Thursday, October 16, 2008

Mid-October

We just returned from our week of vacation. We had good visits with Jean’s family in Williamstown, Mass. and with Jonathan and Emily in Hackettstown, N.J. Between the travel days we had two plus days in each place. Dad Netherwood continues to do well as he faces the health challenges of being 96. Jean’s sister Judy and her husband Larry provided hospitality and good company. Our visit to Hackettstown was our first and we had a lot to see. Emily and Jonathan’s apartment is somewhat larger than what they had in the past. They appear to be well settled. We also spent time touring Centenary College where Jonathan is teaching.

Jonathan and Sam - October 2008

One highlight of our trip was attending Samuel’s baptism on Sunday morning. Jonathan and Emily continue to make journeys back to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey. The church means a lot to them, and it is easy to see why. The congregation is inner city and multi-cultural. The people are extremely kind and friendly. What a great place.

Several weeks ago the engine on the van died. We retrieved the van a couple days before our trip, and I am happy to report that the car performed great and seems to have a new lease on life. I like the van and hope it will serve us for several more years.

The focus and purpose of this trip was people we love. Samuel, now about six months old, is a source of happiness for his parents and all the rest of us. Life is God’s great gift and we are grateful for Samuel and all the other people in our lives.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Traveling Plans

Today is Thursday and on Monday Jean and I will head out for a week of vacation. The first destination is Williamstown, Massachusetts, Jean's home town. We will stay with Jean's sister Judy and her husband Larry, and we will visit with Dad Netherwood. Dad is now 96 years old and still of clear mind. He hears with greater difficulty now, and he cannot walk long distances. We always enjoy the days with him, trying to see him a couple times a year if possible. Judy continues to teach, so we hope to see her and Larry mainly in the evenings.

On Friday of next week we will head for Hackettstown, New Jersey, where son Jonathan is now teaching at Centenary College. We will see him, Emily, and six month old Samuel. Samuel will be baptized a week from Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey. We are happy we can be there. We will have several days to watch Samuel and talk about everything with Emily and Jonathan. Good times.