Season's Greetings from the two of us on Upper Goose Bayou. You probably wondered why we did not send a 1999 Christmas greeting. During that period we had many events occupying our time. The week of Thanksgiving 1999, Torrie and Perry had our entire immediate family as guests. The occasion was really to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. As usual, Torrie had every detail perfectly planned with plenty of food and activities for all. Upon arriving back home, the remainder of the year was spent with Catherine in the hospital. We welcomed the year 2000 watching TV in her hospital room.

In March 1999, Jim and I began our work in Sunday School with the Singles Class at Hiland Park Baptist Church. This is one of the most rewarding ministries that we've undertaken. I've discovered what a great teacher Jim is and was especially blessed, as was everyone else, with his 3-month study of Revelation. Also Jim was ordained as a Deacon in 1999 at Hiland Park and was honored with many long-time friends and St. Joe relatives attending. We are really enjoying our Hiland Park family.

In the spring of 1999 we enjoyed helping Torrie and Perry move into their beautiful and spacious new home with our new Ford Expedition SUV.

At year's end of 2000, thank goodness, it's been relatively uneventful with a few exceptions.

On March 28, 2000, Jim celebrated the big "65" and has found that Medicare is great along with his government employee's Blue Cross & Blue Shield. It's been put to good use this year, with various ailments and tests as we get older. Jim's Baywood Computer consulting has been extremely slow this year so he's spending a great deal of time researching our genealogy. He bought a computer for me but thus far I've only learned how to get my E-mail (not send) and to have him help me with my bank checking account.

We did so enjoy each and every visit from our kids this year. We had the pleasure of keeping Lukas for a week in August and Logan & Lindsey at different times. We are so thrilled with the expectation of a new grandchild from Torrie and Perry. That will make a total of 6 grandchildren, two per child, and they all tell us that's it! Jim & I visited Mom Slone in Greeneville in July as well as Jan & Ted and Uncle Bill & Aunt Bonnie. In August we had the unfortunate trip to Beaufort, SC to attend the funeral of Witt Compton who died of cancer. Witt and Brenda have been dear and special friends since their move to Panama City in 19XX. They retired from the Navy Lab and the IRS and moved to Sun City, SC (out from Hilton Head).

We're so thankful that we were spared all the hurricanes this year. Now for "the rest of the story" on Speckles, our black-and-white cocker spaniel. She was lost for 2 weeks after our wreck in 1998. In October this year she had to have emergency surgery at the University of Florida Vet school for a crushed disc. Needless to say, we are truly thankful she isn't impaired from paralysis and is recuperating quite nicely. Another example of God's grace and love.

All of our children and grandchildren will be at our home this Christmas. A wonderful time is anticipated.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for our many friends and family. We are still praying that each one of you and yours know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. May each of you have a very 

Happy Christ's
Birthday!
Love,
Jim & Pat