JOYMOUNTAIN

~Greetings~

All is well on the Abbott homefront. Larry & I are beginning to make serious moves toward preparing for our upcoming Australia trip. If you told me even a year ago that I would not only travel to Australia in my lifetime...but twice.....I would not have believed you! That I am traveling there this second trip with Larry is the greatest of blessings. My idea of retirement would be to spend time with my family...and travel.

A little update on both sides of the globe.

It has been a mild Texas winter again and I am beginning to make noises about getting out and preparing my beds for plants.... groan.... Real Estate hasn't been booming....but thanks be to God ...we have had some closings and new activity on a regular basis now. I am beginning a new job at the local public library and Larry continues to mentor me in our real estate business. I am excited about what God is doing and ever so grateful at how He has sustained us through this hard season in our life.

The grandkids are keeping us busy with school, sports, activities and birthdays. We love to see all their accomplishments and Mimi makes sure the events are photo documented. :-) They are of course the BEST in everything they do. Our children each have " goings on" ....and with dignity and grace accomplish each thing they set out to do. They are very generous to share their lives with us...and we feel very blessed.

We celebrated Larry's 60th at Red, Hot & Blue and since January is our birthday month....we have enjoyed a variety of celebration dinners and get togethers.. Lucky us!

Australia.... in mid summer....is having a heat wave. Last week it hit 111. Air Conditioning is not like it is here in the USA...and they have really suffered... Businesses had to close down and Missy said they closed off parts of the house to help their little room AC units keep it somewhat cool. She has 10 weeks to go before our new little one..... " Kate " short for Kathryn ( no middle name decided yet ) makes her entrance. Needless to say....that has made it hard on her ...though she has been a trooper. Pregnancy seems to suit her and other than the first four months of morning sickness...has enjoyed a very healthy pregnancy. Poor ole Wally isn't doing so well. He has been cooped up because of the intense heat....and he is depressed... Wes seems to be doing great....and as usual always takes things in stride. We are excited to see them again.

I am uploading a slide show of my favorite pictures that I will leave on this site. I have been experimenting with a change in the lay out of my website and trying out this new way to show photos.... Hope you enjoy...

May the Lord Bless You!
Elaine