Visit With Stena

We stopped and spent an hour with Stena at the residential care home where she lives in Petaluma. She walked into the room to greet us using her walker. She is the same sweet lady we have known for years. Although her eyesight isn't very good, she is still able to read large-print books, and reads many. Note the book on the bed behind her. She is currently reading an autobigraphy of Jimmy Carter. She says she is enjoying it because his early years were much like her own. She has a bulletin board with pictures of our grandchildren. She asked about each of our children and their children...remembering them by name. She is amazing! She says she is ready to go, but still enjoys life at age 103! She would enjoy receiving a card from anyone. She also loves to get pictures. Her address is: Stena Merrill Our House Residential Care 201 Tahola Lane Petaluma, CA 94954

Concert

Before saying goodbye to Grandma Rae Ann and Grandpa Paul, Princess Angela completed her ABC puzzle. Matt (guitar), Tim(drums) and Andy (vocalist) entertained with a concert on their Guitar Hero Wii.

Leavenworth

For our forty-sixth wedding anniversary last summer, Paul and I spent a few days in Leavenworth, about three hours northeast of Gig Harbor. In the early 1960’s, the leaders of the community decided to change Leavenworth’s appearance, hoping to bring tourism into the area. Using the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding Alpine hills to their advantage, the town agreed to remodel their hamlet in the form of a Bavarian village. It worked. Leavenworth attracts tourists year round, with its many festivals. We stayed in Linderhof Inn, and sampled the German food in some of the many eateries.

It felt like we were really in Germany as we walked the streets and visited the shops. Come visit and we'll take you to Leavenworth!

Thinking of Perry

On the first anniversary of Perry's passing, his family celebrated his life and love by sending off balloons. On January 29, 2009, Monica, Pete, Matt, Tim, Andy and Angela, along with Mike and Naomi, sent the balloons flying from the cemetery. On February 2, 2009, Nate, Paul, Rae Ann and Val joined Perry's family is letting 60 more balloons off in the park across the street from Perry and Monica's home. These balloons and a pizza supper were thoughtfully provided by a dear friend of Monica and Perry's.

We love and miss you Perry!!