Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Every day I'm a-wassailing...

Season's Greetings from DonKay! The perpetual winter in which 1430's overseers thrive is quite different from the one you would expect to accompany the Yuletide Holidays. Metaphorical, yes, but there's even a certain snap to the air down her longer hallways, regardless of any spring sunshines. As if we get to see them anyway. Alanna Johnston's X-Mas letter, cc'd to l'academie by carbon, was written when frosts still chilled the night. The sentiment is mighty warm, though.

Dear Friends and Family,

Here is what we have been up to this year. Patrick has kept busy as Area Supervisor for Ferro-Next's Southern Wyoming operations. Yet once again, as of recently, he will be facing another plant shutdown. We may finally be leaving Wyoming??? Aside from work, Patrick has been coaching the plant-sponsored kids' basketball and soccer teams. 'Coach Pat' enjoys his role. A highlight this year was his victory in the 17th Annual "Manly Cup" Golf Tournament. The competition was fierce.

Alanna is very busy with her private practice, but still finds time to do her early morning exercise. When not on the StairMaster, she spends her time with Book Club and Bunco. A big highlight this year was the weekend surprise trip to New York City Patrick planned for her 47th birthday. They did the Broadway show, the Village, the carriage ride in Central Park, and of course shopping. Visiting Mandee and Brandee was an extra bonus.

Leah is 8. She is in third grade at Immaculate Conception Grammar school. She gets good grades and is an outgoing and social little girl. She likes cheerleading, basketball, soccer, piano, and sleepovers. She cannot wait to get her braces off this week.

Michael is 6. He is in first grade. He recently won his grade's spelling bee. C-H-I-M-P-A-N-Z-E-E. Michael likes reading, and also ice hockey. And swimming. He is becoming quite the pianist as well. We are all very proud.

We feel especially blessed this year and we hope that you will be similarly so. God's grace be with you all.

The Johnston Family (Alanna)