Our thoughts are with Chad and his family after a lightning fire burned down their home. Thankfully, everyone got out safely. They are set to close on a new home in a few weeks.

Wanda and Jackie are finally being released from their enforced stay in Cairns, Australia early Monday (Sunday afternoon here) and following the hurricane to arrive in Binghamton on Mon. eve. Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well with their 4 flights - 26+ hour journey.

Are ya'll still down under? I'm losing track of time being inside at David's most every day.
Happy Birthday Nanc, Hope Koala cake was on the menu.
Congrats to the preggies, the new babies and newly married.
Happy Birthday Sonja, I will call soon.
We are making pasta sauce at an alarming rate, had to get Cris to dunk and peel and freeze "cause I can't keep up. Our red, yellow and orange peppers are beautiful.
Stink bugs got all the cubits--that's gardening.
Molly, Bri and Buster are sad they missed you at the fair and they are wondering how slippery sal
is doing?
Sylvia, I hear you make a great blueberry pie! Gram and Molly had so much fun with you, you are a terrific girl!
Joe, I'll burn you another DVD if those are the pics you want.
Alex has a new 5 year plan and is moving back to State Farm to be mentored through it by his ex-boss, Frank.
Toby just lost out on a job with Stamford High School, he always gets down to the last two, something better must be coming.
Jess is loving her new job. She gets new clients weekly and has a great return rate. She sees some at their homes and some in her office.
Cris has been in fishing mode and I see there are a few Porgie and snapper blue heads peaking out of ice in the fridge.
My job is OK because I can make my own hours every week but I really hate being inside so I don't have high hopes for this one.
Well, I guess I'll write in another few months. I miss you all. sal

Vicki's post was brief because the internet service here is very unreliable. We are enjoying our travels very much. New Zealand and Australia are very much like the US except they are a younger country and very much friendlier. We are being spoiled and are enjoying the winter weather here (in the 60's, great for walking around) We've seen koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and little blue penguins in their natural environments. We are currently in Melbourne, which is a pretty, clean, inviting city.
That's it for now.

Greetings from Australia. Pass the word that the world travelers are having a great time!

Congrats to Deanna on a 3rd place finish (women) at last weekend's race - and on the first place age group finish a few weeks ago! Running after twins must be a good training technique.

Happy Birthday Boys (referring to James and Cris) Hope you had a fine celebration!
- And Happy Anniversary to Deanna & Nathan - hope you found a babysitter so you could celebrate too.

hello everyone! I have a small question to ask... does anyone have any digital pictures from Jen and my wedding? I try to stay connected to old friends and family far away through online media like facebook and I would like to post some pics up for them to see. Thank you for your help!

Made a trip with Deanna and kids (briefly amidst thunderstorms)to the Ontario Co. Fair and had the opportunity to visit with Katie and Melissa Mason in the 4-H building. Katie is starting college at Mercyhurst in PA this fall and working for the Coop. Ext. for the summer. Melissa showed us the dress she made for her 16th birthday party.

Congratulations to Sally on her new job - selling photography for David's Bridal. Something tells me this will work out better than the pet grooming gig.

Congrats Chad! Welcome to the world Charles William Gavett IV!

Happy Birthday Sahara - Hitting the quarter century mark puts you firmly in adult territory. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday #25 to Sahara tomorrow! Her Dad'll be frying fish and I made a cake. Kind of low-keyed, but that's what happens as you age.

Sonja arrives from California this week - Wed in NYC and Wed night or Thurs at Mom's - and the Thompson reunion is on the agenda for Saturday. Hope to see everyone then!! Bring something to auction OR money to buy what someone else brings, either works.

Freebies - Ted picked up a lawn seeder and people powered mower (works!) at a recent auction. Anyone interested?