for Andrea's thanks list...only a month later

Oh man it is a happy day in St Louis, with nice clear skies and warm weather. I have been off line, what with driving to freeport and back with marli, and now (finally) painting the inside of the house here, the days have scooted right on by. but my thanks things: 

1) I am thankful that TRALE will be coming back to the USA, it will be real good to have him back with us soon!

2) I am thankful that my dad is still around, we had a real good time over christmas hanging out, and he re-taught us how to play Hearts, which was good fun. 

3) Mom, Dad, Marli, Becky, Karl, Jon, Liz, and Andrea coming down for thanksgiving. that was really fantastic. it was a great break and it was so good to get to spend time together with them

4) finals being over! the week was tough, but it was also fun to got through this tough set of tests with a bunch of other folks. 

5) winter break! I am enjoying catching up on things that I have prioritized over for school

HAPPY EARLY NEW YEARS!!!!! DO SOMETHING CRAZY AND FUN!!

Happy Holidays!

These are some pictures of the water park here in town, also one of the killing cow for Idul Adha, and the meat would later be distributed to the people around town, particularly those in poverty.
I saw the actual cutting, it was sort of grotesque, yet interesting for me to see all the people about and their fascination with the whole procedure.














The water park is very basic, but with the good company of friends, it was a very fun afternoon.















Now I am back out to the location for the last time I would guess, and we are standing by waiting to perform the job- I suppose that I will be out here over the Christmas (and maybe new year?) holiday, but looking forward to making the jump pretty soon after that, and getting back to the states probably sometime in the second week of the new year.

Love to all,

Trale

thanks

1. I'm thankful for a loving and forgiving God.
2. communicationability with family (travel to St. Louis, talking with Connie, Alice visit, this blog to name a few)
3. a warm home despite cold, windy weather with a fun, and a lively kitty (I guess his name's Kalvin now) to greet me at the door and climb in my lap when I sit
4. health to run/walk, play ping pong and hula hoop!
5. pumpkins to cook up into pie, bread and custard!!

Thanksgiving

Hello from Searcy, Like everyone else we have much to be thankful for! We'vehad a wonderful visit with Dad and Linda! They arrived on Friday afternoon and we had them until this Monday morning! when they headed back north to weather the snow on their trip! We enjoyed the proverbial Leininger game table while they were here. A main highlight was going to the Clinton Presidential Library, which continues to grow. This season they have state of the art Choppers on display, along with all the information about the Clintons.
Jimmy gave thanks with us here and spent 2 days before going back to Fayetteville. Our 'foster' son Michael spent 3-4 days here from Gulf Port, MS where he is laying fiber optic cable, still rebuilding from Katrina's devastation.
We also enjoyed having Cole with us yesterday for lunch and into the evening.
We are thankful for both our families and the fellowship we share with all!
We are looking forward to a warm and simple Christmas here at home, and will miss being with all of you. We are hoping to be with everyone this summer somewhere!
Love to all! Ken and Gladys
PS. This blog is great!
We have plenty of room if you're in our area! We'd love to have you all!