Anyone out there?`

Greetings! I'll jump in and write a few lines and will be anxious to see if anyone is actually using this. I still think it is a great way to share, but I have also been negligent in writing.

We returned to AZ in Oct. for 10 days to paint, repair, and buy furniture for our patio home in Peoria. Naturally, the refrigerator was dead and there were some much needed plumbing work to be done. We purchased beds and did lots of cleaning. Todd and Vicki had already painted the LR-DR, hallway, part of the kitchen, and our master bedroom -- vaulted ceilings and all -- it was WONDERFUL. We ONLY got in 3 rounds of golf -- sob! We started driving home on the 10th, only to find ourselves in snow, ice, and fog in S. CO and KS -- we definitely decided we were going the wrong way -- it was sunny and warm in Phoenix. But, of course, we have plans to return in Dec. to finish up some of the work. We do have the unit rented out for Jan. 15 - April 15.

And it was great - as always - to see the "Kids" in AZ. Todd and Vicki were here last week-end, Todd was invited to a bachelor party (His friend's wedding is in Sioux City Dec. 19). So Vicki had the chance to meet Grandma and many of Todd's friends.

This week, Terry has driven (for the company) to Rolla, MO (south of Jefferson City), Omaha for a military person (at 10:30 p.m.), and to Waterloo yesterday. So he has definitely put some miles on the new F.H. van.

Preschool was busy this week as always, with the addition of Open House for the families on Thursday night -- AND my co-teacher was absent with the flu all week. Needless to say, I'm not very ambitious today -- I spent all my energy at Preschool this week.

It was good to see Jan & Bob last Monday night for a little while and visit by phone with Jo & Eldie last night on our way back from Waterloo.

Everyone, take care. HAPPY HALLOWEEN

from Greene

Hello from NE Iowa--the temp is NOT hot here, it has been a cool summer and the darn grass is still green and needing mowing weekly. We have managed to keep ourselves busy this summer. We had a great time at Honey Creek Resort last week--even got A. Jan to swing at a couple golf balls one time--did not convert her to the game, however. More rain than we needed, but I don't know there has ever been a time we sisters and spouses have not enjoyed getting together.
Our summer has been spent with visiting grandchildren and granddogs--we really did enjoy having them here--different children when the parents aren't around!!! We have painted our house for the last time before siding it (said that 5 years ago, too!). Did need Todd and Monica to help with the ladder work--thanks to them, and to Abby for helping me scrape and prime the north side. A good job to be done. The next outing for us is a gettogether with college friends and spouses for a couple days in Decorah area--always a fun time to be together. Then, on Sept. 29--the big bilateral knee replacement date for Eldie--the closer it comes, the less he is looking forward to it. But, it is needed. Hoping to be rehabbed and in good shape by Christmas, or the end of January, so we can hopefully go to SC--time will tell. All is good with our kids--Morgan is a college freshman officially and Gavin is a 1st grader--with the rest in between those two venues. No other news here. Take care, each and every one of you. Aunt Jo

Anyone out there?`

Greetings!
I've been procrastinating writing, but decided to and also to see if anyone is reading!

We've had a great summer. In June, I worked at Preschool making some plans and working on changes for fall.

In July, we flew to Phoenix -- yes, it is HOT in the summer there. It was a short 5 day trip--we golfed and looked at real estate. AND, ended up buying a 1300 sq. ft. patio home. We plan to rent it out during the winter for a few years. We are also planning to drive down the 1st of Oct. to take some of the "stuff" you need to furnish a home. I EVEN went to Wal-Mart to shop! Then we had a great 2 week trip to Pagosa Springs, CO and Rocky Mtn. Nat'l. Pk. with two other D.M. card club couples. Also had a fun visit with the Sobecki's and enjoyed a delicious meal at a German restaurant.

This month I hosted 4 other college friends for four days of R & R -- and we really know how to R & R. Then we just returned from Honey Creek Resort in SE Iowa where we spent 3 days with Jan & Bob and Jo & Eldie. We toured the area since it was raining, golfed one round, ate, and played cards -- it was a "wonderful" time.

It's almost time to go back to school and choirs for me -- I've really enjoyed the summer, but guess it is time to "get to work".

Hope to hear from some of you -- curious to know who checks this site !!!!

Love you all.

We have a new house!!

After months of wrestling with the bank, mortgage officer, and anyone else that wanted a piece of the action....we finally own a new house. We now live in the Southwest Valley and are extremely excited to move in, especially with a pool in the back yard.

We officially moved in last weekend, and it was a long experience that I would not want anyone to experience. Now that we are moved in, Todd is 20 minutes from work, I am 23 minutes and Kerri is just under 30. Todd has a much shorter commute but Kerri and I added about 5 - 7 minutes each.

We are very excited to go from a $2700 month mortgage to $800/month, we had to put $26k down, but have a 30 year fixed rate of 4.25%. I will have Todd post some pictures of the new house...2600 sq ft with a pool built in 2006. We are in a very diverse area (meaning we are in an Hispanic area and being white is most certainly the minority, but it is a cool experience). My new neighbor mentioned that a couple of the people on the block even speak English... It will really help my Spanish. I hope all is well and look forward to more post and information.

The Phoenix Smiths

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day a day late. This was a busy last week for us--went to Monica's last Tuesday to help get ready for Morgan's graduation on Sunday--planted flowers, cleaned house, finished drywalling the garage, etc. Got to watch her play 2 softball games, too--first base and a pretty good hitter. Graduation was good, they had 130 in their class, she gave the welcome (also a 3 minute speech for bacalaureate), had several honors, got 3 scholarships (which will help as she is registered at UWGreen Bay). Her reception was after graduation, about 150 people attended--didn't have ribbon sandwiches because she doesn't like Cheez Whiz! But, we DID have mints (also made them for 3 other gals' receptions).

On Friday, Eldie and I went to Williamsburg/Thornburg for my 50th graduation celebration--all classmates (15) were there Friday or Saturday except one who lives in GA. We had a great time reminiscing--am really glad we got to go. Sunday, we returned to WI with Matt and Gavin and Annika. Sheila and Brenda were there Sat. and Sun. to help finish set-up details--shades of the graduations we have done in the past!!! We came home last PM--haven't done much worthwhile today--need to mow, but it rained much of the day. Spent some time today setting up a family getaway for August at Honey Creek Resort on Lake Rathbun--the sister's annual outing.

All is well with our family, the kids all are growing up too fast. We have no specific plans for most of the summer except golf, lawn care, travel to kids (going to Brenda's with Christian for a few days in 2 weeks while Morgan and parents go to college registration). River Days is here in 3 weeks--last year's celebration was flooded out. Oh, yes--I forgot to tell my sisters---we went past the farm--they have built a double attached garage on the west side of the house--it must come into that small room off the kitchen ( I may have to knock on their door and ask to investigate it!). It really looks quite nice. The land is out of CRP and Mike has planted it to soybeans--hasn't been cropped for about 25 years.

No other special news here--I keep checking the site for information from everyone, think this is the way to go. Love to all.

Greetings from Sioux City, IA

Well, is everyone enjoying spring? Here in NW IA it is often cool, rainy, and very windy, so we haven't had a "wonderful spring" yet. I'm just hoping that it doesn't suddenly heat up to the 90's and stay there -- altho' for those persons in AZ, 90's probably sounds "cool".

IA Funeral Director's convention started the day after Easter in Ames. Dan was finishing his year as President of the state assoc. so he and Carin had lots of "official duties". The spouse's luncheon also involved a spa day with facials, paraffin hand treatments, and a chair massage so that was fun. Then on Mother's Day we headed to Rapid City, SD, for their state convention. They were recognizing Terry for holding a SD funeral license for 25 years. Their spouse's day included a tour of the Landstrom's Black Hills gold factory, lunch, and a visit to a chocolate factory, so that was pretty good as well.

Choirs are over for the year and I have 3 days of preschool left. I'm ready to start summer with golfing, reading, and who knows what else.

We don't have lots planned yet -- will be going to Pagosa Springs, CO, July 11 - 18. Hope to have dinner with Rhonda and John on the 10th. We're going with Jon and Lynette who have a time share in Pagosa. Another card club couple will also be joining us. Hope to ride the train from Durango to Silverton (I think), take in a chuck wagon supper, and golf. Then we'll go to Fort Collins and spend some time in Estes Park. So it should be fun.

Terry had his yearly trip to Las Vegas for the funeral service golf outing the end of April. And leagues have started, but he hasn't gotten in as much as he would like. And I've only been out on our course once. I start my evening league this Wed. (Carin is going to golf some of the times) and the morning league on the 27th. Think Terry is meeting Eldie in Hampton Tuesday for a tournament.

Henry and Cora are growing so fast. They turn 5 and 2 the end on June, which is hard to believe. Henry is excited about school and 3 recesses. Cora is saying more words every day and starting to use 3 - 4 word sentences. Anything Henry can do, she can do also.

We did get a new Town and Country van this spring and are enjoying it -- Terry bro't it home on a Thursday and we bought it on Sat. -- I didn't even have to go on a car lot! We went for their 3 year 0% interest payments. Terry thinks that since Chrysler Financial "went under" we won't have to pay for the van! I'm not sure it works that way, but I bet we will find out!

Hope your spring has been great and you're looking forward to some fun experiences this summer. Take care everyone. Love you all.....Aunt Sue

Easter sugar - yummy !!!

We just got home from a delicious Easter dinner at mom's house (see, mom, you can do Easter on Saturday) and had a great time. Dan's folks and our family and Ed and Jane were there and we had lots of laughs. Cora ate way too many hershey's kisses - she was even sneaking them behind my back. Then because she's so cute and smiled at Bop-pa (grandpa Smith) he gave her more of his chocolate bunny. Can anybody say "sugar high"?

Today was quite a day for the kids. Henry's first soccer game was this morning which Grandma and Grandpa Eckhoff were here to see. He scored two goals - way to go Henry. However, as is the case with 4-year-olds playing, one of the goal points went to the other team because he couldn't remember which goal he was supposed to head for. And he was so proud of himself when the ball went in. He looked at me and yelled, "I did it mom!!" I had tears streaming down my face as myself and all the other parents around me laughed hysterically. Then we had an Easter egg hunt at the local park which he thoroughly enjoyed. The best part is the bunny that was running around with the kids was a gal from church we have babysit for us occasionally so she tormented Henry and chased him all over the park. It was great. Cora didn't recognize her of course, because she was dressed up as a bunny, so she was terrified of the bunny and cried through most of the egg hunt. Oh well !!

Welcome Sheila. It's so great to see almost everyone finally getting on board - it's only taken a little over a year. But it is fun to see what everyone has to say. When we were in DC and saw Ranae she mentioned she would really like to be on and just needs to have Todd walk her through registering. So maybe you could call her sometime, Todd, and get her going. It was wonderful to see her and John and their beautiful house and we really enjoyed getting to spend time with her.

Tomorrow we head to Ames for IFDA convention. Dan will pass over the gavel and become a past president. He's had a good year and enjoyed it, but I think he's ready to turn it over to someone new. But we will have a fun-filled week of meetings, dinners, receptions, more dinners, some lunches thrown in, a few more meetings and more dinners. So I'm taking my "fat" clothes along. :-)

Hope everyone has a great Easter and it's so much fun to read your posts. Love to all --- Carin

Wow, the blog is running full force...Yeah

Great to hear from everyone and that everybody is healthy or at least recovering and soon on the way to the golf course. I had not checked the blog for a week or two and all of a sudden there was news, post, and information from almost everyone, kind of like getting the actual written round robin, except it was up to date information. Too bad the weather sucks in Iowa, been very nice here in Phoenix. We are not looking forward to summer but enjoying every day under 90 that we have left.

Kerri and I are still working at our current jobs and things are well. I have had an extremely busy first quarter, maybe the best start to the year I have ever had. The juniors are way down, parents are saving money on the kids I guess, but my adults are extremely busy. I changed the way we charge for lessons a little over a year ago (shorter, cheaper lessons more like a gym membership) and it has paid off. I have been working a more than ever and am hearing stories of other Teaching Pros being very slow and leaving the business.

Kerri and I (and Todd) will be moving in the next 30 -45 days. We have an offer on a house in the SW valley and hopefully will be moving in to a new house in mid May. We should find out in the next couple of days...maybe even tomorrow. Hopefully things will work out in our favor and we will be moving into a house with a pool (Kerri's only requirement for the new house). I will try to keep the GFRR up to date.

It is great to see lots of activity on the GFRR and hopefully if we continue to use it will become a more of a daily or weekly habit and entice the other cousins to join in.

Smitty

Mom and her dearly departed thyroid

I will tell you all that Monica and I were able to be in Greene with Mom and Dad a couple days surrounding her surgery last week. The three of us went to eat after her surgery, and then she sent us home at 8PM. The next morning we called to check on her before heading to the hospital, and she told me that Monica and I should head home, get on the road, rather than come see her. Needless to say, we ignored her directive and visited her anyway. I told her I'm not sure where her bossy gene is located, but it obviously was not part of her thyroid!

It's almost scary to see how we are our parents, but it becomes very clear when spending down time with them, without children around. I came home and told Matt to take me as I am, because there is so much Peterson and Grush hard wired in me that there's no hope for change! (Only the good stuff, obviously...!)

Todd, the 100's don't sound so bad, as it still feels like January here. The robins have got to be wondering which one of their "robin elders" screwed up and came back in the middle of winter!!

Take care, all... Sheila

Spring???

Hello to all. I just wanted to make sure that those Arizona people knew that we in Iowa were lucky enough to have snow over the weekend. In Greene, we only had about 1" and it's all gone now, which is good. That way, the mole that is already working in our front yard can continue his pathways ( at least until the Uncle gets out his TRAPS).

Things are going well here--I spose most of you know that I was lucky enough to have my thyroid removed last Wednesday (what a way to spend April Fools)--home on Friday, no pain, no drain, low Calcium (Tums work great for that), and sutures to be removed this Friday. So, Life is Good.

Eldie is acting house husband, which I really appreciate--find that morning and afternoon naps are good things. He has followup appts in Mason City next week for knees, and Iowa City the week after for followup for his kidney---I am really glad that we are reasonably healthy, because all this doctoring does not fit into our schedule very well. We are anxious to start yard work, glad we waited until the snow was gone!!! Have a Happy Easter, each one of you--God's blessings continue to shower on you.

Catching Up

Greetings to one and all !!
Yes, I am behind in writing, but here it is!
First, welcome Sheila! It's really fun to read "anything" about our great Grush family.

Todd already brought you up-to-date on us, somewhat. We did return to Phoenix Feb. 26-Mar. 9 ---driving straight thro' in 24 hours each way. It seems bad at the time, but when you are at your destination you figure you have saved a hotel bill and about 12-15 hours. We did enjoy some great meals with the AZ "kids". Terry and I managed to golf 7 times in 8 days. We also looked at condos, etc. with our friends. I don't know that they have purchased anything, but it was fun to look.

This is a busy time at Preschool. We just finished up a Scholastic Book Fair that we run in our church -- sold over $1000 worth of books (we get to take out $400 worth of books as our incentive). Our "unannounced licensing visit" was Tuesday and we passed with flying colors -- his only comment was that we needed barrier masks so we could use our CPR skills. Tues., the 7th, is our night of conferences with our parents from 5:15 - 8: 45--we decided to go for one LONG night, instead of 2 shorter ones. Thurs., April 23 is our Registration Night for next fall -- so we are busy answering calls and getting forms all ready for new students. We are changing our schedule for next fall --- will go to 5 mornings a week. I've never worked Monday a.m.s in my whole career--so you can imagine how I am whining about that! But it may be the only way we will survive, so we have to try it.

Terry is busy at the funeral home -- retirement is looking better all the time. Convention is in Ames, April 13-16. Dan will finish his year as President and move to Past President. Terry also received an invitation from the SD association to come and be recognized for his 25 years of being licensed in that state May 12. He has had a license all these years, but hasn't actually conducted a lot of business in that state.

Carin and Dan returned last night from a trip to "George Washington" as Henry called it. They were able to spend time with Ranae and John and really enjoyed it. Carin also spent a day with her friend Heather and her new baby Katharine. So yes, we were in charge of "babysitting". I was the "mean" grandma and Henry couldn't wait for his "real mom" to get home! Funny how I didn't think that pushing friends around was an okay thing to do. However, the kids slept through the nights, which they don't usually do for Mom and Dad! I told Henry I really appreciated that.

We'll have Easter dinner here next Sat. night -- it's really hard for me to have an Easter egg hunt the night before Easter. I can do Christmas anytime, but it doesn't seem right for Easter. However, since we all need to head to Ames on Sunday afternoon, I guess we will adjust.

Hope that EVERYONE has a wonderful Easter and Spring. (As of tomorrow, we are supposed to have 10" of snow, but we're hoping that is wrong.)

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Love, A. Sue

P.S. the pictures weren't real flattering, Todd, but it does show that we played wii.

Updates!

Welcome Sheila!

You've discovered the dirty little secret of this site: It's not updated very often by most people. Though, to be fair, it has been more often than i received the Round Robin. The problem is that we still have a few people not on here yet...

It's been about six weeks since i posted on here, so let's give you some updates! At the end of February/beginning of March, my parents were out in Phoenix once again to visit my brother and i (actually to look at houses with their friends), and we had a good time as usual. I didn't get any golf in this time because of this pesky thing called 'work', but we sure got some good dinners in. One night we hosted the parents and their friends at the house and cooked up the fantastic Iowa beef they brought down with them. Afterwards we taught my parents how to play Wii bowling and Wii tennis (pictures below - sorry mom!).

This past weekend my brother and I went to Vegas for our annual trip there for the first weekend of the NCAA basketball tournament. This year we had about 10 guys, though it's transitioned from mostly my brothers friends (who started the tradition) to mostly my friends being there this year. We spend four days watching every minute possible of 48 basketball games. Not real productive but fun nonetheless. We also manage to eat at a few good restaurants (sense a theme here?).

Past there things are about the same here in Phoenix. It's starting to warm up and soon will be in the 100's, though i choose not to think about that quite yet. My work is going fairly well. Despite the downturn in the economy and falling occupancy rates at my hotel, my group sales are actually up fairly significantly so far this year. That always helps me keep my job... Today i had the opportunity to meet the Chairman and CEO of Marriott International (my employer), Mr. Marriott himself.

As is becoming customary the last few years, i have plenty more weddings to attend this coming year. July in Tucson, August in Lincoln and Des Moines (on the same day, I'll be skipping one), October in Omaha, and December back home in Sioux City. Apparently 25-28 is the time to get married or something...

Anyway, that's about all the news i have. Hope this finds everyone healthy and happy. Welcome again to Sheila, and let's see if we can't get the rest of the crew on here! Take care,

Todd

Catching up on lost time

...looks like I'm catching up on my posts, and no one is even paying attention! As Dori the fish sings in Finding Nemo, "just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." I will "just keep posting, just keep posting...!"

It would be pretty embarrassing to discover I'm posting on the wrong site and no one is responding because no one on here knows me...that would teach me for showing off my "posting skills"!!

Hope you're all doing well. Spring is here and that makes life good, renewed, and fresh. Hope you are all feeling that way, as well!

Take care,
Sheila

I'm on!!!

After 2 expired invitations from Todd, I'm finally on the blog!! I cannot promise posting perfection, but will certainly try my best to add to this site. I imagine my mother will be the tiniest bit proud of me (which really means she's thinking that it's about time I got this done!)

Sending our best to all of you; I'm off to fold the 4 loads of laundry that cover our bed so I can get to sleep!

Sheila

Post Vacation

Just caught up with the entries--thanks for being persistent, Smith cousins. I do hope we can continue to communicate this way.

We got home from South Carolina on Tuesday--missed the massive ice storm in Kentucky and Tennessee when we went last of January. But we did manage to get in the middle of a snow storm with 32 degree temps just as we were going through the mountains in western North Carolina--were very happy to follow about 6 semis--figured they should break up any road ice before us. Took longer, but we got safely through. Our weather in SC--experienced record high and record low!

We did golf 21 of 28 days, so not a bad average. Eldie was all excited about his new Callaway driver he got last fall and loved--couldn't hit anything reasonably well with it (I even suggested lessons to learn how to swing with 2 crummy knees!). Upon examination, the face plate (or whatever) was separating, took it in to Martin's and they sent it in to Callaway--took 2 weeks, but they replaced it with the newer driver so he IS HAPPY. And, it did work a whole lot better the few times he got to use it--is now looking forward to spring.

We had a really good month, but were ready to return home to the real world. Our extended family is spending next week at Wisconsin Dells--looking forward to all being together. When you are our age--the medical news is important (so they tell me)--I am having a thyroidectomy on April 1 (3 of the Peterson adult females will have had their throats slit!!!), U. Eldie has a ortho appt. on April 15 to assess knee status-----I am glad we are HEALTHY.

We are looking forward to Morgan's graduation activities in May and my 50th High School reunion--that is absolutely impossible!! So good to read your blogs (what is twittering??? Also we did enough texting to send messages to the grandkids (about as much as I care to do). Dan, glad your surgery went well--better than reconstruction! Todd, what is this about KC? Arizona weather does sound better than here--but we have variety--it's raining today, possible snow/ice tomorrow. Take care--love from us.

We Can Do It!!!!

If everyone would just spend 10 - 15 minutes per month on one post per person, this Round Robin would rock! It is freezing in Phoenix, mid 50s today, please where are you Spring?

Smitty

Here's hoping for Spring

Well, it's in the upper 40s today and raining (thankfully not snowing) which reminds me of early March and the promise of spring. Please, please, please come soon. Henry seems to love winter and the snowball fights (which are kinda fun) but it's so cold we can only stay out for ten minutes or so. Last weekend the temps were so low and the kids were so stir crazy, I actually carried about ten buckets of snow inside from the porch and poured them in the bathtub and the kids had all kinds of fun playing in the snow while still staying warm.

We're doing great here. Everyone is healthy and for the most part happy. Some temper tantrum issues from Henry, but that's pretty normal. Cora is still just a delight and it's so fun to help her discover her words. "Juu" for juice, "shuu" for shoe, "gok" for sock, "ank-uuu" for thank you, and other fun ones. My favorite right now is if she needs you and you aren't paying attention to her, she will walk up to you and place her hand against your cheek and gently (okay, not so gently) turn your head until you are looking right at her and she has your full attention. It really works !! The other one is she will pat (okay, pound) on your leg until you look at her.

Henry is enjoying birthday parties with his friends, swimming at the local Y, building snowmen, throwing snowballs, and playing with his christmas presents. Tomorrow we are going to the local performing arts theatre where they are bringing in a Bob the Builder show, which doesn't mean much to most of you, but he's pretty excited to see Bob live on stage.

Dan had surgery last week on his shoulder and is recovering nicely. They thought he had a torn rotator cuff, but it turned out to only be torn cartilage so the surgery wasn't as involved thankfully.

I'm doing well - not working unfortunately. Things in the legal community have really slowed down lately, similar to the entire economy, so I'm catching up on scrapbooks, cleaning out the basement, and have taken Cora out of daycare a few days a week so she can stay home with me. We are really having fun together and enjoying our one-on-one time without big brother around to steal the toys she is playing with !! Hope all of you are doing well and I'll look forward to reading from you. Kudos to the Arizona boys for doing so well blogging on here so often. How about the rest of you ????? Love - Carin

Where'd Everyone Go?

As my brother posted below me, what happened to everyone? We did fairly well for a while there, but this thing really stalled over the Holidays.  I do think this could be a good resource/letter/communication if we all make an effort to write in here!

Of course, i'm guilty of this as well, so here's an update on what i've been doing! In November i took a trip back to iowa for five days. I spent the first couple of days in Sioux City visiting the parents and Carin and Dan and the kids. It was great to see them all, especially the kids. They grow so much between each time i see them. 

After that i went down to Iowa City to meet many of my college friends who were in town for the Iowa-Penn St. football game. After a near-disaster with my tickets, it ended up being a good game to pick to go to, since the Hawkeyes won on a last second field goal. Though, i could have asked for slightly better weather. I no longer have any amount of clothes warm enough for that weather.

I did get to see A. Jo & U. Eldie, plus Sheila, Matt & the kids at the football game, which was great. Speaking of kids getting big, Sheila & Matt's were much bigger than the last time i saw them! I remember Hogan when he was about two feet tall when i was in college...

Over Christmas the entire family came down here for a change. Mom and Dad were here for about two weeks, and Carin & Dan and the kids were here for a week. We spent many days golfing and many nights eating good food. According to mom, it was the first time in something like ten years our whole family was together on Christmas Day. The kids were a lot of fun, and are getting to an age where they can communicate and have conversations with them, which is great. And of course Henry got a lot of teasing from U. Chris, resulting in one temper tantrum because he thought Chris was going to make him go down to the 'dungeon' in the non-existent basement in the house...

Other than that, things have been about the same with me. I have been working at the same hotel for a year and four months, and am still enjoying it. I still love living in Phoenix, especially the weather this time of year. 

I have many more trips coming up the latter half of this year for more weddings. Seems like all of my travelling lately had been for weddings. But, when those weddings take you to places like Cancun and Hawaii, it's hard to complain too much!

Hope this finds all of you well and started off on a happy new year. And let's keep on the few remaining people who are not signed up on this yet. Email me for help/instructions. Talk to you all soon, Todd S.

Bueller, Bueller

I guess this RR didn't take off very well. How was everyone's holidays? Things in Arizona are good, weather has been incredible this month. Business has been busy for me at the golf course, so that's good considering we are in a recession. Hope to see some replies and get this RR up and running.

Smitty

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are going to try to smoke our turkey this year, should make for an interesting bird. I think that I am going to get stuck doing all the work, so if it is not fabulous we are going back to Kerri's wonderful turkeys. Not much is going on in Arizona, a few showers today which is very rare. Todd and I thought about heading to Las Vegas to see the Hawkeye Basketball team play, but figured we would spend to much money. So just chilling out on Thanksgiving and watching football. Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Holidays....