Before the trip to New York, we had hired Robb to come back and work on the chateaux. He worked the entire week before and really progressed with putting in insulation and putting up paneling. Also learning about “Grandfather Ramke’s” creative handiwork. Terri arrived the weekend before Thanksgiving and brighten up our days. She flew in and flew out…not literally. But she was here so quickly and gone so quickly we missed her before she left. She coined the phrase “my grandfather was creative” everytime Robb found some inconsistency in his building. Believe me, there was quite a bit of the creative handiwork. It was wonderful having a female around to talk to again after Michelle. Somehow I do not know what I would do without Molly’s girls. They are like the daughters I never had except better. They are like good friends!

After we returned from the New York trip, things began to fall into a routine. We were informed that the apartment would be out of rent by the company at the end of the month. We were planning to stay, but were not excited about paying for a place that was slowly falling apart. We also did not know how to get in touch with the owner. We had tried to inform them about their problems, but were unsucessful. The lady at MI told us that we should not rent the apartment, but look at another place that was paid up for quite sometime. It was a house in the old Myrtle place neighborhood. I was thrilled. That area of town was at one time a very quiet and pleasant neighborhood. We visited the house and were thrilled to know that it would be pleasant. It also meant that Fred could come back in our life. I had to find a place for him, since the people taking care of him were unable continue to keep him. It is fantastic to have him back.

We moved in one day. It was rough, but we survived thanks to Trey helping. This house is a little on the cool side, but it is fine.

Robb returned the second week in December and immediately began working. He worked very hard getting as much done as he could. We realized that there was too much to do for him to finish at this time, so he will return after the New Year.

David and Mary arrived on the 22nd for Christmas. Trey picked them up and brought them to our place. On Christmas Eve, Amanda’s parents came over to eat. We especially wanted them to come, because Ed has been such a help with the clean up at Bancker. Yes, we know it was for his daughter, but it was a very special thing for him to do.
Christmas has been wonderful. Trey cooked gumbo (all day) and we never stop eating. We really enjoyed the visits and will miss David and Mary very much when they leave. Trey will be visiting with them until the 15th, so we will be missing him also.

Next Christmas will be lonely. By then both of the guys will be living far away. It will be hard on me if 2006 goes too fast.

We have been blessed though. Throughout the entire ordeal that we have gone through, we still have each other and a wonderful extended family.