiting John and Marilyn's return to Pittsfield the first week of November. Kind of hard to believe time went so fast. We look forward to hearing more about their trip to Peru.
Other than that, a lot of baseball watching, enjoying the Kansas City Royals (except for last night's lopsided defeat.)
Oh and wanted to pass along this wonderful fall foliage map that shows the peak seasons around the country. How did we ever survive before the Internet?
We know at least cell phones will come in handy this weekend. Look forward to seeing you all.
Love from up north. We share a picture of Daniel from 2010. Wait til you see him this weekend.
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