Long Lost cousin - reunion

After 34 years - I had the opportunity to catch up with my cousin Ron Woodrow and his wife Marianne. The years have aged us but Marianne's wonderful laugh is still the same and Ron reminds me so much of his dad, my uncle George it was uncanny. The reunion was made possible because of Ron and Marianne's daughter Linda Woodrow-Gray who we discovered lived in Walnutcreek after I had received a random e-mail about a T-Shirt contest for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. Linda, a senior graphic designer, had entered a design for the T-Shirt and when I went to vote for her design I noticed her e-mail address attached and decided to drop her a note and let her know that her father was my cousin. She e-mailed back right away, we met for dinner along with my brother Andy who was in town from San Antonio. When I found out that her parents would be visiting for Thanksgiving we made plans to meet and catch up. It was such a kick to see old pictures, and make this family connection. Larry and I look forward to seeing them again before another 30 years goes by.

Trip to Angwin

Nestled into the foothills of the beautiful California wine country is a little community called Angwin. Donna and Al Voth, my sister and brother-in-law have moved there this year from Michigan. Angwin overlooks the Napa Valley with a spectacular view of vineyards and rolling hills. We spent Friday and Saturday exploring some of the special places Donna and Al have discovered since moving there. We went into Callistoga to a little candle shop with amazing candles. I found a little english tea house which actually sold my favorite candy "Smarties"! Castello de Amorosa is an amazing authentic castle which took some 13 years to build. We did not actually tour the inside of the castle as it was a $30 entrance fee. We hiked a great trail near the Angwin airport which took us on a 4 mile loop which was like being in a magical forest with moss covered rocks, tall trees and leaf covered trails.

Giving Thanks

I read a wonderful prayer that Dear Abbey had written before she died -
something to think about all year round:

O Heavenly Father
We thank thee for food
and remember the hungry.
We thank Thee for health
and remember the sick.
We thank Three for friends
and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom
and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service
That Thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen

The Meyer/Oldenburger family got up early Thanksgiving Day and Ran for the Hungry. It has become our annual family tradition. We love the idea of doing something to help those less fortunate and also doing something good for our bodies before we sit down to a day of delicious food. After the race we enjoyed a brunch and relaxed watching the parade on TV. Megan, Josh and Isabelle then left to see other family and Larry, Katie and I went to the movies and saw Enchanted. A very cute and light Disney fairytale/romance. We would recommend it for any age.

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Giving Thanks

I read a wonderful prayer that Dear Abbey had written before she died - something to think about all year round:
O Heavenly Father
We thank thee for food
and remember the hungry.
We thank Thee for health
and remember the sick.
We thank Three for friends
and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom
and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service
That Thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen

The Meyer/Oldenburger family got up early Thanksgiving Day and Ran for the Hungry. It has begome our annual family tradition. We love the idea of doing something to help those less fortunate and also doing something good for our bodies before we sit down to a day of delicious food. After the race we enjoyed a delicious brunch and relaxed watching the parade on TV. Megan, Josh and Isabelle then left to see other family and Larry, Katie and I went to the movies and saw Enchanted. A very cute and light Disney fairytale/romance. We would recommend it for any age.

Isabelle's First Halloween

Although Isabelle didn't have a clue what was going on, her mommy had fun dressing her up for Halloween. She was the cutest little mermaid and little princess I have ever seen.




I know that Megan and Josh look forward to the day they can take her trick or treating so they can get the candy!

Isabelle's First Halloween

Although Isabelle had no clue what was going on her mommy had fun dressing her up in costumes and of course she looked adorable as a little mermaid and a little princess. I think megan and josh look forward to the day they can take her trick or treating so they can get the candy!

Larry Turns 60

Another milestone is turned. Larry turned 60 on October 12th. He decided to downplay his birthday this year and let his family throw him a little asian mystery night with a murder mystery game called "Who Hung Woo" Each of us came dressed as a character with names like Hao Dee Doo, Ding a Ling, Pen Ta-gon, WooPi, Wee Ping etc, We played out the mystery and ate chinese food that night. With a new granddaughter in the picture all things do revolve around Isabelle. When she got tired we all decided to focus our attention on cake, presents and just enjoying each others company. As you can see by the pictures there is an undiscovered side to larry. We never did figure out who Hung Woo that evening. to be continued.....

Changing Seasons

The leaves are turning color, our little Isabelle is growing each day and now actaully smiles and coos! Larry and I continue to juggle work, family and social time and we praise God for the many blessings and peace he has given us these past two months. Larry had the opportunity to fly back to Illinois with his sister Donna and reunite with many family members that he had not seen in a number of years. Larry's mother Gwen, will soon turn 88 and was thrilled to have her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren surrond her with love.