Flowers from my neighbors garden as the season ended in 2010

A view from the kitchen counter

 I will always treasure the great alone time I have had with my granddaughter using the suburban as our house! It looks like she is headed to the basement now!

 These were on the parking lot at the Farmer's Market in Big Rapids Michigan - Summer 0f 2011

Dickens never dreamed of a dream land like this!

 This little garden developed with help from my daughter and Smith Lawnscape!

 What a lovely view on a snow misty day on Springmont in Grand Rapids, fall of 2011

 A special treat from God, "just for me" as I walked to the Kentwood Library on frosty morning.

Lopsided but beautful!

Remember Knapp's in downtown Lansing, these wer there and now they aren't!

this is what the crumbs on the table see!

It would not be Christmas if Dave did not have his angels in place!

Yes, many Gurley candles make a feast!

At home with my thoughts

What do you think would happen in your life if:
1.) Cell Phones were put on the table for a siesta at 1pm everyday until 2pm?
2.) Televisions were not allowed in the family room...or the bedroom...or the house?
3.) You could only access your computer at home for 15 minutes per day?
4.).........

Christmas Letter 2011

Welcome 2012! New Resolutions! I am relying on the philosophy that it is better late than never to send this note. Thank you for your Christmas greeting and the fact that “these times” didn’t keep you from holding the tradition of holiday mail. I read this today, a quote from Paul Harvey, “When you think of times like these remember there have always been times like these!” It sort of helps keep my perspective. This has been the year of moving: Kim and Chloe from Cincinnati to Grand Rapids, which is a mixed blessing of having them close to home, but amidst a pending divorce. Molly moved from apartment living to renting a home for the first time with her boyfriend Matt. Betsy and Ken sold their home in Grand Rapids and moved back to Okemos, Ken is now working at Jackson National Life, and Betsy is starting a new job there in the Legal Dept., Ken hopes to complete graduate studies soon, and his new job has him traveling, around the country and in February to London…the big home lost its’ luster with news that having children may have moved to the “wish” list in their lives. We place that in God’s hands. The plans to retire continue to elude Dave as his plans never include downsizing?*^%$# on the other hand I was let go from my job during my medical disability leave following my rollover accident in February. I had surgery in November on my shoulder and continue to live and receive physical therapy in Grand Rapids. No one else was involved as I hit black ice on the expressway heading to work. The suburban however was laid to rest. This has been a long journey of blessing and character building. The Muppet Christmas Carol song says it well: “Bless us all that as we live we always comfort and forgive…Let us run from anger and catch us when we fall…Bless us all with playful years, with joyful tears…and in our prayers we ask You Bless us all.


Love to you from Dave and Robin