A. B. BARTHLE NEWSLETTER (1994)

Welcome to the 1994 Newsletter for
the A. B. Barthle family!

Front cover

AGNES MARY CARLSON Inside cover page #2 page #3 page #4

Inside cover
* -Sunday Oct. 15, 1911 a baby girl was born at 2:10 A.M. to Katherine and Abe Carlson. It was a rainy day near Carlock, in Gregory County, South Dakota
* -She started school in the fall of 1918 and on May 21, 1930 she received her diploma from Gregory High School.
* -Sept 1930 to June 1931 she attended Springfield State Teacher's College (Springfield, SD)
* -Sept 1931 to June 1933 she taught grades 1 though 8 in Carlock, SD
* -In Sept 1933 she arrived in Brooksville, Fla on a bus. Stanley Burnside and his family gave her a lift to San Antonio looking for Mary Ruffing(Katherine Carlson's best friend). No one knew who Mary was except the postmaster who knew she married Nick Shroeder.

page #2
* -In the fall of 1933 to the spring of 1934, she stayed with Nick and Mary Ruffing Shroeder to recover from rheumatoid arthritis. That winter she met August Barthle.
* -Sept 1934 to June 1935 she returned and taught school again in Carlock, SD.
* -She returned to Florida and on Sept 6, 1935 she Married August Barthle in Saint Joseph's Sacred Heart Church. Abbot Francis (Sadler) officiated. They spent their honeymoon at the St. Charles hotel in San Antonio.
* Margaret Katherine was born Jan 13, 1937 at 5:45 pm at the home place.
* James Michael was born May 15, 1939 at the home place.
* Joan Agnes was born Nov 10, 1940 at the home place.
* Constance Mary was born Oct 7, 1942 at 3:00 P.M. at the home place.
* Daniel August was born June 9, 1944 at 12:05 P.M. at the home Place.
* Lucinda Ann was born 5:30 A .M. Jan 21, 1948 at Jackson Memorial Hosp in Dade City.

page #3
* Imelda Suzette was born 5:15 A.M. June 17, 1949 at Hernando County Hospital, in Brooksville.
* Monica Rose was born 11:40 P.M. Sept 1, 1951 at Hernando County Hospital, in Brooksville.
* Ralph John was born 2:00 A.M. Jan 21, 1955 at Hernando County Hospital, in Brooksville
* The Fall of 1962 to the Fall of 1963 Mom lost serval loved one. Her brother "Jim" (Nov 12, 1962), her brother "Tom"(Mar 4, 1963), her sister-in-law "June Carlson"(July 22, 1963) and her Mother "Katherine Carlson"(Nov 3, 1963) passed away.
* Mom and Margie went to Gregory when her Mother passed away.
* Mom took a trip in the fall of 1970 to Ireland to locate some of the Tiernan(on her Mother's side) family roots.
* Dec of 1970 to Dec of 1971 she attended classes at University of South Florida
* She spent "April in Paris" in 1973 with Ralph's French Club from Pasco High School.
* Her son Jim died(May 9, 1974) in a plane accident in Land O'Lakes(Lake Padgett Estates).
* In Nov 1976 at 9:32 she finally won her independence from kids living at home! "Almost forty years".
* In the Spring of 1977 her brother "Dan"(Mar 4,) died.
* In Sept 1981 she was in a automobile accident a few blocks from Melda's home (totaled the car)
* She retired(July 1983) from commuting to Tampa for childcare duties and in Sept 1983 stated childcare at Monica's home.

page #4
* Nov 11, 1984 her Husband August died at home.
* From 1984 to 1989 she took care of Monica's and Renee's children at her home.
* In July 1991 she took up residence at the Edwinola in Dade City.
* She attended Mass(April 1992) at Sacred Heart Church(St. Joseph) for the last time(Jessica Odem Converse's First Communion).
* In July 1992 for three weeks she stayed at a private residence in Tampa.
* By August she began residence at the Dade City Geriatric Center, where she suffered a stroke that left her speech impaired in September 1992. Her health continued to deterate until April 7, 1994 when she passed away at 10:17AM.

From Margie:
This is the time of the year we all try to recall highlights within our families during the year to share with all of you. In April, Mother joined Dad, Jim, Jenny and many of our other relatives and friends in heaven. We all miss her but at the same time, we are thankful that she is not suffering any longer. I want to thank Aunt Hilda, DeLetta, Sue, and Sara for their special efforts to be with us at this time. I wish we had more time to socialize. Thank's, again.

To continue with my report of last year, considering all the events of 1993, we had a nice Holiday Season.

In Dade City on December 21, the "Opening Ceremonies" of the sixteenth annual Church Street Christmas was held on the steps of the First Baptist Church. Two special features included the reading of the Proclamation of Church Street Christmas by the Mayor of the City of Dade City and a memorial presentation of Jennifer Odom to Renee' and the family. (Church Street Christmas is believed to be the largest event of its kind held in the State of Florida, drawing 50,000 plus visitors for the three night event.)

Our annual Christmas Dinner was one of the main events enjoyed by all. I want to thank Duane for cooking the delicious tenderloin. Every one dressed up, brought a covered dish, and had a very nice relaxing evening.

In January, we retired my 1983 Toyota St. Croix. In its place I am driving a Pearl Red 1994 Toyota Camry. January is a Birthday Month for us, so we had another celebration.

February was a busy month. The Pasco County Fair comes in February. Clark, (Renee's Husband) is very active. Also, Jessica entered her 250 pound hog, "Rooty" and received a blue ribbon for quality. Dr. and Mrs. Behrouz Madani purchased "Rooty" and their report was that they were enjoying some good meals. Note: Dr. Madani is Renee's Doctor who delivered both Jennifer and Jessica.

February 8, Jimmy's oldest brother, W.O. known as Othaniel died of Cancer after suffering for a long time. He and his wife, Judy have been very special to both Jimmy and myself.

On February 25, the first anniversary of Jennifer's funeral, the CYO from church sponsored a Memorial Service. The Service began at the cemetery with the blessing of the headstone and the statue of St. Anne with the Child Mary and prayer. The CYO laid a beautiful arrangement of flowers at her grave. From the Cemetery the group proceeded to the Church for the continuation of the Service.

My mind draws a blank for the month of March except that Mother's health was deteriorating fast.

Early in April, Dan came from California to be with Mother and was with her at the time of her death. Father Whelley, Mother's and our good friend had been to see Mother only minutes before her death. I want to thank all of my sisters, sistersÄinÄlaw, brothers, and brothersÄinÄlaw for putting together an impressive funeral program as a tribute to Mom.

May was the month of the Second Annual Jennifer Odom Barefoot Ski Jamboree held again this year at St. Leo College on Lake Jovita (Clear Lake) near San Antonio, Florida. Skiers from the Southeastern United States as well as Florida participated. Several National and World records were set as well as Personal Best Records.

On May 5th in Arizona, Jonathan Michael Glen Converse was born. Therefore, we can call Clark and Renee' Grandparents.

June was vacation month for us. We spent a week at Lake Weir again this year. All of the family was able to come some time during the week and enjoy the water with us. Jessica spent the whole week with us. She brought her SeaDoo. I don't know who had more fun, Jessica or her PaPa (Jimmy). Maybe the most excitement was when Jimmy and Mary Beth ran out of gas with the SeaÄDoo in the middle of the lake. They drifted about an hour before being rescued. For those of you that do not know Lake Weir, its circumference is approximate seven miles.

Also in June, Renee', Kathleen (Duane's wife), and myself began a nonÄcredit, sixÄweek Basic Computer Course at PascoÄHerando Community College. We finished this course the middle of July.

July was a hot month. Every one spent as much time as they could near the water. Either here in the pool, at a ski tournament, fishing, boating down a river, or just at the beach. Duane called us one day from Honeymoon Island out in the Gulf of Mexico. His car phone works in his boat, also. The reception was exceptionally well.

In August, Clark, Renee, and Jessica took a trip up the East Coast. They spent 3 1/2 days in Washington seeing the sights, visiting the Smithsonian Institute, etc. From there, they went on to Pennsylvania and spent a day in the Amish country. They also toured the Hershey factory. They spent 2 days along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visiting caverns, parks, and other points of interest.

I enrolled at PÄHCC to take some business and computer courses. Hopefully, I will continue these classes and will get my degree in a few years. Maybe I will want to tutor some when I decide to retire from the everyday workforce. These classes began at the end of August.

In September, the day before Labor day, the Denney family reunion is held here at our place. This is when we have a horseshoe tournament. Renee' is the official score keeper each year. This year Jimmy won one of the trophies and Clark won another. There are four trophies awarded each year.

This was the beginning of school for Chris, (Steve and Mae's son). He began kindergarten. Spencer (Mae's Grandson) is also going to halfÄday preÄschool. After Christmas he will be attending all day. Bret and Jake (Duane & Kathleen's boys) are still attending day care three times a week. One weekend, Jessica went camping to Camp Dorothy Thomas with the Girl Scouts.

In the early part of October, Duane and Kathleen purchased 40 acres of land just south of us. Thirty acres of this is in bearing orange grove. As of the writing of this, fruit trucks are parked here in preparation for his first harvest.

In October, Jessica got 2 hogs to raise this year. She has named them "Roseanne" and "Honey Baked". She will enter the better of the two in the Pasco County Fair next February.

Lori (Mae's daughter) has finished the schooling and is now a State Certified Paramedic. She has taken the test required for Pasco County. There are also plans for her and Tim Maczuga to be married.

November is the month that Mary Beth and Gene are finishing up their year on the road selling. They both had a good year. They were both asked to represent their company at the Las Vegas Jewelry show. They also had several other shows including Atlanta, Alabama, Carolina's, etc. Early in November, Mary Beth was scheduled to go to Key West for a final time this year. However, Hurricane Gordon postponed her trip a couple of weeks.

Thanksgiving was spent here with all of our family. After the feast, there was football, naps, and more food.

This is also the time of the year to erect our Christmas Cards along the Walking Path at the Church. Imelda has added one this year in memory of Dad and Mom. It has a picture of our old church on it. Besides this one, we have three others representing our families. We are expecting around forty of these lighted cards this year. Next Sunday, December 4 will be the blessing of the cards, caroling, and refreshments.

So far the schedule for December includes a segment on Unsolved Mysteries concerning Jennifer. It is scheduled to be aired on national TV on December 2. Also on December 2, Mary Beth and Gene leave for New Hampshire for a sales meeting at the factory. From there they plan to go to New York for a few days of R & R.

Our annual family Christmas Dinner is planned for December 31.

At this time I want to take the opportunity to thank Dan, Barbara, and Family for the efforts they put forth in this production. Also, I wish all of you a VERY HAPPY BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
I love all of you very much, Margie

From Lisa:
Howdy, Howdy! I sure can't say that, up here in the far north, without catching some flack! Mom got a job with Lakeland Regional Medical Center last February, It has been a struggle. She started on the respiratory floor which had lots of administrative problems not to mention worrying about TB and other contagious airborne diseases. She has since transferred to the Gastro-Intestinal floor and seems to like it much better. She also gets called grandma one more time - well not quite Samson Eli (Bonnie's son) has a ways to go before he says grandma - he's only 6 months old.

As for me and my house we are doing good. Becca is in the first grade this year and has added gymnastics to her repertoire of places I have to haul her to. Becca is 6 - she is almost 70 pounds and 4'2" - Is God playing a joke on me? Will I be looking up to her next year? She definitely has some of her father's genes! Becca is nuts about "Kimberly" the pink power rangers? Alan did become a co-pilot with TWA and loves being able to fly. I'm still running lots, averaging about 120 miles per month, which I'm sure will decrease as soon as the snow flies. But there is always skiing! We all started skiing last year as planned - what a blast! Our wallets got kinda thin over the winter though! I cannot believe I've lived her for 13 years and never skied. By the way I'll be taking donations this year for the "Berger Ski Fund" if anyone is interested.

I'll let Teresa give her report in her own words: We decided this was the year for getting back to basics. You know, God, Family and sanity. While only having two children may create images in one's mind of a quiet, serene family life, our's was anything but. With all our activities and keeping nephews and nieces from time to time, out lives resembled a three-ring circus.

After a whirlwind summer of trips to New Hampshire and Georgia, we settled in to what we thought would be a "back to basics" routine. We dropped 4-H, Archery, and Love-A-Horse, only to pick up music and media, We are continuing with P.E., but I cut my days at the office to one day a week. Did I mention that I am keeping Bonnie's two little one's three of four days a week now (that's day and night).

Now after three months, I's say we have been fairly successful. Excuse me a moment..."What, phone for me? I'll be right there". "Jess, would you please burp the baby"? "Hello? Oh hi, Sam Hold on a minute". "Did someone remember to take the clothes out of the dryer so they wouldn't wrinkle"? "Sorry, Sam.. Now what did you need"? "oh sure I can watch Kyle for you. Warren is here so they can play together". "okay, see you then. Bye"..."Caleb, please see who is at the door"? "Why is Warren throwing grapefruit at Rachael"?

Oh well, so much for sanity, but we still have God and family. Lots of family!

It's me again - I'm back!! You all probably know more than me about Mike and Sandra, it has been so long since I saw them. I hear through the grapevine that their wonderful dog "Baby", who knows sign language, died this year and they are very sad. They have since gotten a new puppy named what else "Baby Boy"! We hope he helps ease the pain of Baby's absence. I also hear they will be spending Christmas in Puerto Rico! Have a good time Sandra & Mike, I miss ya both!

Melinda, Jimmy and Warren moved to a duplex this year. They hated climbing those Loathsome stairs with Warren at their last apartment. Now they are on the ground floor and really like it. Jimmy and Melinda are both trying to lose weight and find it difficult. Melinda's department at the VA hospital handles over 1000 bills which apparently keeps her very busy. Jimmy is still working as a dental technician setting up dentures and partials. His big project lately is working on the Young/Barthle family tree, Collecting ancestors as far as possible. Melinda also has him doing the laundry and helping around the house. Waren has learned over 50 sings and is learning to fingerspell. He is now working on "I Love You". He likes to stare at the moon every month and sign "moon". He will soon begin potty training. I guess Warren is also talking , Mom was telling me that she was listening to him play the other day and heard him saying "Baby ...Baby ...Baby....Warren Big Boy!". Those little ones sure are cute aren't they?

Big changes for Bonnie and Mike. Samson Eli Webb was born on June 17th. Mom said on the day he was born she thought she saw a little of Ralph in him. Did she mean Ralph Lauren or Ralph Cramden? Bonnie went back to work with USAir in November after having time off for Samson. Mike is happy to get on full time with the post office in Tampa. ANd everybody loves Rachael, but Rachael loves "the puppies". "Hi Ho", and "Beast" which is of course "101 Dalmations", "Snow White", and "Beauty and the Beast" respectively. What would parents do without Disney videos?

After returning to lakeland at the end of last year, Sam started to work at Publix in January. Carlene received her associates degree in July form Broward Community College in Ft Lauderdale. She moved to Lakeland the very next day. Carlene is taking a class at Polk Community College and is considering the University of South Florida. They recently celebrated Kyle"s third B-day. He got a power ranger action figure. Kyle Says, "Eat your heart out Becca". They are very happy.

Fred & Janet have had a busy year. They have moved to a new house and Fred now works evenings at the Saddlecreek Warehouse. He started back to school during the day to get his diploma. Janet stays busy taking care of Kenny. They spend alot of their time enjoying their beautiful little boy. According to Janet "Kenny is such a joy, we never imagined how much love and happiness a baby can bring to our lives."(I'm sure they never imagined the dirty diapers either.) Kenny turned one on August 24th and is a very independent child. He is always moving and running, so when he comes over to sit in your lap, you had better enjoy it quick because it won't last long.

I think Teresa said it best we still have God and lots and lots of family. And we thank HIM much for that.
We love you all and Happy Holidays from the Jim Barthle clan!!!

From Joan:
This year has been something else. Since last I wrote, I did get Mother's kitchen certified by the Department of Agriculture. I have been kept busy by making Kumquat, Lime, Orangequat, and Calamondin marmalades along with Strawberry Jam, Pomegranate, Guava, Pineapple Guava, and Grape Jellies, Saurerkraut, (both green and red), Vidalia Onion Relish, Loquat Chutney, and have done some experimenting with sugarless versions of several of these products. Katy's Country Corner has been a huge success selling all kinds of locally produced items: including all kinds of crafts, fruits, vegetables, and fresh squeezed juices and gourmet coffees. They also will host yard sales, have groups of people from Traveler's Rest, Women's Clubs, Flower Circles, and the Day Care Center and explain the particular fruits and vegetables grown in this area. It has been a very interesting experience. They also sell fruit trees and some flowers. At Halloween, Roxine even put in the GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH.

Our Christmas was quite small. Bernie, Jennifer and Matthew were here. Tim went to Newport News to be with Susan, Mike, Jennifer, Mike, Nancy, Sarah and Caroline. The New Year came in like a lamb. The first significant thing to happen was on Super Bowl Sunday. After the game, Clem and I were sitting at the dining room table and we both got up and exactly how, I don't know, but I slipped on a half melted ice cube and Clem tried to catch me, but I hit my hand on the door pulls on the cabinets and broke my hand. It was a break almost like I did on the boat back in 1970. As a matter of fact, one of the fingers that I broke was the same one in almost the same place. Dr. Carl Graves, who is a close personal friend and neighbor, wrapped my hand and a week later brought a splint to wear until it healed (about a month).

In March, Clem's nephew Chris died suddenly. He was 36. Evidently, he was in the process of moving to Inglis with his sister Linda and her husband. He had a job in that area. They were cleaning up the yard, mowing, pulling weeds, etc. and Chris's mower wasn't running like it should and he was working on it. About 3:00 p.m. Linda and Gary looked and didn't see Chris so they started looking for him. He had gotten up and walked about fifty feet from where he had been and Gary found him laying on the ground, dead. The autopsy report said it was a massive heart attack. Marian, his mother, has just broken her leg on the Friday before. Chris died on the 14th. Marian eventually had to have a knee replacement and is now doing a lot better.

In April, all five of our sons were here for Mother's funeral. It was really a treat to have them all together at one time even for such a brief visit.

Tim received his Master's Degree in Physics. He decided that was as far as he wanted to go at this time. He came home to live with us. He helped me to pick out my computer. I needed more than what I had for keeping the books for C. J. Petters & Sons, Inc. and the required records for pesticides and soil types. It has been a real help in all aspects of the business. I bought a Packard Bell Multi-Media with CD-ROM, both sizes of floppy discs with a LED Okidata 400e printer along with a Lap-top US LOGIC with external disc for Clem to use to put information on that I can take off to transfer to the permanent records. We haven't really gotten all of it off the ground but with the slack time this winter we will. We have to because of all the rules and regulations that effect us.

On May 3, I went to Newport News to stay with Susan for ten days as she was alone and was due to give birth on the 17th and Michael would not be home until the 13th. I really enjoyed the break and as luck would have Susan didn't need me at all. I returned on the 12th and Michael got back on the 13th. He was to go back to Hawaii on the 23d, but nothing had happened so he extended until the 26th. Michael Kyle was born on the 24th at 2:15 a.m. weighed in at 8 lb. 11 oz. a fine healthy boy. The day after I got there, Sarah was in the Newport News City Spelling Bee for the fourth and fifth graders. The participants were selected by spelling bees from each of their respective schools. One from each grade. Sarah won the fourth grade in her school. I can't remember how many schools were represented, something like 30, and there were 2 from each school. Sarah missed on the word "millionaire". As a matter of fact, if she ever gets to be one who cares if she can spell the word or not, she can hire someone to spell it for her. She also was playing Little League at the time and I got to see her play. Her team was playing the best team of their group. They had beaten her team before, and now was time to get revenge. The First inning was great. Sarah's team was up first and scored 3 runs. Sarah scored one of them. Then the other team came to bat. I can't remember the score at the end of the first inning, but it wasn't pretty. Before the game was over, Sarah scored another run. They only lost by 35-5. Two of the five scored by Sarah. Great going!!!

In June, a couple of things happened. Bernie and Jennifer went to Atlanta for a week to look at the job opportunities there. Bernie was hired by Electrolux starting the first of July and Jennifer was hired immediately by a Law firm. Bernie and Matthew came back to pack up and move. They left here about the 28th or 29th. We sure do miss them. Tim went to Eglin A.F.B. for a leadership seminar for a weekend. Dean announced his engagement to Ann, (she was with him at Mother's funeral and I don't know her last name). They are to be married on August 12, 1994 in Cleveland, Ohio, which is where she is from. Everyone will get an invitation. They are good for each other.

I guess one of the more important things happened to us in July. Through mutual agreement, Clem and Ray decided to split the business, that is the Caretaking business and the cattle operations. Ray wanted nothing to do with the caretaking business. He had been very critical about the way that Clem was doing business and didn't want to be a part of it. What he wanted was the cattle. So on July 14th, Clem and I incorporated as C & J Grove Service, Inc. We started operating on the 14th. There are still things to be worked out, but it looks like it will be okay. Clem got all the grove equipment, Ray got all the cattle. He also went into the ostrich raising operation. We wish him all the luck in the world.

In August, Susan came home for a couple of days, and we had the first look at Michael Kyle. He sure looks like a real Petters. Although I can see a lot of Barthle in him. At one point, he really looked like Daddy. Tim went to Atlanta to Computer School for the Air Force Reserve. He has been working ever since installing the computer network at his Reserve unit at McDill which gives him at least some income while he looks for work.

As I'm writing this, on the Monday after Thanksgiving, Brian and Vicki and Ben and John are on their way back to Montgomery. All of the kids and their kids were here for Thanksgiving. It was a very good time by all. They even went out in the front yard and played football like they did when they were growing up. Thankfully no one was hurt. We have some video and a lot of pictures. Everyone else left yesterday (Sunday) and all those driving arrived home in good condition and time. Dean flew and had to spend the night in Cleveland and should be back to Dayton shortly. This weekend was absolutely terrific. Clem and I will never forget it.

I have the following from Mike and Nancy:

Holiday greetings to you all! We hope that you are all healthy and happy, and are looking forward to the special magic only the Christmas season can bring.

Our 1994 has been mostly wonderful, with even some high adventure (Sarah will tell you about this!) thrown in. Our more memorable family times include a March trip to D.C. to see snow, a few beach weekends, and most recently, an autumn trip back to DC and Annapolis, where the girls visited Dad's alma mater for the first time. We are, as of this writing happily preparing for the first (complete) family reunion in 8 years in Florida. We feel fortunate that Mike's work schedule is at long last, allowing for a little more free time.

This fall, Congress finally approved Mike's 2-year-long marketing project - the Navy's latest aircraft carrier - and Mike has been reassigned to run the shipyard's aircraft carrier construction and over program. His days are long, but now he's home at night. This freedom from traveling has allowed him to take part in many more of the girls'[ activities, mainly serving as a coach for our 3-family-co-op soccer team for which Sarah plays, and jogging with Caroline We are so glad to have him back, though the phone company should be sending the condolences anytime.

From Sarah:
It's been an exciting year! I had the lead role (the Queen) in Mirror, Mirror (a take off on Snow White) in February. We started swimming lessons in July and I am getting better at freestyle. Caroline even learned how to go underwater! I started 5th grade in September. I also started soccer. I'm on the "Patriots" with my dad as one of the coaches. We went to Maryland in October. On our way up , we had lunch in the Senate Dining Room in the Capitol Building with (former) Senator Bayh. After lunch, we got to climb to the top of the dome on a tour only Senators can take. I am scared to death of heights, but we made it! Then we got to go to the Navy vs. Lafayette football game (Go Navy!) and the Boat Show. For Halloween I was Pocahontas. That's about all that happened to me!
I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

For Caroline:
Caroline is so happy to finally be 5. She finished pre-school in the spring, enjoyed swimming in the summer and has adjusted to kindergarten nicely this fall. Her favorite things are riding her bike (especially when Sarah lets her ride with her!), drawing and doing anything with her bosom buddy Annie. It has been interesting to observe this first- best-friend relationship- feisty, encouraging Annie, coupled with quieter, are-you-sure-we-should-do-this Caroline. They are, if anything else a very spirited force together indeed; at our neighborhood's 75th anniversary Fourth of July Parade this summer, they managed to make their way to the head of the lineup, cutting even in front of the mayor! Is this the way Lucy and Ethel got their start??

I have been busy, as Caroline would put it, "staying home and doing all the work." Actually, I do get out occasionally enough to know that there is more to life than peeling off old wallpaper and doing laundry! I have enjoyed coming to Caroline's class as a reading and art volunteer, serving as a room mother for both the girls' classes, subbing at pre-school, and participating in the usual church activities. We all had a bit of excitement this fall when our Vacation Bible School churches sponsored the performance of an original interpretation of the Gospel of Mark by a former soap opera actor, and he stayed with us. It's been back to our normal routines since. - busy, busy, busy!

We hope that your year has been wonderful, and that 1995 will be full of happy times. Merry Christmas! Nancy, Mike, Sarah and Caroline
Merry Christmas Joan:::

From Connie:
Dear All, I really don't know where to start this years update. So many things have gone on this year, in and around our household.

During January and February I was busy taking care of youngsters and in March I decided it was time to seek employment outside the home. So I lucked up and got a job at a landscape nursery. I really enjoyed all the outdoor work and the beautiful results of the flourishing flowers and plants. I also helped out with the office work too.

Then, in April we lost Mother, to the Lord. She will be missed. She can be happy now and her suffering is over.

In late June we got a phone call from Joe saying he and Cheri were going their separate ways and he arranged to bring the youngsters back to the states while he finishes his present tour of duty in Germany. They arrived back in Florida in late September, and Kathy has been taking care of Nichole and the rest of us will help out wherever and whenever we can so that Nichole's well cared for. Nichole just turned two years old. Tiffany is 2 1/2 and they get along great almost like sisters. They go to the same day care during the week. Jessica is getting to be a big girl too. Chris is in 3rd grade this year and doing real good with his grades.

Joe has put in for a relocation back to the states. He heard today he'll be getting back stateside in July "95" instead of Sept "96". He still doesn't know where he'll be stationed yet. That information should come by the end of the year or so.

Tommy is still in California with the Marine Corp. He's hoping to get home for the holidays for a visit. It has been over a year since he was home.

I started another job just before thanksgiving. I'm working with an attorney, preparing documents for house closings (Real Estate). So far I've been learning a lot, most of what I do is on a computer or typewriter.

David is still working for the County, in the utilities department, mostly water problems.

Marie has been busy with her job and her two youngsters.

Jerry & Kelly are doing fine. Jerry has changed jobs this year. Now he's working with a waste management company. I think I have covered all of the family from this end.

I want to wish everyone a very Joyous Season and a Safe New Year.
Love to all, Connie

From Barbara:
"Happy Holidays to All" Wow! Where did 1994 go? It just doesn't seem possible that 1995 is almost here.
We have had a busy year. Laurie made her E-5 (Sargeant) in the National Guard. She was pretty happy and we are proud. She was also nominated for soldier of the year in her division. She is going back to school for the Spring semester. She still does hair and stays busy with Nicholas, who is now 4 yrs and has the energy of 3 little boys. She also has her fulltime job at the cable company. I guess we know where Nicholas gets his energy from. Laurie also been real busy getting ready for Nicholas's Daddy, Tony who is flying out from Florida on Dec 20 to spend 2 weeks with Nicholas. Nick is real excited about that.

Danny works long hard hours at Computing Technology & now has the North American Chemical account in Trona which is 30 miles away. He has a real talent for computers and even received a phone call 2000 miles away from 30,000 feet in the air from a local businessman who was having problems with his laptop. He is also busy with band practice. The band has several Christmas parties booked. Evan, Danny's son is now 15 months old and Briana is almost 8 years old.

Dan & I are the same. I have finished my certificate program for Certification in Government Contracts Management. Dan is busy finishing the Christmas orders for his names. Santa's Art shop (craft show) was Dec 3rd & 4th we received several orders but we don't think this year was as good as last year. Our town is somewhat depressed because of the base realignment and it is possible they will close or reduce China Lake. The latest rumors however are that other bases will merge here. One never knows. Since the takeover of Grumman by Northrop they sent a retirement policy out and it was very unclear at first and when Dan calculated it all out he will lose a considerable amount of money that he is entitled to for all his years at Grumman. He put together a video tape & letter with charts and everything. It was great! He sent it to all the high Mucky, Mucks & he did shake a few feathers and received some phone calls. They did change the policy a tiny bit but the Grumman employees are still going to be hurt as far as retirement benefits which they have worked long and hard for. Several people lost their jobs. Dan is probably good for one more year but like I said before, one never knows!

We sure enjoyed seeing everyone in September. Our whole trip back East was incredible. We were able to see family and friends that we haven't seen for 20 years. We are looking forward to going skiing again now that our mountains are getting snow. Paula & Ralph, are you ready???? Lisa & Alan????

Our whole family sends love to all and join together to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Love Barb & Dan

From Cinda:
The News from Georgia: Well, I d like to brag on the Braves. They didn t lose a single game in the last half of the season. Even with the winning seasons of the past few years they didn t do that! And the cost of tickets was the lowest in decades. And the traffic tie-ups weren t much of a problem. Who would have believed it could be!

Also hard to imagine this year is nearly over. Just a few of the highlights :

Lexi graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering in September. She has a job with a firm that markets publishing software and hardware. She has spent a lot of time in Boston in training, and now there seems to be a possibility of her being transferred to Chicago. BRRRRR!

Becky got her drivers license and a part-time job at Wolf Camera. She s been accepted at one college so far....it s still early.

We sold the downtown condo to some friends who invited us back after they renovated it. Really fun to see the new look.

Becky spent three weeks touring Europe with her classmates this summer.

Had a really fun visit with the Carr s on their trip to ATL. Caesar (our Boston Terrier) still misses Tiffany and Chris.

Tim Petters had his AF summer camp in Marietta this year, so we got him together with the Bernie Petters family for dinner one evening. Matthew sure knows his way around a vacuum cleaner! A delightful evening for us.

Dan and Barbara visited us on their East Coast Circle Tour. We hosted a reunion with Billy Latson who is now an attorney here in Clayton County. Dan and Billy hadn t seen each other in about 30 years!

Herman and the Zeranski s found time on their mountain vacation to get together with us, too. The Japanese Teppan Chef will never forget Joe and Bill s rapt attention, many questions, and generous smiles.

We re fortunate that the route of the Higgins periodic treks to Nashville happens to swing very closely by, too. (By the way, don t let this go to your heads, but when my spellchecker hits the name Higgins it suggests Highness as its replacement!)

Ben and I had a quick impromptu holiday trip to Hilton Head for Thanksgiving.

As mentioned in last year s update, the end of the year will mark the end of our Delta careers. We both received job offers from the new Delta and AT&T Joint Venture company (which doesn t have a name as yet). We will start working for them the first of January. We re grateful to have continued employment. Many of our friends are not so fortunate.

There is really no way to express the feelings of loss this year, either. Mother s release from the pain of this world is, of course, a relief, but not having her here is still hard to think about. Then the shock of Mick s death was a terrible blow. I just knew I d see him again. Now we ll have to wait for heaven. Sara, we re really looking forward to our reunion in South Dakota in his memory.

A very special thanks to Sara and to Aunt Hilda, Deletta, and Sue for coming so far to be with us in our time of sorrow. The privilege and special deep joy of that reunion will never fade from our hearts and minds. A big gain in our time of loss.

Thanks to Margie for hosting our get-together when Dan was down there this summer. You have the best place for groups of our size!

Joan, now that I know where Vidalia is (just down the road a piece), how bout meeting me there so we can harvest the main ingredient in your killer (that s a compliment) Vidalia Onion Relish!

Also, would like to add: Aunt Polly, even though you don t hear from me much, I think of you so often. I hope you are doing well.

Really appreciate you, Dan, for keeping us together in this special way each year!
Happy holidays and love to everyone! Cinda, Ben, Becky, and Lexi

From Melda:
Greetings! As Rebecca would say, "What's up?". Well, for us, needless to say, it has been a very busy year. Jack still hasn't come up with any winning Lotto numbers for y'all!!

In case you haven't heard, a reunion in South Dakota is in the planning stages. After speaking with Aunt Hilda recently, it appears the best date will be the weekend of June 10, 1995. After the first of the year, I will try to let everyone know how the plans are progressing. I am very excited about the prospect of such a trip and hope as many of you as possible can make it. I've really enjoyed the renewed acquaintances with Mother's relatives.

Rebecca is in her second year as an engineering student at Vanderbilt (although, at the time of this writing, she is spending her Thanksgiving holidays in Colorado--snow skiing). She was home for the summer and took a couple courses at USF. She returned to Vanderbilt in late August and will be home for the Christmas holidays around the 21st of December. Recently a friend of hers introduced her to Barbara Mandrell's son, who is also a student at Vanderbilt. Last week Rebecca went to one of the malls in Nashville and she found herself in line right behind Reba McIntyre!

Rob is driving--hard to believe--but you all have been warned! Seriously, he seems to be a very good driver and enjoys sporting around in his dad's Jeep. The USF basketball coaches promoted Rob from ball boy to one of the team managers this year. He is working hard and thoroughly enjoys it. One of the highlights this year for him was the Regional NCAA Basketball Tournament in St. Petersburg where he managed the ball boys for all the games.

I'm still trying to quit Spicola & Larkin, but haven't managed yet. My new business is doing quite well for a part-time sort of thing. In addition to the real property title research, I'm doing public records research via modem accessing state and national databases to locate people, addresses, vehicle information, accidents, etc., etc.
We all wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and only the best in 1995!
P.S. How about all the college students--if I'm counting right, three of our siblings are currently college students--Margie, Cinda & Monica. I'm proud of all of you--especially Monica, who (with all her other responsibilities) received her AA this past August and was nominated to the National Dean's List!

From Monica:
Greetings to all! This has been a year in which it is good to know that God is alive and well and in control! We have all enjoyed so many blessings, so many joys, and we have all grown in endurance! It has also been a year of reflection. It is always an adjustment when someone we love "graduates" to Heaven. I have found myself shifting my vision of death to a very comforting homecoming or family reunion.

One of my favorite memories of Mom is when I was very small. I used to love to hug and kiss her and brush her hair. Many times after dinner, she would let me brush her hair. Now that didn't seem like such a big deal to me until I had five children. She had NINE and still had the patience to allow a little child to gently (or maybe it wasn't so gently) love her. What a role model of patient endurance!

I have been trying to explain to my children that although it may not seem like it now, some day they will cherish their brothers and sisters. I have especially enjoyed the time I have shared with my brothers and sisters this year.

Luke is now 2 and a half and is really talking very well. He has picked up on a lot of the local "teenage" slang. . .which is not necessarily terrific, but he does say some really cute things. He is still going to Sacred Heart Daycare full-time and enjoys playing with Jake.

Bill has advanced to "two-digit" stage. His school work is constantly improving, and he has also started growing! Bill and Jessica performed in the Christmas chorus concert last night and really did a fine job (hint: this tells how late I am getting this letter to Dan!).

Joe has graduated to middle school and is adjusting to the new schedule. He has a team of teachers and finds it is much different than the continuous progress curriculum of elementary school. He is now as big as I am (and even has the beginnings of a mustache)!

Mandi is a Sophomore at Pasco Comprehensive High, and is taking Honors Chemistry and Drivers' Ed (among other things). She will turn 16 in February is counting the days until she can get her Drivers' License.

Natalie has just finished her first semester at Pasco Hernando Community College. She really enjoys the whole concept of college -- that it is up to her how well she does . She is also working part-time at a small daycare center exclusively for 3 and 4 year olds. She enjoys working with the children (and also enjoys having a few $$ of her own!).

Shelley has one semester to go to finish her Associate of Arts degree at Pasco Hernando Community College, and then hopes to enter the Nursing Program there. They have a two year program in which she can earn an Associates in Science Degree in Nursing (as an R.N.). She still works at Huss Drilling about 29 hours a week, and baby-sits frequently for a few couples around the area.

Herman fished for salmon in Alaska this year in the summer, and then hunted elk in Colorado this fall. He enjoys his trips. He usually takes a skiing trip early in the year, but doesn't think he will be going this year (the Alaska trip was an "extra" trip). He is doing well, and the citrus groves are looking very well this year. Of course, because there is so much fruit, the price is down! But I still like to see lots of fruit on beautiful, healthy trees. There were so many years here when the trees were so pitiful.

I am still working in the real estate department at the same law firm, but we have added a new attorney, and so there is a new name: Schrader, Johnson, Auvil & Brock, P.A. The funny thing is . . . Melda knew P. Hutchison Brock (Hutch) through work at Spicola & Larkin, and he went to school with Dean and Brian Petters, so Joan also knew him! So, I got the scoop from them about what a good addition he was going to be. Kelly Polk Smith was hired to be his secretary, and it is truly a delight to work with her. I am also still going to Pasco Hernando Community College. I finished my Associate in Arts Degree in August, and started working on my Associates in Science in Computer Science this fall. One more year and one semester and I should say good-bye to this full-time work, half-time school schedule! I am going to feel like I'm on vacation when that time comes!

The girls composed the following fingernail sketch of life around here (I DID slightly edit it!):
Zeranski's 12 days of Christmas
12 Stacks of dishes
11 loads of laundry
10 men a calling
9 doors a slamming
8 people squawkin'
7 people knockin'
6 radios blaring'
5 neighbor's staring
4 cars a running
3 gorgeous sisters
2 brilliant brothers
and a grandson who's cute as can be!

We extend our best wishes and may God bless each of you abundantly!
Merry Christmas! Love, Monica

From Ralph:
Greetings from the Barthle's of Land O'Lakes: In April we were all saddened by Mom's death. Thinking back over the years, I believe her last two may by her happiest. She would smile and laugh, and tell me funny stories. Although I could not understand a word she tried to say, I did "understand" her, and I'd laugh with her. She was always quick with a smile and a touch or kiss to familiar faces. The staff at the Geriatric Center know Mom as their sweetheart.

Also in April, Paula became a Eucharist Minister. She was honored to have seved her first Mass with Dan at Mom's funeral.

This being my seventh year with the Lottery, I finished first in annual sales for the Tampa District. First time I've been first (at work)! It may have helped me keep my job for this year.

Paula spent the summer working in Miami for a computer software company. The highlight of her time there was going to watch the Atlanta Braves play (and win) at Joe Robbie Stadium.

In November we took a short vacation to the mountains of North Carloina. The autumn leaves had already fallen, but the weather was perfect and we enjoyed the "get away".

In December Paula started a new career with a home based business selling Shaklee products. Shaklee is a 38 year old corporation with a full line of food/health supplements. household cleaning and personal care products. Paula is enthusiastic about her new endeavor.
Animal update:
In March, the health of our oldest dog, Ali, took a definite turn for the worse. One of the most difficult decisions for pet owner is when to allow the suffering to end. This one was really tough.
Noel (the Schnauzer) and Christine (the cat) are both doing well.
We hope the holidays find you happy and healthy. Love to All.......Paula & Ralph

From Cousin Sara:
"The events of the year are diminshed by the sudden death of Mick on October 13th. We were fortunate to have become very close over the past 10-12 years. When he died, I lost my brother and my "best-of friends". He was here this summer for a long visit; he'd agreed to house-sit, take care of the dogs and look after the yard & flowers while Ken & I went to Alaska. He stayed about a week after we returned and we had a great visit together. And the Saturday before his death, we talked on the telephone for a long, long time - planning our trip to Gregory of Oct. 20th. We even made a schedule of what we were going to do each day in Gregory - the people we'd visit, the places we'd go and ordered flowers to take to 12 family graves... Ken & I delivered all the flowers the morning Mick's ahkes were buried, between Mom & Dad at St. Joseph's Cemetery."

We'll be thinking of you all during the holiday season and we send our wishes for a kinder and gentler year in 1995.
Love, Sara & Ken
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