The year started in a shaky way. Marian was rushed into hospital in February with pneumonia. On her return home we needed to have our last and elderly cat be put down. From that low point, things got better!
Last year at this time, we had just completed
a massive renovation to our house. This year, we have largely been builder-free; although we have had suffered some scaffolding temporarily, just to fix a leaking roof problem. We are enjoying the benefits of a much "greener" house, with utility bills almost halved!
Here's our family news in brief ... the kids, all grown-up, have had a good year. Michael (27yrs just before Christmas) has moved jobs to a local engineering firm that specialises in car engine innovation - everything from more fuel-efficient engines to super-powered Formula 1. A dream job for most men! In addition the firm is just 5 minutes from home.
Ruth (25yrs) has passed all her financial administration exams that she has taken, but has elected to go part time to pursue her passion in theology and apologetics debate. It's possible that she may turn her attention to an offered Masters place at King's College, London to study Comparative Religion in October 2012.
Dan (22yrs) is completing his Masters in Maths at Exeter University and has multiple job applications submitted to many of the well-known FTSE listed companies. Perhaps Dan's biggest feat this year was a charity bike ride round Europe, 7 countries, 1200 miles in 25 days.
Marian (21+yrs) continues as a director in a small local indexing firm. Against all economic odds they have had a most profitable year. Alan (21+yrs) has had a most enjoyable and profitable year continuing to work for the church (www.cck.org.uk) - will give you a flavour of all that we get up to the Brighton area. The church is in another growth spurt and will soon be over a 1000 members with a further 500 who attend our services on a regular basis. Together we continue our hobby of bird-watching most weeks when time allows. This year we had a first - a Merlin (bird of prey!) fly over the garden, thus extending our all-time garden bird list to over 30 species. We also have had two very different and thoroughly enjoyable holidays, Cyprus in May and Cornwall in September.
To be honest, as 2011 draws to a close, we are so grateful to the Lord for a good year! It leaves us, to wish you, and all that are dear to you, a very blessed Christmas
Much love, Alan & Marian (Michael, Ruth & Dan)
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