New additions to our family

Dave and I are going today to see a litter of puppies in Columbia, Maryland. One of our neighbors is a member of the Baltimore Shetland Sheep Dog Association and recently told us of the possibility of 2 litters that would be put up for 'adoption/rescue'. We have been talking to this neighbor since we moved here and saw her walking her 4 Shelties. We really miss Brandy and often talk about what a good dog she was. This litter will be ready after the first of the year. I'll try to post their pictures that were sent to us for you all to see.

My New Job

I have had the pleasure of working for Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center since Sept. EOPCC is a non-profit primary care center that provides care for patients regardless of their ability to pay. The work is challenging but rewarding and the benefits are intangible. I work with a great crew of people. Dr. Portier is our 'ringleader'. She has boundless energy and love for all people. I gave up my position with Penn State but the door is open to return there if I decide to go back.

ITS OFFICIAL

I am now an official employee of Penn State University. I got my ID card today and my parking pass. Now I wait 3 days for my email account to activate. I'll be supervising 2nd year nursing students at Gettysburg Hospital. I'm somewhat nervous about this--it's a new area for me but looking forward to giving back to the nursing community. I have some great mentors that are willing to 'hold my hand' while I acclimate.

Camping in my front yard

We are still in transition from the motorhome to the house. We have been trying to finish things up but it is still a moment-by-moment thing. Dave has been working feverishly on the phone, begging the contractors to get things done. The countertop people said they hoped to have things in the Monday before Thanksgiving (the problem is that my mother-in-law and girls come the Friday before that Monday). Then there is the issue to Amber's shower that is supposed to happen the Saturday before. We did get a call from our cabinet guy saying that they would try to get the counters in next Thursday. The Lord continues to teach us about being patient and loving toward them and each other. This is just a small thing in the greater scheme of things.

Grandchildren are the best

Dave and I are so blessed to be waiting for the birth of our ninth and tenth grandchildren. We already have Kailey, Nathanael, Tanner, Ethan, Lucas, Elizabeth, Micah, and Andrew. Josh and Michelle are expecting a GIRL and December and Amber and Jim are expecting a GIRL in February!!! Everyone is healthy and happy. We are currently living in our motorhome while construction is completed on our addition. We are trying to be able to live on one floor.

The Hills are Alive with the sound of Cowbells!

Dave standing in front of the place we stayed in Schladming, Austria, which is one hour south of Salzburg (unbeknownst to us!!!). We stayed here for a week with the mooing cows with their cowbells and the chain saws starting at the crack of dawn! Our view off our patio was ten feet of frozen grass in front of trees, green mesh, and the forementioned cows. We were up the mountain, no rental car, and either walked or rode a bus down to the town, Schladming. It was great.

A rest stop in Salzburg where we found out how much German we knew - not.