December 1998

Dear Friends and Family

Another new year is approaching and we begin to reflect upon the year that is ending. It has been a busy and varied one, full of special memories of special friends and family. Writing this annual letter helps us to consider how much has transpired in only twelve months.

Jenk has had another busy year of developing computer networking classes at school, requiring many hours of summer and weekend work. In his “spare” time he is considering what kind of new home computer he will buy this next year. It seems that the old one is an “antique” and we need a faster machine for the new programs.

Marc is a senior in high school. The college applications have been completed and now we await the results. His first choice is UCLA, but only time will tell. In the meantime he has a heavy load of advanced placement classes, a college class, plays the clarinet and tenor sax in the symphonic and jazz bands and continues to volunteer at the hospital. He is also on the yearbook staff and works for a math tutoring service two nights a week. We do see him home from time to time!

Beth is a freshman this year and has enjoyed playing her saxophone in the marching bad along with Marc. She is enrolled in three honors classes and is doing very well – so far. She also ran on the school cross-country team (#5 runner of a team of 25), and will take part in track in the spring. Her favorite activities continue to be spending time with her friends and talking on the phone.

Patty has had a good year health-wise. She continues to teach full time and advises the French Club and academic teams. Keeping up with the house and with the family schedule is another full time occupation.

This summer included no major trips, but we thoroughly enjoyed visits from two French friends and a brief visit by Katianna, who lived with us from 1994-5. With Claude and her two children we traveled to San Francisco, Sequoia and Yosemite in July, and in August patty and Michele took a few days rest and relaxation along the central coast.

The biggest family news of the year was the marriage of Patty’s 79 year old mother! The wedding took place in Paso Robles in September. The happy couple then left on a month long honeymoon in France.

At this most holy time of year we are thankful for our many blessings. You are counted among these. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 1999.