1977

Hi!

Sitting here in our family room, I look out at the snow-covered hills across the valley, and watch the neighbor's sheep peacefully grazing in the pasture. Once in a while a car drives across the road on the ridge, silhouetted against the horizon. Our house is about 3 miles from Iowa City on the northeast side, situated on almost two acres of land. That's only one of the changes our family has had this past year.

Living in the country instead of on main street "2 blocks from anything" is a big change. Arik and Jené having to ride the school bus instead of their bikes is a big change. Vince being an instructor in the Dental College instead of being a family practioner is a big change. However, he teaches in the Family Practice Dept., helping the Sr. dental students learn the ins-&-outs, and the ups-&-downs of being family practioners themselves.

Having Mark and Dawn feel like they're coming to visit instead of coming home is a big change. I suppose Decorah still will be their 'home' for a long time. In fact, Mark is at Luther this year, a sophomore, so he really feels he's home. Dawn is a Sr. at UNI, with only her practice-teaching left before she graduates. She is so excited about starting her teaching career.

Having Vince doing his homework most every evening because he's a student (parttime) again is a change. He is working toward his master's degree, a specialty in Fixed Prosthetics (Crown & Bridge). Having to check the yellow pages and then the city map most every time I need a different service is a big change - but I suppose if we live here as long as we lived in Decorah, I'll know my way around here, too.

Being able to go to all of Iowa's home football games instead of just the homecoming one is a big change. Being able to attend concerts by the Stradivari Quartet at the drop of a hat is a big change. I imagine even that will grow commonplace.

But not all things change - Arik and Jené are much the same - oh, a year older and some days a year smarter. Arik is in 8th grade at Central Jr. High, a drummer in the Band; in Jr. Hi church choir and Jr. Confirmation; all that plus riding his motor cycle fills his days. Jené is in 6th grade, a violinist in the Orchestra, and in church choir. They are fortunate that a couple of other families in this area have kids their ages.

The move and all it entailed has seemed to occupy most of our time this past year. Jené was thrilled when 2 days after we moved we drove into Des Moines for the Donny and Marie show - it was good! Then the first part of August we stayed a weekend at Okoboji for Vince's 20-yr. Dental Class Reunion. That was fun! And toward the end of August, we drove up to Windom to help my folks celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary - we had a really good time!

We've just enjoyed having Mark and Dawn share Thanksgiving with us. My sister Pam and her husband were here too - they live in Grinnell, now. Dawn and Mark will be here for Christmas, as well as my folks, my sisters and their families, and Vince's mom. Doesn't that sound like fun!

We wish for you all of Christmas' blessings!

Merry Christmas,