It has been a busy and enjoyable Christmas-tide, after a super-busy December. Many Christmas cards were not sent out on time this year, and for that I must apologize. The boys have kept us all busy with their participation in swimming for the FDR boys team, the St. Columba Dolphins and Chris in U.S. level meets. They are doing great ! On the days they are not going to meets there is team practices or diving lessons for Peter. I find myself preparing the evening dinner early in the morning - otherwise we would be eating fast food every other night ! January looks like more of the same, minus the extra work of the holidays.

At St. Timothy, our congregation has been without a Pastor for just over a year now. As the church office secretary, I have many new and sometimes unexpected jobs and responsibilities. On Sundays, one of a number of different Pastors comes for services, or we have a service led by lay people- sometimes even John and myself !

The latest news here is that John has announced his retirement, and will be stepping down as Assistant Superintendent in Newburgh at the end of the school year. We look forward to the changes and challenges that come with this decision, and will keep you all informed of any new developments.

Our holidays were very warm and beautiful. Wigilia was in Teaneck with Richard and Diane, Babcia, Liza, Davor Lydia, Eva and her boyfriend Tom and us Knights. We were able to start early as it was a Saturday- and that gave the proceedings a relaxed feeling. We did miss brother Ted and sister-in-law Margie who are now living in Florida.

Christmas day 2005 was on a Sunday, and we held a short service of carols and readings at church. The choir sang "Were you there on that Christmas Night ?", and John played trumpet to "Hark the Herald Angels" and some of the other hymns. The boys were more than willing to attend, as Christmas Day gifts would only be opened after church !

In the week after Christmas, I went to New Jersey to visit with my mother overnight. She is doing better after a diffucult time this summer, and is in very good spirits.

On New Year's Day we had a small party with some of our nearby friends. John made a magnificent menu with some traditional southern dishes. The black-eyes peas and collard greens, served for good luck on New Year's Day were an unexpected hit ! Desserts were sweet potato bundt cake with drunken raisins and a spiked glaze, and chocolate swirl cheesecake.

Here's wishing you happy days and celebrations in this New Year !