Christmas
2025
We
thought that 2024 would be our last year together for our annual family vacation
at Pinebrook, but then in addition to Tiernan getting a job there Aryon had
trouble finding a job the Pinebrook asked Tiernan if his brother was available.
But next year Aryon will be doing his military service and Tiernan has already
let Pinebrook he will not be there so we’ll be down to just 5 grandchildren. So
we’ve already decided that 2026 will be the last Russell summer at Pinebrook
after being there nearly every year since 1977 – a run of nearly 50 consecutive
years! Prices are also increasing regularly, so now is a good time to stop.
Family
Updates
I thought it might be interesting to
give a quick synopsis of each family member.
·
Chris
– was just named an associate at Lockheed – no increase in pay, just in responsibility
·
Pam
– lots of responsibilities at their church
·
Aryon
– in his junior year at Taylor. May be leaving college for the time being and
getting a job.
·
Tiernan
– in his freshman year at Taylor
·
Ilyanna
– planning on going into the trades (not sure which one)
·
Matthew
– still working for gun parts company (receiving, repackaging, shipping). Lives
part-time with his parents and helps give medical aid to them.
·
Kim
– Lost her job this summer and currently unemployed – actively looking for new
job
·
Ethan
– in an 11th grade dual-enrollment program at Liberty University
Online Academy. If all goes well will be graduating with an associates degree
in 2028, then would like to get a job in railroading
·
Isaiah
– 10th grader at LUOA, thinking of getting a job in the trades –
probably as an auto mechanic
·
Caleb
– 10th grader at LUOA, will likely go into their dual enrollment
program
·
Asher
– 8th grader at LUOA, probably will go into military
·
Donna
– doing yard work (since I can’t), takes care of pets (4 cats, dog, 2 birds).
Recently taking care of me (see next item)
Medical
Update
Until
about two months ago things were going well. Then started having physical
issues and ended up in the hospital with a case of cirrhosis of the liver
(sound familiar?) Still working through the issues involved, but a lot depends
on a change of diet. However during the process I reached a milestone with a
total weight loss of just over 200 (down nearly 30 pounds in the last year.)
One more thing to track.
As
always, we are finding that HE is in control and we need follow his leading.
