ART AND A PICNIC IN A PARK

The photos are in a beautiful local park created as a memorial to a young girl who was killed in an auto accident. She loved butterflies, so her parents had a sculptor create a huge butterfly image in the center of the memorial, along with some other colorful art. The occasion for us was the 83d birthday of a long-time friend, Zaye Chapin (see photo), who we hosted for a picnic in the park with her mate and another old friend (pictured by the fountain). It was fun to enjoy their good company for four hours in such a gorgeous setting.

DIONE, SAUL, AND MOLLIE

Yesterday was Dione's birthday, so we had a long phone conversation to catch up with their busy lives. Dione said it was a good day for them, with a long walk in a beautiful nearby park (where we have walked with them several times). It was getting cool there, so they had the fire going (they heat their house with wood fires) and were having a relaxing day at home after the hike. Mollie was playing the piano when she wasn't busy doing homework.

Dione is enjoying the teaching a lot. She has gifted students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, all very bright and stimulating, but with a separate preparation for each grade--keeping her very busy. The school provided her with a much improved class room this year, which makes the environment more pleasant for teaching, as compared to last year.

Saul has a new president (and boss) at Antioch McGregor where he teaches, and is much more satisfied with the way the university is being operated. He thoroughly enjoys the teaching, as well, and is stimulated by a lot of good graduate students.

Mollie is thriving in her school. She recently completed a theater workshop involving a professional actor and some other distinguished theater teachers, and she is auditioning for a play, so will soon be going to play practice. She has several wonderful friends that she loves to hang out with--one of whom just finished writing a book, and another who will participate in the Christmas Nutcracker performance in Dayton. They are a very bright and talented bunch.

IN TUCSON

This has been a very "social" week for us. In addition to the picnic on Monday, we were invited to some great new neighbor's (he was born and raised at Rugby, ND!)for dinner on Wednesday, and are hosting some delightful former neighbors for dinner this evening. Retirement life hasn't yet become boring, by any means!

Cheers,

Bill and Marie