Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2006 found the Brenchley's hosting friends and family; including Grandma Bev, Grandma Dot, Uncle Jack & Aunt Shirl, and our friends the Lobbs - Franklin, Joy, and Gabriella. This wasn't the 30+ number we have hosted in the past but a good time was had by all. Here is some art that Colin drew (recognize the infamous hand tracing?):

Art by Colin, age 6

Veteran's Day!

Today is Veteran’s Day in the U.S. Possibly an overlooked holiday since it always happens on the 11th and is not always a guaranteed three day weekend- though I don’t know if anything really shuts down anyway. Memorial Day celebrates those who have died in service while Veteran’s Day honors those who have simply served in the military. Like my father, Charles Edward Brenchley, who served in the Navy from 1948 to 1952 as a medical corpsman. He never saw action, even though this was during the height of the Korean War. He was a part of the Medical Reserve Supplement of the 13th Naval District Headquarters in Seattle, Washington. He told me that the only reason he wasn’t sent to Korea was because he could type. Dad passed away ten years ago, but I thank him for serving our Country and insisting that I take typing in Jr. High.

Charles Brenchley c.1948

Happy Birthday Gail!

Today is Gail's Birthday! She is (today's date * 11) on the 4th! The Ostling side of the family had a celebration for Sterling and Gail this evening - one of the gifts she got was a chocolate fondue fountain! (thanks Bruce and Rachel!) She was ecstatic! We can now say that chocolate will be truly flowing at our house! Even Cian, who is just 26 some months old, knows the word chocolate. Emma (7 going on 8) gave her mom a card this morning which said, "I love you even though you aren't dipped in chocolate." I think she had a premonition...

Gail at Goodbeach c.1965

All Saints Day!

Happy All Saints Day! At least in the U.S. it is overshadowed by Halloween the night before. At the Brenchley house we had nary one trick-or-treater the whole evening. Our house isn't that scary, but we do live on a private drive with no street lights or sidewalks - which may be deterents enough. Fine by us...