We have had another wonderful year in Florida. This is our second year in our new home and we have enjoyed the wildlife in our backyard. This year, a family of red crested cranes, (about four feet tall), have been walking through the yard. We live in a bird watchers paradise. We also have deer, armadillos and raccoons. A baby alligator has also decided to visit. He (she?) is about three feet long and quickly disappears if we try to get a picture. This is a good thing. We enjoy being able to walk out into our yard, get on the boat and head out to the ocean to do some snorkeling. We have yet to learn to fish, but our neighbor keeps us supplied with fresh fish when he goes out.

We were lucky to have Ken organize a family reunion last August. He rented a beautiful home in Lake Anna, Virginia. Everyone was able to come. It was great to get together with all of the nieces and nephews. What a great group of kids. We had a great time boating and jet skiing on this really warm lake. It was fun for us to get to know the younger children, then in the evenings, the adults and older children visited. We hope to be able to do something similar again in the future.

We had a bit of excitement here when Katrina blew through south Florida. We were lucky that she veered a bit south and didn't touch us. We watched with horror as she exited the state and grew to a monster storm that devastated Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Then Wilma decided to make a visit here. After being hit directly by two hurricanes last year, and the Katrina scare this year. We were prepared. We have a storm shutters that pull across the windows easily and a generator connected to whole house. We only lost power for five days! The weather was cool, which means in the 70's for all you northerners. It was spooky to see stuff flying over the skylights. During the eye of the storm, we surveyed the damage. It wasn't too bad. But, no one expected the amount of damage the second half of the storm caused. It was very windy, and with a little battery operated radio, we sat it out. Once again, we were lucky to have minimal damage. We keep thinking hurricane season is over, but as we write this, tropical storm Delta is just about to hurricane strength. Wow, what a season.

Ravonne is still working as a Nurse Anesthetist. She still loves her work and the group she is working for.

Ian is busy setting up a new computer system for a doctor's office. He is also working two days a week for a Veterinarian. He really enjoys working with animals and due to his years of medical experience, he is able to work with the vet in surgery.

We wish all of you good health and happiness this coming year.