Anyway, we're back, and it is wonderful to be here. Six weeks away from family, friends and neighbors is a long time. And a grandchild who is crawling and soon to walk. We're grateful she waited for the milestone.
Einer doesn't rhyme with weinerSpeaking of neighbors. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful surprise party. Kevin and Debbie Strong threw another one of their memorable events. We had some great food, then we got around the piano and sang some of our own Stonebrooke favorites, like "You say, Tomato, I say, Tomato, You say Einer, I say Weiner" and "I Can See The Darn Mailboxes from Here, Dear" and "Why Don't that Rose Grow, Mina?"
Tom Story and John Gerken told stories about the good old days at the Farmington Air Traffic Control Center. Tom and John had originally scheduled the welcome home party for the tarmac in front of the Abbey Point villas, but the weather, again, did not cooperate and John didn't have any firewood left to burn in the little red hibachi anyway.
Tom Story and John Gerken told stories about the good old days at the Farmington Air Traffic Control Center. Tom and John had originally scheduled the welcome home party for the tarmac in front of the Abbey Point villas, but the weather, again, did not cooperate and John didn't have any firewood left to burn in the little red hibachi anyway.
So when the big hot air balloon, commemorating the homecoming event, flew over the house (see photo) everyone had to quick run outside in their stocking feet so they wouldn't miss it. Back inside, Stan and Kathleen showed their entire selection of vacation slides, 
complete with detailed comments, to the enraptured group. When the picture show was finished, Greg and Phyllis Collier begged, "May we please see your pictures of the Grand Canyon again?"
complete with detailed comments, to the enraptured group. When the picture show was finished, Greg and Phyllis Collier begged, "May we please see your pictures of the Grand Canyon again?" 
Association President Lisa Franz, for some odd reason looking particularly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tonight, welcomed Stan and Kathleen back home, then announced a temporary increase in homeowner dues because of heavy snowfall while we were away.
Our special evening concluded with Kevin Strong giving a tour of their new lower level family room, asking visitors for any suggestions as to how he might remove his deluxe table saw from the new billards room without taking out the window. It is great to be back.
