{"id":9191,"date":"2011-12-18T06:01:44","date_gmt":"2011-12-18T13:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/?page_id=9191"},"modified":"2021-11-29T13:45:14","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T20:45:14","slug":"christmas-letters-and-such","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/christmas-letters-and-such\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Letters"},"content":{"rendered":"

I used to write Christmas letters and put them in the Christmas cards we sent out.\u00a0 A few years ago we picked up the Scrooge Attitude that the cost of all those damn cards was out of line.\u00a0 Not that we couldn\u2019t afford it, just that it was such a waste to put it all together and send them out \u2013 wasted paper, wasted time, wasted costs, etc.\u00a0 When we were sure that everyone else, just like us would have to throw all that \u201cWaste paper\u201d out when you didn\u2019t have room for it anymore\u2026 Well so much for the explanation of our Scrooge Attitude.<\/p>\n

Play me while you read\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Frank Sinatra – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas .mp3<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/object><\/div>\n

Found at bee mp3 search engine<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Just hit the > to play<\/p>\n

CHRISTMAS 2021<\/p>\n

Ok, I am ready for something a bit more normal, but just can\u2019t seem to get what is normal.\u00a0 So we will live with the \u201cNEW\u201d normal.<\/p>\n

Again, my posting to the blog fell into a horrible hole, just not interested in it as much as before and I have way too many hobbies and issues and things to do that always seem to be in the way.<\/p>\n

I tried as hard as I could to just ignore the political madness we have fallen into, I have also reduced my \u201csocial media\u201d time to almost none.\u00a0 I check on birthdays and such but the Social Media and the so-called tv media has gone nuts, all trying to sell \u201cthere opinion is the only opinion\u201d etc.\u00a0 Sooo I am just cutting it off.<\/p>\n

I was not very active on the blog either but did manage to make a few update posts \u2013 with pictures.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/2021\/05\/29\/loosing-my-rocks\/<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/2021\/06\/07\/raton-pass-year-2\/<\/a><\/p>\n

I volunteer for several of the local Amateur Radio groups for writing the newsletter , working on equipment and going places, as above and below.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/2021\/06\/21\/what-a-day\/<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/2021\/09\/13\/all-things-seen-and-done\/<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/2021\/11\/29\/the-update-list\/<\/a><\/p>\n

If you checked those out you will find that Sherrie had a reoccurrence of cancer and another operation.\u00a0\u00a0 We did get out camping a couple of times and I bought a kayak and am \u201cpeddle\u201d fishing no some of the local lakes \u2013 although now it is too cold for that so it hangs in the garage till warmer water.<\/p>\n

Sherrie is knitting almost every day on some project or another, the house is full of yarn stuff as well.<\/p>\n

Ryan lives with us in the basement \u201chouse\u201d.\u00a0 This house we got in Colorado has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms so there is an almost full house downstairs as well as the 2 bedroom house upstairs.\u00a0\u00a0 Grandma wants it this way so she gets to see GS#3 every other week this way as he stays here that week.<\/p>\n

The other kids are way too busy for us.\u00a0 Hockey multiple times a week, and they just got back from a vacation in Hawaii.\u00a0\u00a0 We babysit the dogs.<\/p>\n

Not sure what the next month of this year will bring yet.\u00a0 I would assume a trip or two back to Oklahoma.\u00a0 We still have season tickets for FB, MBB, WBB, and WR but we do give a lot of those to friends when we can\u2019t be there.\u00a0 We still own the house in Stillwater but rent it to our nephews\u2019 family and we just go stay in the \u201cbarn\u201d (the motorhome sets there covered and cared for so we have our own place there to stay when in town.<\/p>\n

So that brings it to the end for this Christmas letter, not as much to write about and just happy we can still remember some of the stuff and are able to do more stuff.<\/p>\n

CHRISTMAS 2020<\/p>\n

Wow, I am planning to be very happy when this year is over, although I am not so sure about next year being a lot better.\u00a0\u00a0 As I stated last year we all made it through but not in a way we wanted.\u00a0 So, with that said let\u2019s begin with what did happen (all locked up)\u2026<\/p>\n

For me my posting to the blog fell into a horrible black abyss.\u00a0 \u00a0I used to at least post weekly but seems my desire has waned with all the crap going down. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Early in the New Year we had a birthday to celebrate<\/a> and a lot of weird stuff was starting to pick up.\u00a0 We were hearing about that new virus that was on its way but we were not worried.\u00a0 We made it to Oklahoma and used that as a base to make a trip to the Bahamas<\/a>.\u00a0 Along with that link you can follow along with the daily posts about that cruise.\u00a0 It was with Sherries old HS friends and was a short cruise but enjoyable to just be away.<\/p>\n

By March I had missed a month of posting so did a little catch up and here you can see a picture of how Cancer treatments can affect you<\/a>, as well as some other odd stuff we encountered.\u00a0 \u00a0As stated in that post we felt good about chances to do more travel so we were doing some, going to Hockey games and running off to ABQ.\u00a0 We had signed up for frequent traveler TSA prepass\/Global entry.\u00a0 We both signed up for this and the best shot at getting the interview done was in ABQ, so why not go spend a couple days, make a nice road trip out of it.\u00a0 I had plans to set up a cruise for New Zealand\/Australia in a few months at that time. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Now all that said, what would a person do in ABQ besides our intended purpose?\u00a0 Well for one you go sample Green Chili everywhere.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Or<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Well, we had a plan but that all got stuffed.\u00a0\u00a0 We all got locked in, or locked up.\u00a0 \u00a0As the year progressed with political division, medical division, people division, and any other division you can think of I posted \u2013 The Death of Common Sense<\/a> \u2013 It seems that between politicians, and the virus we have all lost it. \u00a0\u00a0The stores went bare.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We were told where to stand, where to enter and when to leave and how we can and can\u2019t proceed.<\/p>\n

Of course up here in the Divide we had on\/off winter till May, I worked on another airplane \u2013 new design and I didn\u2019t really like it so not sure I will make another one of those.\u00a0 We also all got stimulated\u2026 although it seems that the stimulation was bigger for a lot of things that honestly, had no link to the virus?<\/a>\u00a0 But hey, I have heard both sides say, \u201cWhy waste a disaster\u201d.<\/p>\n

When it did warm up I started doing a little back country looking for access to some fishing streams, didn\u2019t find one, we did do some back country driving too<\/a>.\u00a0 We could do that without worry of \u201csocial distancing\u201d.\u00a0 As the summer wore on and the lock-down relaxed we made a few trips back to Oklahoma to check on stuff and people.<\/p>\n

Late in July I did get a chance to capture NEOWISE.\u00a0 I figured I better do it this time because next time I may not be able to see?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

That brings us to the end of what I posted _ yep long time since I felt the urge but from September to now we have been so locked in a political circus I just turned off almost all my social media links, and media links, etc. and stayed away from all that bickering and back-stabbing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Honestly I don\u2019t trust anything I can\u2019t see, don\u2019t see and even then I only trust about 25% of that because so many have gotten so good at telling us how to believe.<\/p>\n

With that update done, the rest of the family seems to be coping with this \u201cPandemic\u201d ok. \u00a0\u00a0The grandkids are mostly home-remote \u2013 schooling.\u00a0 GS#3 has been in class this fall all but a couple weeks so he at least is getting some connection to others.\u00a0 Amy just had her last treatment for those liver growths and the treatments have worked although still some pain but nothing like when she had a softball size growth on her liver.\u00a0 The new normal has also put Sean working from home most of the time.\u00a0 Ryan is still dealing with his medical issues, but doing ok.\u00a0 Sherrie has gotten good news on her most recent visit that the cancer has not come back and we move down from 3 months to 4 months for MRI\/Cat scans and Dr. Visits.\u00a0 Health-wise I am ok, although my hearing is progressively getting worse.\u00a0 I have been fighting with my hearing aids (newer ones) and just last week I had one of my ears tubed to see if that might help by further releasing the pressure.\u00a0 It seems to be a bit better but will take time to get a more reliable measure.<\/p>\n

One other reason for not posting much and me guess I should have is that we finally, after 2 years, got a contractor set up to remodel\/update the kitchen.\u00a0 Just like the pandemic it has taken a lot longer and more missed time than planned.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t just do a small update although it will look some the same we ended up having a lot of stuff changed that made it imperative to change other things (appliances) and then other (painting) then more (redo the floors) and replace the cabinets, etc.\u00a0 At some point there will be posts and pictures of the changes suffice to see before, mid and current.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Before<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Middle disaster<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Current, waiting on appliances, plumbing, tile backsplash, misc.<\/p>\n

Due to covid restrictions, multiple delays, a few mistakes, rework, etc.\u00a0 It might be done in January but do not hold your breath \u2013 this started the first of OCT.\u00a0 Oh, and we are replacing the carpet in the basement as we also moved the island from kitchen down, more cabinet down there and a better and more useful height.\u00a0 The old single wall bar counter was 12+ inches wide and about 55 inches tall, no belly up to that bar it was chin up.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If this is like our other projects, we will move in 2 years.\u00a0 Not saying we will, but our luck has been get it nice for us and poof, plans change\u2026So that is where we are this Christmas \u2013 all packed away waiting on things to be done so we can come back out from our back room and enjoy it a little.<\/p>\n

Everyone stay safe, healthy, and prepare for all this to get much better so we can be \u201cSocial\u201d once again.<\/p>\n

Merry Christmas (to hell with politically correctness), Happy New Year, and may things smooth out on all aspects for everyone.\u00a0 \u201cGod Bless Us Everyone\u201d.<\/p>\n

WD0AJG<\/p>\n

Christmas Letter 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The year 2019 was another one of those years, some good some bad but we all made it through, so far.\u00a0 Early we made several trips to see young Hockey players and family came to visit.\u00a0 The old man still gets the check\u2026 if you know what I mean.\u00a0 January 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We were and are still making monthly trips to Oklahoma.\u00a0 Family, interests, and things that always need attention.\u00a0 We had our share of snow and some out here say it was a more normal year?\u00a0 I preferred the first two we were out here but, you get what you get.\u00a0 At least living on the Front Range is warmer and the snow disappears rather quickly, most of the time.\u00a0 I would think that if they lived out here they would learn how to drive in snow but NOOOOOOO we are filled with idiots.\u00a0 Oh wait, it has been over run here with California types that don\u2019t know about snow\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is just one of many from that storm but it happens all the time, every snow storm, even the small ones.\u00a0 They drive way too fast, not prepared, and won\u2019t change.\u00a0 I have been on I-25 headed to Denver, both lanes full with less than the \u201cthree second rule\u201d between cars, and we are all having to go 10mph over the speed limit to keep from getting run over.<\/p>\n

I made several winter\/spring swap fest for Ham Radio and the attendance was down from previous years.\u00a0 I guess everyone was out having fun somewhere else? I also had several radio related projects I worked on through the winter\u2026<\/p>\n

We had several more big snows and the BOMB CYCLONE through the winter.\u00a0 The big one this past year was similar to the one in 1977 when we lived out here and it was about 1 months before Amy was born.\u00a0 Read more Bomb Cyclone<\/a> and Bomb Cyclone2<\/a>. Bomb Cyclone 3<\/a>.\u00a0 With all that I am sure glad I got up way too early and fought my way into HomeDepot to get the New Snow Blower.\u00a0 I used the heck out of that this past winter.<\/p>\n

Later in the year I got busy and made two airplanes , as promised, for a friend in Ohio.\u00a0 He wanted them to put up in his Train room\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We also had a very late May snow storm of about 18 inches but it disappeared real quick.\u00a0 In June I took off and hiked to the top of Signal Butte, just to say I could\u2026 it is a short hike in distance but a good one for elevation change\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There is a trail that runs to the right and around to the top.\u00a0 It is damn steep.\u00a0 Was a great view from the top.\u00a0 Hike to the top<\/a><\/p>\n

I also made several old car shows\u2026 would like to have one but just can\u2019t justify it.\u00a0 But I have more pictures Automobiles and Flying Machines.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The friend I made the planes for came out.\u00a0 First time we had ever met in person, although we had been in contact first by financial media (Motley Fool groups) and then Ham Radio when we both found out the other was a Ham\u2026 something like 12 years or so we have been in contact\u2026 Anyway they were on a road trip out to see their daughter in Wyoming and dropped down for a few days<\/a>\u2026 Then shortly after that visit Sherrie had a few tests done and they found Cancer.\u00a0 Of course it was a very rare (about 1% of all cancers \u2013 Sarcoma) in her leg.\u00a0 So we spent late July and much of August in Oklahoma pushing the issues to get that out and figure out what was next.\u00a0 The Cancer trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In August my brother couldn\u2019t stand it anymore (they live in Houston) so they rented a house near Evergreen and spend about 5 weeks out here in the cool weather so\u2026 we had a Family Meeting<\/a>, like most of our Family gatherings it consisted of FOOD\u2026 and EATING\u2026ha!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

More trips to OK and meeting up with more family and oh the first of Sept Sherrie bought a new car<\/a>\u2026 We needed that cause we were racking up the miles on the old one.\u00a0 The old one , although still in great shape was crossing 200K.<\/p>\n

But October Sherrie had seen several specialist and was willing to go Chemo as they said it would \u201cLessen the potential return of Cancer by 10%\u201d well she took the first Chemo<\/a> and it was the last one as well because the side effect for here were not worth the small reduction numbers. \u00a0Oh and we got early snow this year 3 in October already and more in November as well as not in December.\u00a0 The ski country is happy, I am not\u2026<\/p>\n

Of course as we move into September, \u00a0October and November we have a birthdays and Hockey.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t at GS#3\u2019s birthday party, although we had a little before and after.\u00a0 We did make GS#2\u2019s party<\/a>.<\/p>\n

and a Hockey game for him.\u00a0 He is not as much interested in Hockey as he is in just skating\u2026 he seems to really like skating.. with all those pads on\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Just recently we did make GS#3\u2019s Christmas play<\/a>, I am still making Angels, we had a great Thanksgiving and more snow\u2026 Oh and I am practicing with the Instant Pot.\u00a0 It can do Ham and Beans really good.<\/p>\n

So that is the run down for Sherrie and I in 2019.\u00a0 It was just 48 years ago we met.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In January, since the Radiation treatments will be done, we are going on a small cruise with some of her friends from school then? If I can get her out we will be gone as much as we can in-between doctor appointments.<\/p>\n

Ryan is doing fair, still having multiple health issues but he gets to keep his son 3 or more days a week and next year GS#3 will start school so we are in for big changes there.\u00a0 \u00a0Amy is doing pretty good now as we think that she may have the Liver hemangioma under control for a change. She stays way too busy for us old folks with two boys, in school and both dong Hockey and multiple other activities.\u00a0 Seems they are on the go all the time and she has been chief contractor for updating their house in Lakewood.\u00a0 It appears they finally have the basement redone, that is pretty nice compared to what it was\u2026<\/p>\n

So that is the rundown for us, Hope you all have had a great year and Merry Christmas (I don\u2019t give a damn about politically correctness and I fully believe we are going way too far in that direction as well as politics, but that is another story for another time).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

WD0AJG<\/p>\n

Christmas Letter 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another year in the books (almost) and damn it went fast\u2026 what the heck is the deal here. 60 years ago we just couldn\u2019t wait and things seemed to grind on forever\u2026 as we looked forward to holidays, special events and other occasions\u2026 Now it is CRAP! I just got them all Christmas gifts and CRAP! We just had birthdays and GEEEEEZ I have to go through this again? Where did the time go, I thought for sure I had time to get it all done\u2026<\/p>\n

Once retired I found out what my parents were saying is true. There just isn\u2019t enough time to get it all done and we wonder how we had time to work and vacation and ????? Oh well\u2026<\/p>\n

This past year we have endured several snow storms\u2026 most we didn\u2019t pay much attention to as \u201cwhy fight it\u201d\u2026 have another cup of hot tea\u2026 it will melt soon\u2026 but we did have a snow blower and we did use it a couple of times\u2026 but this fall we had a big storm\u2026 I shoveled some of the snow out and we got the blower for the bigger area\u2026 it ran fine\u2026 got it all blown off and then as Ryan let it idle down and got things read to pull it back in the garage\u2026 POOP\u2026 it stopped? It would crank, it was locked up\u2026 further review showed the rod just broke\u2026 I guess lucky it broke on idle and was such that it appears no other damage was done but on the far end of the scale. They don\u2019t make that particular engine anymore\u2026 there is only one in captivity and they want $500 for it\u2026 HELL that is more than we spent on the whole used blower? More on that later\u2026<\/p>\n

In January this year I did finish up a couple of airplanes<\/a> for a friend (I really need to do a few more \u2013 maybe this winter). Then we got a big snow on Jan 21st<\/sup>\u2026 hummmm just stay inside yea that\u2019s it. Then it warmed up again and I made a run to a ham radio fest north of Denver and it was near 65 degrees out in Feb!… We were making our monthly trips back to OK to see Sherries Dad\u2026 he is doing great, likely will outlive all of us\u2026 oh we saw Jack Sparrow in the Springs<\/a> and Mad Maxx of the plains\u2026<\/p>\n

\"clip_image002\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We have been eating pretty good but haven\u2019t been to Arlene\u2019s in a while. Need to get back in there for these:<\/p>\n

\"clip_image003\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In late March we had made several trips to see GS#2 and we took in a school (pre-school) musical<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

It was too nice on one of the trips back to OK so I had to do a little fishing in our backyard pond<\/a>\u2026 That was fun and should have done a lot more.<\/p>\n

We are pretty healthy so far, no big issues but last May was my bi-annual that is now only once every 5 years UP-Scope check\u2026<\/a> In May I made a couple old car shows<\/a>\u2026 I enjoy looking and dreaming but that is about all there is to it\u2026 actually we need a new car more than I need an old car\u2026 ha!<\/p>\n

I got some things semi-right as all the boys like the sandboxes I built last year\u2026<\/p>\n

\"clip_image005\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In July we got out on a road trip and fought the crowds to the top of Mt Evans\u2026 best thing was using our \u201cancient visitors pass=free\u201d .<\/p>\n

\"clip_image007\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In late August I took GS#1 to see Bents old Fort<\/a> while Sherrie spent the day with #2 and #3..<\/p>\n

\"clip_image009\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In late August we made a trip to see old friends in Grand Junction<\/a>\u2026 that was such a great weekend..<\/p>\n

\"clip_image011\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We made trips home for all but one of the FB games\u2026 and to Denver and to a couple fall craft and art shows in the area\u2026 and then\u2026 DAMN it was fall again and the trees were changing<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

\"clip_image013\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I am still making angels\u2026 but this year the can selection is horrible\u2026 I have a few left form last year\u2019s collections<\/p>\n

\"clip_image015\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GS#3 has been watching a lot of old cowboy shows\u2026 and his Dad took him to Dodge City and stopped to see the stuff about Gun smoke, etc.\u2026 and now..<\/p>\n

\"clip_image017\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So far this last fall we have made most of the BB games both men\u2019s and women\u2019s and the Wrestling matches\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n

WE were home last week and took Elmore out for a big steak dinner, he says that is all he wants for Christmas so I am very happy to oblige as they is a great steak house in Ponca City\u2026 beyond all that things are the same but yet never the same\u2026 We spend about half our time in OK and half in CO\u2026 when we get too much of one we go to the other. No big projects this year. Other than I spent a lot more time doing radio stuff and working on radio projects\u2026 It keeps me out of the bars\u2026 We have made several trips down to my sister\u2019s new home. A really nice place with a great view. She was even nice enough to invite us down for Thanksgiving\u2026 what a feast we had there\u2026 Somewhere, and I don\u2019t think I reported on it, my brother came up from Houston and stayed at my Sisters for a week and we all got together for a couple of days\u2026 took in some music, some visiting and a few other things and had our yearly family meeting\u2026 for the LLC business you know\u2026<\/p>\n

Beyond all those things we are busy as ever, traveling a lot between Colo and OK, keeping up all the stuff and grandma gets plenty of time with the boys\u2026 that is the main reason for being in Colo as we are close to all the grandkids and can visit any time we need a fix\u2026 (And not over stay our welcome)\u2026 ha! So till next year or next blog post\u2026 Merry Christmas and to hell with political correctness\u2026 oh and Happy New Year!..<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

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Christmas Letter 2017<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

As I left you last year<\/a> we were in a rush, mostly to see after GS #1, #2 and #3, and we had dumped an ran for Oklahoma to rest up. That didn\u2019t last long and then it was time<\/a> to decide if we kept the Oklahoma house or sold it or? Since we had built the OK house as our retirement house we had put a lot<\/a> of extra money in and found there was no way it would bring that if we sold it. Our process was that we didn\u2019t have to sell it but it was going to be a big drain as we got to spending way more time<\/a> in Colorado than OK. We offered it up for rent and had an agent showing it but the first two people that looked to rent this house turned out to be questionable renters so we were back to \u201cget our stuff out and probably sell in summer\u201d.\u00a0 I guess we should have bought a smaller house in Colorado, more like this one?<\/p>\n

\"colo<\/p>\n

But since we didn\u2019t and the drain on holding both was big we needed to do something, to that end I first rented a U-Haul trailers and hauled small loads back to Colorado of important stuff, hauled off some stuff, and just plain got rid or more stuff\u2026 Amazing how much \u201cSTUFF\u201d we collect over the years. After two trips like that I figured out that if I bought an enclosed trailer it would be more than paid for by the time<\/strong> I was done so I found one<\/a> and bought it\u2026 nice mid-sized enclosed trailer, easy to tow, and would fit in the garage in Colorado. That was great but first trip back to Oklahoma with it empty I hadn\u2019t learned anything from my own writing and it got flipped in the high winds of western Kansas. My own writing is here:<\/p>\n

\"truck\"<\/a><\/p>\n

2017-01-10<\/a><\/p>\n

That was in January in Colorado but in March in Kansas we got really excited:<\/p>\n

\"Trailer\"<\/p>\n

2017-03-12<\/a><\/p>\n

We and the trailer survived and I even got it fixed reasonable. So by April we were back to moving stuff trying to get the house in OK cleared out by end of May.<\/p>\n

\"moving\"<\/p>\n

It was amazing that we made a couple trips in March and got in and out between the snow storms\u2026 we had several large ones in March: \u00a02017-03-24<\/a><\/p>\n

But they didn\u2019t last long and I had some other nice days but I sure got tired of shoveling the snow\u2026 we are a bit more prepared for that this year, we hope?<\/p>\n

We had also been making trips a bit more often so Sherrie could see her Mom. She had been going downhill at a rapid pace so we spent as much time<\/strong> as we could visiting here, making the trips with \u201cSTUFF\u201d and back and forth well in early April Charlene passed and left another big hole in the family. As we get older we lose more and more of our family members so I guess that being more focused on the younger ones is needed and that is what we were doing.<\/p>\n

By the end of April we had had a lot<\/a> of nice days and I could enjoy the back deck and have a cold one<\/a> but hey up in the higher country never forget it ain\u2019t done till it\u2019s done and even then it will sneak back up on you..:<\/p>\n

2017-04-28<\/a><\/p>\n

2017-04-29<\/a><\/p>\n

But hey in Middle May??? One day your doing this\u2026.<\/p>\n

\"feetup\"<\/p>\n

Then\u2026That is when we got the biggest snow of the year\u2026 but at least it melts reasonably fast by then\u2026<\/p>\n

maybe?<\/p>\n

\"bigsnow\"<\/p>\n

2017-05-18<\/a><\/p>\n

By the end of May I was making decent progress in getting most of the \u201cSTUFF\u201d moved and about ready to list the house and take a loss but then toward the end of May our Nephew who had originally, last year, talked about wanting to rent it came back and wanted to rent this year<\/a> as his wife had finally gotten on at OSU and he was in search of hospital work in the area so \u201csure\u201d that sound great that he could rent the house , we could keep the shop and storage for the motor home, live in it when we came down to visit, keep attending the FB and BB games and such and generally hang on with both places\u2026<\/p>\n

The summer went reasonably fast but we are still making trips to OK to see Sherries Dad, check on the farms and the new windmills on one<\/strong> of her farms and other things\u2026<\/p>\n

In August we watched the big Eclipse\u2026 no we didn\u2019t make a run up to Wyoming to see the 100% we stayed in our own front yard and saw the 91%… plenty for me…<\/p>\n

\"eclipse\"<\/p>\n

In September, Sherrie lost another one<\/strong>. Her Uncle LE<\/strong> passed on to be with most of the rest of his family so we made it back for that memorial as well\u2026 but finally in early October Sherries Dad made a trip out to visit us\u2026<\/p>\n

\"greatgrandpa\"<\/p>\n

GS#2 and #3 enjoyed it and I think Elmore did too\u2026 although he is never one<\/strong> to stay anywhere very long except at home\u2026 he seems to be doing pretty well for 92 and actually is doing more to keep his health than he had been. He gets out and walks some and some good exercise.<\/p>\n

2017-10-09<\/a><\/p>\n

So, with the house in OK rented and I think the new renters like it? And having passed a magical age (66 full SS retirement) which I took and all the other things holding together we are still making monthly trips to Oklahoma to visit Sherries Dad. Fitting that in with catching all but one<\/strong> of the FB games and some of the BB games (they are doing better than we all thought but still have a long way to go). I even still have my Ham Shack in Oklahoma with the backup radio and can get one<\/strong> when there as well as having finally gotten some \u201chidden\u201d antennas up in Colorado. I say Hidden because we live in an HOA that is very Anal about anything outside the house. The HOA has dominion over anything you want to do outside the house. You have to file a permit application for even minor things like painting, gutters, landscape, changes to fences, etc. I think they want to control everything so in reality we only rent (for a hell of big price) the house in the HOA area.<\/p>\n

For example on the HOA, I wanted to put in a gate to have access to the back yard in case I need to get back there, well that required a permit and they approved the permit with the description that I would put in a drive for that gate\u2026 well we got a violation notice that we could have the driveway\u2026.? They approved it but we can\u2019t have it? So we had to take the drive back out\u2026 ouch\u2026 I had hired the same contractor to build stairs off the back deck for safety reasons and they started that in June\u2026 but after failing to know we needed a county permit for the road in the back and having to remove it they got way busy on other stuff and said they had ordered the \u201ctrex\u201d I wanted for the stairs and it would be here in 5 weeks\u2026 hum\u2026 by October we only had this:<\/p>\n

\"jackass\"<\/p>\n

I then woke up, or slowed down to see things,\u00a0 and started doing some other checking around, had a couple of local licensed contractors come by and was told they probably would not meet code and did they have a permit? Hell I didn\u2019t know we needed one<\/strong> and had hired a contractor that was supposed to take care of all that, so checking that I found that for such work yes it had to have a county permit and no there was no permit found\u2026Further I found the contractor that was supposed to be licenses was not. At this point I had to file a BBB complaint on the first contractor and hire another one<\/strong> to take this mess down and put in the proper stairs\u2026 it only took him a few days to get the inspection, (had to have one<\/strong> for the rework of concrete posts and then one<\/strong> to finalize the build) and have it done\u2026 of course this time<\/strong> we didn\u2019t go with composite steps.<\/p>\n

\"stairs\"<\/p>\n

We have also done several other updates on the house and have several more yet to do\u2026 we put wood floors down in the office, dining and living area and had the other wood refinished\u2026 new carpet in bedrooms, and some painting and changing and new insulated and sealed garage doors with windows at the top\u2026 that has been a big help as well..<\/p>\n

In December we did have family pictures taken. Of all things the Real Estate Agent that helped us find the house and same one<\/strong> that worked with Amy and Sean had us all come to Denver one<\/strong> Saturday and got family pictures done\u2026 warning\u2026 some of us are much better looking than others\u2026 ummm some (the old guy in the center)have not aged well?<\/p>\n

\"use\"<\/p>\n

So that pretty much was the year\u2026 good and bad. We are much closer to the Grandsons which Grandma likes, we are still on the road a lot<\/strong> but not exactly what I had thought we would be doing, and we are all doing pretty well. I still do a lot<\/strong> of Radio time, build can birds, spinners, angels, and airplanes when I have time, Sherrie is knitting about 80% of the time<\/strong> and watching old Perry Mason shows\u2026 and the rest of the family is doing what they do\u2026 so \u2026<\/p>\n

Merry Christmas to all our friends, and hope you have a very Happy New Year\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Year 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, I am way late with this year’s update. \u00a0 We have been way too busy for retired folks here.<\/p>\n

In January Sherrie was still working and I was home<\/a> husband. \u00a0Doing all this things that needed doing , you know, cook (once in awhile} laundry, etc. \u00a0Mostly I played Ham Radio and finished up a big award. \u00a0I completed the 9 Band worked all States. \u00a0According to my plaque there are only about 3500 that have accomplished the 5band WAS and I added in all the new bands and 160 meters… I know it doesn’t mean anything to non-hams but it is a big accomplishment to just get WAS on 160 meters… But here is the plaque\u00a0with all the extra bands…<\/p>\n

new-awards\/<\/a><\/p>\n

In between all this we were making monthly trips out to help with GS#3 and fill in for GS#1 and 2 when their parents needed to make trips… lets just asy were were busy… check out the archives for March and April… and May…<\/p>\n

In late May we loaded up the motor home<\/a> and just went out to Colorado for the summer. \u00a0Thanks to my sister for having a great place to park it with all the needed hookup’s. \u00a0Then things went crazy… My son’s wife decided she needed someone else and asked for a divorce and that tore up the family pretty bad. \u00a0We were making trips to help son with his needs and filling in with the other grand kids as well all summer long. \u00a0In the same time<\/strong> we were looking for a place in Colorado as Grandma figured she needed to be much closer to those little guys so she could get her fix weekly. \u00a0It was amazing looking for a new place as we couldn’t find much of anything that was quality. \u00a0There was a lot<\/strong> of way overpriced old homes around that needed to be rebuilt to make them reasonably livable. \u00a0We only made it back to Oklahoma about 3 times during the summer, which was good as we didn’t have to suffer all the heat. \u00a0We attended a lot<\/strong> of free music in the park events and a few other seasonal things.<\/p>\n

In September we finally found a couple of decent houses. \u00a0found one<\/strong> that would fill in nicely and was solidly built so we made offers and ended up with a a Colorado home<\/strong>. \u00a0Although it took 2 months for all the paper work to get cone we moved in the day before Thanksgiving. \u00a0 So moving in, having a big meal and all the Colorado family in… whew what a deal<\/p>\n

TDay in the new house<\/a><\/p>\n

Then a few days later we were again setting or rather rushing things around to make sure GS#1 and GS#2 made it to all scheduled appointments while their parents were out in Las Vega for a week… that was a wearing week and shortly after we had to go back to the Oklahoma house to make sure we were far enough away to get some rest… But then it was back to Colorado and get through Christmas.<\/p>\n

So our year<\/strong> as been good and bad with Sherrie retiring in late January we thoght we had it made then things changed and it all went upside down and we have been way too busy for retired folks since. \u00a0 \u00a0I just hope that everyone else has had a good year<\/strong> with some good things happening to them and we all wish you the best for the coming year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Year – 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amazing how fast things move along and how quick we forget or neglect some things, like updating this letter.\u00a0\u00a0 Happily I am still on the retirement job.\u00a0\u00a0 It has been amazing how quickly I have forgotten work, the problems, the pains, etc\u2026 well not all the pains.\u00a0\u00a0 I focused early in the year<\/strong> on my radio habit and Grandma focused on getting me to drive her out to babysit several weekends (long drives out to Colorado Springs but was worth the trips\u2026<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/01\/04\/babysitting-and-prep-for-home\/<\/a>…<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/02\/14\/i-was-sick\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/01\/25\/birthdays-and-grandsons\/<\/a><\/p>\n

although, not all Grandsons visits were trips for us\u2026 they came to see us several times\u2026 These are why we travel and are happy to do it..<\/p>\n

\"GS

GS #1 and #2<\/p><\/div>\n

\"GS#3\"<\/p>\n

GS#3<\/p>\n

I also spent a lot<\/strong> of time<\/strong> getting through some old pictures and making digital backup copies for family things.\u00a0 We had some really old stuff hidden in the boxes\u2026 I then posted my senior class pictures\u2026<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/03\/05\/senior-pictures-from-my-69-year-book\/<\/a><\/p>\n

With Sherrie still working we didn\u2019t venture out much\u2026 other than the Grandson trips, as necessary.\u00a0 I worked on the yard, and various other things around the house as well as my beer can pieces\u2026 made several wind spinners and learned how to make some humming bird pieces with spinning wings\u2026<\/p>\n

\"SAM_3468\"<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/05\/05\/oh-mayo-cinco-again\/<\/a><\/p>\n

those were fun\u2026 and spent some time<\/strong> on a few more airplanes\u2026 I am sure slow\u2026<\/p>\n

\"IMG_3442\"<\/p>\n

\"no-25<\/p>\n

\"no-25<\/p>\n

Our summer vacation was the Alaska Cruise\u2026 early in July so we could have very long days and see more stuff\u2026 it was sure fun and we saw things that were amazing\u2026 more whales, Giant glaciers, old towns, and plenty of other things\u2026 I would do the Alaska cruise again\u2026 you can catch all the posts on that here:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/07\/18\/july-9thalaska-cruise\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Starts here and goes for 10 days or so\u2026 lots of pictures in there.\u00a0 If course if you just want pictures\u2026 I put them up for everyone to see here: http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2015\/07\/23\/alaska-cruise-albums\/<\/a><\/p>\n

go through the links and they should all come up\u2026<\/p>\n

We pretty much just stayed home<\/strong> most of the rest of the summer into fall\u2026 with a birthday trip for GS#3<\/a> and various other small trips in-between\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 I had some bad luck\u2026 got a lightning strike that wiped out my radio stuff\u2026 although it was easily replaced and fortunate that my grounding worked to prevent bigger damage, like fires and building damage.\u00a0 It took me several months to get things working again but I am back on and doing my best to catch that last state on 160 meters\u2026 I did some work on the antennas, extended one<\/strong> and repaired several and other than that I do what retired folks do\u2026 not much that can be written about\u2026 good, call my own shots, daily living\u2026<\/p>\n

About the middle of September we gave up and figured we should \u201credo\u201d the kitchen.\u00a0 We had some floor tile coming loose and never really like the island so it was time<\/strong> to get it done in a more \u201cuseful\u201d and better built method\u2026, first up we had to pick out some granite<\/a>, lay out some island plans, pick out some tile for the floor and a few other things\u2026 the marble that was picked is similar but a bit less colorful that the marble tiles we had before and the floor<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

\"SAM_3422\"<\/p>\n

well that is substantially different\u2026\u00a0 I just realized we spent the whole fall getting this done\u2026 started the search for granite in September (late) and here it is mid-December and still not totally done\u2026 but hopefully it will be somewhat nicer than the previous setup?\u00a0 Or at least a bit more likeable.<\/p>\n

Sherrie was going to retire in July last summer but when she found her current spot in Engineering and they were so nice to her she opted to stay till January 2016\u2026 so in a few more weeks she will be fully retired and then?\u00a0 We will be substantially broke and may get a bit on each others nerves?\u00a0 Not really\u2026 I think it will be ok, I spend much of my time<\/strong> out in my shop\/radio shack working on beer can items and the radio and ?? what ever and she can do knitting from daylight to dark most days and sometimes never knows when I come through the housoe\u2026 We probably will be spending more time<\/strong> traveling to see Grandsons and going places we haven\u2019t been yet\u2026 I am really ready to get the motor home<\/strong> out for some extended trips\u2026 for sure most of the summer will be spent out looking for cooler spots to be\u2026<\/p>\n

Sherries Dad made it to 90 years and at present will make 100… We celebrated his birthday and his coming 65th wedding Anniversary In October..<\/p>\n

\"IMG_6458\"<\/p>\n

Sean and Amy and GS#1 and #2 are still in Frisco, TX\u2026 doing ok\u2026 we did have to make a trip down when Amy had a little procedure for some liver growths and it appears that procedure has done some good\u2026 GS#1 is still into the advanced learning stuff, building robots, wanting to rewrite game software (he is 9) so he can do better or design his own games\u2026They made a trip out skiing a few weeks ago and reports from his Dad was that the adults couldn\u2019t keep up\u2026 I remember that\u2026 some 9 year<\/strong> old girl was zipping and going places her dad and I could only dream of going\u2026 but at that age, fear is much less, they are a bit closer to the ground and weight is not a big speed push\u2026 seems 9 year<\/strong> olds can point it downhill and never really be out of control\u2026\u00a0 GS#2 is into everything\u2026 hey he is 2\u2026 learning to talk (which may be a bad thing?\u00a0 From all reports he loves it outside and would rather be out than in most of the time\u2026<\/p>\n

Ryan and Brooke are enjoying life back in Colorado\u2026 I think we may have engrained Ryan and Amy a bit too much with our love of being out there and since they were born there, they both think that is where they need to be\u2026 Brooke is nursing and says she loves it\u2026 takes special people to be a nurse\u2026 I am not much on being with sick people\u2026 Ryan opted to stay home<\/strong> with GS#3 for a few months till he gets to a better age for pre-schools and such as finding competent and trusted day care is really hard, and double that with people that work 12 hour shifts??? GS#3 has got to be the happiest little one<\/strong> we have ever seen\u2026 never see him when he isn\u2019t happy or totally content doing his own thing\u2026 Hummm, another Colorado native\u2026<\/p>\n

So this year<\/strong> I don\u2019t have much to put in for the Christmas letter\u2026 most of it has already been posted on the blog, so go back and check things there\u2026 It is a wonderful time<\/strong> of year\u2026 love, life and family surround us, my wish is for it to surround a few more in this world.\u00a0 Merry Christmas to all and may we all have Happy Holidays.<\/p>\n

Year – 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, it is the end of the year<\/strong> 2014 and many things have happened.\u00a0 I had told them\u00a0 I would retire at the end of 2013 but things kept coming up that needed done and I was asked or I delayed my retirement until April 1.\u00a0 Wanted it to be a Foolish move if it didn\u2019t work out\u2026 So far\u2026 no fooling it is great.<\/p>\n

I began my year<\/strong> with a New Years Eve purchase\u2026 We had gone to order a new Jeep and just happens that someone was trading one<\/strong> in that was almost identical to what I was going to order\u2026 It had all of 2300 miles on it and a huge discount off new price.\u00a0 They even gave me top dollar for my old jeep so we drove the new one<\/strong> home<\/strong> New Years Eve\u2026<\/p>\n

\"1-1486780_10201440697685802_1691015080_n<\/a><\/p>\n

Of course it needed a few things so over the month I got hitches and antennas and other things on it but sure was nice compared to the 15 year<\/strong> old one<\/strong> I had\u2026 figure if this one<\/strong> lasts me 15 years I won\u2019t need another jeep?\u00a0 or maybe?<\/p>\n

The year<\/strong> didn\u2019t start so great.\u00a0 My sisters husband had been stricken with cancer for some years but had fought it off until the last round attacked his pancreas.\u00a0 The time<\/strong> came fast once it got to that point and we lost him in January.\u00a0 We had all been out in late December to visit for Christmas but we no sooner got home<\/strong> and resumed activities that we were headed back out for the memorial.\u00a0\u00a0 The weather was not bad when we went out.<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_7970\"<\/a><\/p>\n

But on the way home<\/strong> we got to remember how blizzard driving in Eastern Colorado\u00a0 was..\u00a0 haven\u2019t done that in a long time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_7971\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Before leaving Colorado this time<\/strong> we were informed we would be Grandparents again\u2026 for awhile we figured we moght have none or just one<\/strong> now we are looking at 3 or more\u2026<\/p>\n

For the next few months I spent more time<\/strong> playing Ham radio than actual work, (hey it was cold outside still) although work got in the way several times and I had to make a trip to Duncan and Houston\u2026 nothing exotic like last years travels\u2026 Finally the day came and I packed up all my company stuff and sent it in\u2026 Just like Alka-seltzer\u2026 \u201cWhat a relief it is\u201d\u2026 From April 1 I was focused on my stuff to get done and found that I had saved back a hell of a lot<\/strong> of stuff that needed fixing or doing?\u00a0 What gives with that\u2026 when your working you can keep putting things off and pick what is important to get done\u2026 when your newly retired you look at it like\u2026 hell I put all that stuff off and now I have to get it done\u2026 That idea fades after awhile but I still have way more to do than I have time<\/strong> to get it done\u2026 but I am learning how to put it all off again in a new mode.<\/p>\n

Sherrie is putting up with my retirement ok, because she is not yet retired.\u00a0 She still has about 6 months to go before she can get full retirement qualification and you can bet that she will be retired by July 1\u2026 or as close there after as they allow it. Then we will be two wore out people\u2026 ha!\u00a0 We do plan a cruise for next summer (Alaska) to celebrate that occasion\u2026<\/p>\n

The yearly weather was a bit strange here.\u00a0 In April we had one<\/strong> day of 85 and snow the next???\u00a0\u00a0 Not to mention the earth has been moving a lot<\/strong> here in Oklahoma.\u00a0 They claim it is from Fracking but they confuse the idea of fracking with the new drilling techniques (horizontal drilling) and the past injection of massive amounts of produced waste water into the lower zones that more than likely is way more influential to the multiple earth quakes than the fracking\u2026 but once people grab a new term they apply it to all their problems.\u00a0 But we have had a lot<\/strong> of earthquakes so they want to stop all fracking\u2026 but none of them have quit driving, or turned off their electric or quit complaining about high energy costs\u2026 ?<\/p>\n

Most of the rest of my year<\/strong> has been just doing things around home<\/strong> that I had not done before\u2026 but I also have gotten a lot<\/strong> more into my radio hobby\u2026 it is more like it was in the 70\u2019s when I was very active.\u00a0 The first weekend of May I made the Pawnee Steam show again this year<\/strong> as a volunteer\u2026 we did better this year<\/strong> at getting people in quickly (had more help)\u2026<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/05\/04\/i-saw-rooster\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Our big trip this year\u2026 we went to Scotland.\u00a0 My sister mentioned she was going and Sherrie said she wanted to go so we put in and then her sister wanted to go so we all went and took a tour of Scotland.\u00a0 I had been to a lot<\/strong> of the places but nothing like the tourist side of things.\u00a0 It was fun, interesting and tiring\u2026<\/p>\n

Most of it can be caught up here: http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/06\/12\/scotland-day-1\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/06\/12\/scotland-day2\/<\/a>\u00a0 and succeeding posts (with pictures of course).<\/p>\n

When we got home<\/strong> from Scotland I got sick\u2026 lingering cold, drawn down, etc.\u00a0 Took over a week to break it and more than two weeks to get back to a more normal feeling\u2026<\/p>\n

We spent much of the summer at home, although we did make another trip out to Colorado Springs in late June.<\/p>\n

We attended the Payne County Fair in September, Sherrie entered another knitting project but was not as successful as last year\u2026 we think mostly due to the fact it didn\u2019t have a lot<\/strong> of color<\/a> contrast?\u00a0 Anyway we also attended the Cowboy Poetry\/Music session at the fair\u2026 which was interesting and very good..<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/08\/30\/fair-poetry-and-games\/<\/a><\/p>\n

We then made another trip out to Colorado Springs to deliver a lot<\/strong> more of their stuff to them and see the new house.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/09\/28\/<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/09\/29\/big-burrito-and-color\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Mostly this trip was to see the new #3 Grandson\u2026Born on September 9th, now we have 3 Grandsons and no girls and not sure if we will have a Granddaughter\u2026 who knows?<\/p>\n

We made it to all the home<\/strong> Football games, and most of the BB games so far\u2026 enjoying the things we have and the family as well\u2026 We just returned from a short trip out to Colorado again (We are begining to have the road memorized) to celebrate Thanksgiving with all our family\u2026 the ones From Frisco made it up for a weeks vacation and we drove out Thursday and came home<\/strong> Sunday\u2026 good trip, tired but for family it was worth it\u2026<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/2014\/11\/28\/no-it-wasnt-the-real-t-day-but-i-ate-too-much\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Here are our major reason for traveling out so many times:<\/p>\n

Grandson #1<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_2458\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Grandson#2 (who is just barely over 1yr old now and we made it to his birthday in Frisco a few weeks ago..<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_2456\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And Grandson #3\u2026 almost 3 months old here.<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_2445\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I have told Grandma that the boys don\u2019t need Santa Claus, cause they got Grandma\u2026 just about everywhere we go\u2026 \u201coh that is real cute and \u201c\u201d would enjoy that or would look good on him\u2026<\/p>\n

So with that we have more shopping to do before the holiday gets here and I am betting we make a trip to Frisco and CSprings before the year<\/strong> ends\u2026<\/p>\n

With that, I wish all of you that took the time<\/strong> to fight through this letter Happy Holidays\u2026 hope you had a great Thanksgiving and will have a great Christmas and remember that this time<\/strong> of year<\/strong> is all about family.\u00a0 Too soon they go their own way, or leave for a different life so we have to enjoy what we have, when we have it\u2026 till next year\u2026 God Bless.<\/p>\n

Just hit the > to play<\/p>\n

\u00a0Year – 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well another year<\/strong> has come and almost gone.\u00a0 We started the year<\/strong> with high hopes of good things to come.\u00a0 I started warning the people<\/strong> at work that it would be my last year.\u00a0 It was going<\/strong> to be but looks like I may stretch things into the first quarter of 2014.\u00a0 I would have taken early retirement in August but they didn\u2019t offer enough to end the year<\/strong> out so I opted to stay with it and now, I am begging for them to come offer me a package to get out.\u00a0 No matter what you want they will find ways to not let you have it.<\/p>\n

In the first part of the year, nothing big happened.\u00a0 At least nothing that I can remember.\u00a0 We were adjusting to not having Dad around and still working.\u00a0 I did make a few trips out of the country<\/strong> this year.\u00a0 Was in<\/p>\n

Canada<\/strong>\u2026 In February of all times to be there?<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_0919_thumb.jpg\"<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\"1-SAM_7063_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_0948_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_1019_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

and people were jumping in the water, after they cut out a big hole in the ice!!!!\u00a0 NOT ME!<\/p>\n

Venezuela<\/strong>,<\/p>\n

\"1-SAM_7749_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

They have a vast array of Old Cars<\/p>\n

\"1-SAM_7782_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Road-side stands for everything\u2026<\/p>\n

\"1-SAM_7789_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I experienced some different foods (sweet corn pancake with a semi soft cheese)<\/p>\n

\"1-SAM_8208_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And some ???? advertising (it was a clothing store in the mall).<\/p>\n

Thailand<\/strong><\/p>\n

Where I had to take \u201csurvival training\u201d?<\/p>\n

\"IMG_2757_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_2841_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

But we didn’t go out on that ship…<\/p>\n

\"SAM_9361_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

More ? exotic foods?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_3434_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And Temples<\/span><\/p>\n

Mexico<\/strong>,<\/p>\n

\"IMG_4554_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Colorful houses\u2026<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5501_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Group Taxi\u2019s<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5583_thumb.jpg\"<\/p>\n

\"IMG_5785_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Unique artists\u2026<\/p>\n

West Texas\u2026 you know that is a whole<\/strong> other country<\/strong> (according to their own advertisements).<\/p>\n

\"1-SAM_9777_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_7193_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IMG_7265_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Along with several US<\/a> locations, including a trip offshore and some fine food\u00a0in Louisiana\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\"IMG_7439_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SAM_9995_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It was in the spring we got the word that we would be grandparents again\u2026 actually on April 1st\u2026 so it came out that it was a fools joke, then turned out to be a truth\u2026 !<\/p>\n

While we waited on that event we did get to attend some more graduation<\/strong> exercises (pictures)\u2026 both Ryan and Brooke got to graduate from Radiation Tech and Nursing school\u2026 so we have a Registered Nurse and a Picture taker(aiming for Medical Assistant)\u00a0in the family<\/strong> now\u2026 I sure was glad to get them out , again, and I bet they were too as I know I can really wear on people\u2026 ha!<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_1780_thumb.jpg\"<\/a>\"1-IMG_1910_thumb.jpg\"<\/a>\"1-IMG_1994_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

They finished up all the testing and both passed the final exams and got their respective certifications.\u00a0 They promptly picked up and moved to Colorado Springs and both have <\/span>jobs<\/strong> out there and enjoy living there\u2026 they say they like their <\/span>jobs<\/strong> but it is work and how can you truly like work?\u00a0 I don\u2019t, but I have been doing it a <\/span>whole<\/strong>lot<\/strong> longer\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Sherrie is still working<\/strong> and in order to qualify for her retirement she has another year+ to put in\u2026 She threatens to quit every month but stays.. It has been a real problem.\u00a0 My work is such that my time<\/strong> off does not work well with when her boss will let her of so we have not had a real vacation in over 2 years, we plan to remedy that this spring and start taking our time<\/strong> away.\u00a0 We do visit her parents<\/strong> when we can as they are the remaining members of our collective older generation.\u00a0 It is different times now.\u00a0 We used to have big family<\/strong> gatherings both her\u2019s and mine when our grandmothers were alive, but now that gathering has diminished and we seldom see some of the extended families.<\/p>\n

Sherrie has been really intent on knitting<\/strong> stuff. this year\u00a0 It is her focused hobby now.\u00a0 Just like me she gravitated from one<\/strong> to the other.\u00a0 She works on it pretty constant now, every free minute is used up knitting.\u00a0 She is making stuff for others all the time.\u00a0 I can relate to having that other thing to do that distracts you from work.\u00a0 I get totally involved in my Ham radio and loose track of time<\/strong> and other stuff (well some of that is Old-timers, you know when you get to a point you only remember some of the stuff some of the time?), .\u00a0 I have been asked a lot<\/strong> lately , \u201cwhat will you do when you retire?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 They just don\u2019t understand that when you have several hobbies that you could do full time, work is not the focus for me that it is for them. If you want to know what Sherrie is making, ask here on Facebook, she will send pictures\u2026 Lots of lots of baby stuff\u2026 which brings me to November 4th\u2026<\/p>\n

Luke was born on that day (picture)\u2026 he was really small as he came a bit<\/strong> early due to required C-section delivery.\u00a0 He is doing well now, but still a bit<\/strong> small and catching up\u2026 Big<\/strong> brother Ethan is really involved in taking care of Luke as well\u2026<\/p>\n

\"1-IMG_7588_thumb.jpg\"<\/a>\"1-IMG_7607_thumb.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So, the year<\/strong> came and went, we made a few new friends, met up with a lot<\/strong> of old ones, didn\u2019t get to go on vacation but I traveled more than I wanted\u2026 just hate those long plane rides.\u00a0 The family<\/strong> has grown, we are happy and expecting to take more time<\/strong> away in the near future.\u00a0 We are happy here in Stillwater and do attend a lot<\/strong> of the events here, as much as we can since we are so close it is good entertainment at a good price.<\/p>\n

To that end, we wish everyone a very merry Christmas.\u00a0 Please try to remember the reason for it all.\u00a0 We also wish you all a Happy New Year and may you all be as happy as we have been\u2026 and look forward to the new years events.<\/p>\n

\u00a0++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Year \u2013 2012<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This year<\/strong> has been another one<\/strong> of those that just got away.\u00a0 All the things we planned were usually changed before they came to fruit.<\/p>\n

Ryan and Brooke are still in Nursing.\u00a0 Well Ryan is working on Radiation Tech.\u00a0 He will be the picture guy zapping you with radiation to show the Doctor what your insides look like.\u00a0 One thing I can say about the school he is in, is they sure make them do a lot<\/strong> of practice.\u00a0 He does several days a week of working on different clinics, hospitals and such taking pictures.\u00a0 Brooke is working to be an RN.\u00a0 I sure hope that gets them good paying jobs so I can live like they did\u2026<\/p>\n

Sean and Amy are still in Frisco and as normal Sean is working several jobs at once.\u00a0 Running or partnered in several software ventures.\u00a0 Amy is having to work for him to keep things from running over the top in one<\/strong> business.\u00a0 Ethan is in school and seems to really like it.\u00a0 In fact he hates to have out of school days.\u00a0 I am sure he is not from my side of the family as I hated school when I had to go and was always looking for days to get out.<\/p>\n

Sherrie is still working at OSU in the nutrition department.\u00a0 Needs a couple more years to retire.\u00a0 We both wish to be retired now but didn\u2019t make all the right decisions early when we were having fun.\u00a0 I am still working for Halliburton \u2013 rather Boots and Coots a part of Halliburton.\u00a0 My job changed last year<\/strong> and this year<\/strong> I spent a lot<\/strong> of time<\/strong> travelling all over.\u00a0 Before I had a good rotation of one<\/strong> month away and one<\/strong> month at home.\u00a0 This year<\/strong> it was supposed to be 2 weeks out and 2 weeks at home<\/strong> but the 2 at home<\/strong> has turned into mostly work days to get the reports done from the 2 weeks out and get ready for the next 2 weeks out.\u00a0 So far this year<\/strong> I have been in Houma,La., Oman, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Odessa, TX, Weston, WV, Homer City Pa., Canada, Back to Australia, Houston TX several times, Lafayette, LA, Kilgore, TX, etc\u2026 I am just over tired of all the travel.<\/p>\n

In May I helped at the Pawnee Steam show.<\/a>.. interesting<\/p>\n

I also hit several car<\/a> shows this year, as a spectator… would like to have a car<\/a> but not in the finances…<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Kicker car show here in Stillwater<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Show in Perry, OK<\/a>… on way to visit Dad one<\/strong> morning.<\/p>\n

3. HotRod Power tour came through Stillwater.<\/a>..<\/p>\n

The biggest thing this year<\/strong> was loosing Dad.\u00a0 He passed away late in July.<\/p>\n

\"sepia<\/a><\/p>\n

I had spent much of my home<\/strong> time<\/strong> during the year<\/strong> helping him or getting over to see him.\u00a0 He was in the Hospital 3 times this year<\/strong> and was just totally wore out.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t fully understand, but in the last few months and more especially the last few weeks he told us all that he had\u00a0lived a good life and was ready to go. \u00a0In fact he had expressed a really strong desire that he missed Mom a lot<\/strong> and I had made the above picture for him as well as some others.<\/p>\n

\"Ishmael_9610_5x7\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I think he willed it to end as we had just gotten him out of the hospital in to rehab and the next day he gave it up.\u00a0 We had a small graveside<\/a>, which is what he wanted and we followed his wishes.<\/p>\n

The rest of this year<\/strong> has been the issues of his estate and taking care of all those things one<\/strong> has to take care of while trying to maintain some interest in work and moving forward.\u00a0 Right now we are working on plans for family meetings, maybe each summer we need to have a \u201cboard meeting\u201d so we can still get together.<\/p>\n

I won\u2019t be putting in a lot<\/strong> of pictures this year<\/strong> but have linked several of my albums at Picasa for viewing.\u00a0 You can check them by the links or in the blog as I have posted a lot<\/strong> of stuff.\u00a0 I doubt that it is very interesting but it is a good diary for me to capture things that I remember or have seen that someday I may not remember\u2026 ha!<\/p>\n

For those that are inclined, I do a little face book and do some blogging \u2013 the blog is for me mostly as I put in stuff about a number of subjects that I am following or doing at the time.\u00a0\u00a0 Sherrie is big into Facebook and checks it every day.\u00a0 Me not so much.\u00a0 You can search for us on Facebook or visit my eclectic blog at:\u00a0 www.ishmaels.net\/blog<\/a>\u00a0 the old web pages are still there and someday I may update some of them \u2013 www.ishmaels.net<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 all are linked back and forth and probably to these letters as I will make page of it and put in updates , when I remember.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/ishmaels.net\/blog\/christmas-letters-and-such\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

———————————————————————————–<\/p>\n

This\u00a0year<\/strong>\u00a0I will attempt to write a\u00a0letter<\/strong>\u00a0but it will be posted on the internet for all to see and sent in an\u00a0email<\/strong>\u00a0to those that we know your\u00a0email<\/strong>\u2026 for the rest \u2013 let us know your\u00a0email<\/strong>\u00a0or you may end up off the list.\u00a0 This is a technology\u00a0age<\/strong>\u00a0we live in so get with the program.<\/p>\n

\n

Year \u2013 2011<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As a short\u00a0catch<\/strong>\u00a0up, since the\u00a0last<\/strong>\u00a0letter<\/strong>\u00a0(last<\/strong>\u00a0I can find is 2006).\u00a0 Yes we lived in that trailer<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

for about 3 years.\u00a0 I continued to work on the International rotation and sure got tired of it.\u00a0 We built a\u00a0house<\/strong>\u00a0in Stillwater out west of town and then the city promptly annexed our addition shortly after we moved in.\u00a0 We spent way too much building and will have to live here for 40 years to break even.\u00a0 Not sure we can\u00a0make<\/strong>\u00a0it that long. \u00a0We moved in this new\u00a0house<\/strong>\u00a0in April 2008 and really like it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Sure we see things we should have done different but for the most part it is nice to be at the edge of town, have a pond in the back yard and get to fish it some, have a shop big enough to park the motor\u00a0home<\/strong>\u00a0as well as a place for me to play with all my toys and leave them out so I don\u2019t have to pick it all up or shut the door when company comes\u2026<\/p>\n

The greatest\u00a0thing<\/strong>\u00a0about it is the view from the back deck that runs the full length of the\u00a0house<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Current and some\u00a0last<\/strong>\u00a0year<\/strong>\u00a0stuff – \u00a0Ryan and Brooke moved back in with us as financially they could not hold on in the Dallas area and finding work or better paying work was not so good.\u00a0 They are both studying nursing now so they can get work anywhere (we all hope) that pays better than what they had or didn\u2019t have.\u00a0 You can\u00a0catch<\/strong>\u00a0up with both of them on\u00a0Facebook<\/strong>\u00a0, just do a\u00a0search<\/strong>\u00a0for them by name.<\/p>\n

We were really into travel in the fall of 2010. \u00a0In October we made it to Albuquerque for the\u00a0Balloon<\/strong>\u00a0Fiesta<\/strong>. \u00a0I posted about it for the entire trip and it starts here: \u00a0Balloon Fiesta Vacation<\/a>. \u00a0Just 2 months later we took the whole family on a cruise of the\u00a0Caribbean<\/strong>\u00a0and I posted that vacation starting here:\u00a0Cruise the Eastern Caribbean<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Amy, Sean and Ethan are still in Frisco,TX. and doing well.\u00a0 Amy is really into \u201cbeach body exercise\u201d and has lost a lot<\/strong> of weight.\u00a0 Thinner than she was in High School.\u00a0 She is into\u00a0Facebook<\/strong>\u00a0and you can find here there\u00a0search<\/strong>\u00a0for Amy Ishmael Goodpasture.\u00a0 Sean is also on\u00a0Facebook<\/strong>.\u00a0 \u00a0Those will give you up-to-date pictures as they do post on a regular basis.\u00a0 Ethan has started real\u00a0school<\/strong>\u00a0or at least Kindergarten and seems to really like it. \u00a0Although he has been going to\u00a0school<\/strong>\u00a0since he was 2 and in January he will be 6.<\/p>\n

Sherrie is still working for OSU<\/a>\u00a0and likes it for the most part.\u00a0\u00a0 How can you like work when it is work?\u00a0 We both would rather be retired and traveling in the Motor Home<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

but that is a ways off yet. \u00a0She gets\u00a0\u00a0time<\/strong>\u00a0off when she wants or needs it and no work on Holidays or long \u201cpayroll\u201d days like the previous work at Halliburton.\u00a0 She is also into\u00a0Facebook<\/strong>\u00a0and most of you are already friends so the rest better get on the stick or rather\u00a0web<\/strong>\u00a0and keep up.<\/p>\n

Me, I am on my 7th or 8th redo with Halliburton. I was converted into\u00a0Boots and Coots<\/a>\u00a0when Halliburton bought them. \u00a0 I was\u00a0working<\/strong>\u00a0a rotation in Algeria, for the past 9 years, running a Training School for Customer Engineers – developing field supervisors – and had hopes of making 2 more but\u00a0last<\/strong>\u00a0summer just as I was ready to return to work they call and tell me not to come. \u00a0At that point I figured I had been early retired and started my\u00a0search<\/strong>\u00a0for something else but they called me back and I ended up with a new job as a Performance Development Coordinator – Service Quality Auditor. \u00a0Huge title but I travel way too much, go in and check work from all aspects, HSE, Management Systems and performance measures and identify things that need to be changed or fixed. \u00a0I report the problems I find to them and management and move on to the next spot. \u00a0It is supposed to be a short rotation job (2 weeks out, 2 to 5 days work at\u00a0home<\/strong>\u00a0on reports, 1 week off and repeat) it has been close so far but you always wonder about deals like this.<\/p>\n

I still do Amateur Radio and play with computers. \u00a0I do a little\u00a0Facebook<\/strong>\u00a0and do some blogging \u2013 the blog is for me mostly as I put in stuff about a number of subjects that I am following or doing at the\u00a0time<\/strong>. \u00a0\u00a0You can\u00a0search<\/strong>\u00a0for me on\u00a0Facebook<\/strong>\u00a0or visit my eclectic blog at:\u00a0\u00a0www.ishmaels.net\/blog<\/a>\u00a0 the old\u00a0web<\/strong>\u00a0pages are still there and someday I may update some of them \u2013\u00a0www.ishmaels.net<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 all are linked back and forth and probably to this\u00a0letter<\/strong>\u00a0as I will\u00a0make<\/strong>\u00a0page of it, and put in updates , when I remember. \u00a0You can also leave comments here, which is better than before.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I used to write Christmas letters and put them in the Christmas cards we sent out. A few years ago we picked up the Scrooge Attitude that the cost of all those damn cards was out of line. Not that we couldn\u2019t afford it, just that it was such a waste to put it all together and send them out \u2013 wasted paper, wasted time, wasted costs, etc. When we were sure that everyone else, just like us would have to throw all that \u201cWaste paper\u201d out when you didn\u2019t have room for it anymore\u2026 Well so much for the explanation of our Scrooge Attitude.<\/p>\n

Play me while you read <\/p>\n

Frank Sinatra <\/p>\n

“And Now the Rest of the Story – “Christmas Letters<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9214,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9191","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","odd"],"yoast_head":"\nChristmas Letters - And That was How it Went<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/christmas-letters-and-such\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Christmas Letters - And That was How it Went\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"I used to write Christmas letters and put them in the Christmas cards we sent out. A few years ago we picked up the Scrooge Attitude that the cost of all those damn cards was out of line. Not that we couldn\u2019t afford it, just that it was such a waste to put it all together and send them out \u2013 wasted paper, wasted time, wasted costs, etc. When we were sure that everyone else, just like us would have to throw all that \u201cWaste paper\u201d out when you didn\u2019t have room for it anymore\u2026 Well so much for the explanation of our Scrooge Attitude. Play me while you read Frank Sinatra "And Now the Rest of the Story - "Christmas Letters\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/christmas-letters-and-such\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"And That was How it Went\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-11-29T20:45:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@wd0ajg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"68 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/\",\"name\":\"Christmas Letters - And That was How it Went\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"\",\"datePublished\":\"2011-12-18T13:01:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-11-29T20:45:14+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"\",\"contentUrl\":\"\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/christmas-letters-and-such\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Christmas Letters\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"And That was How it Went\",\"description\":\"life, ham-radio,travel, investing, work, retirement and getting there\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e09620d4264e5cd90e30305809ea2462\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ishmaels.net\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/e09620d4264e5cd90e30305809ea2462\",\"name\":\"wd0ajg\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/db64afcf51fce3b55d7ed73473f96d8213f4d5b7466a584423982496ed778676?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/db64afcf51fce3b55d7ed73473f96d8213f4d5b7466a584423982496ed778676?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/db64afcf51fce3b55d7ed73473f96d8213f4d5b7466a584423982496ed778676?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"wd0ajg\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/db64afcf51fce3b55d7ed73473f96d8213f4d5b7466a584423982496ed778676?s=96&d=mm&r=g\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Christmas Letters - And That was How it Went","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/christmas-letters-and-such\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Christmas Letters - And That was How it Went","og_description":"I used to write Christmas letters and put them in the Christmas cards we sent out. A few years ago we picked up the Scrooge Attitude that the cost of all those damn cards was out of line. Not that we couldn\u2019t afford it, just that it was such a waste to put it all together and send them out \u2013 wasted paper, wasted time, wasted costs, etc. When we were sure that everyone else, just like us would have to throw all that \u201cWaste paper\u201d out when you didn\u2019t have room for it anymore\u2026 Well so much for the explanation of our Scrooge Attitude. 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R. S.","author":"Rex","date":"July 15, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Gotcha!.... This will be the page for the \"[I]shmaels [R]etirement-fund [S]tuff\". At present I am not ready to list the things I will have for sale but suffice to say we will have stuff. I have no plans to get rich and actually have no plans that this will cover\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8,"url":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/about\/","url_meta":{"origin":9191,"position":1},"title":"About Me","author":"Rex","date":"July 29, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"A technology challenged (not really), middle-aged( advancing fast), guy that wanted to keep track of his daily occurrences and thoughts - no matter how trivial they may be to the world.\u00a0 If I put it down and I lose my mind, I might be able to go back and learn\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9191"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64047,"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9191\/revisions\/64047"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ishmaels.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}