We have safely navigated the Covid virus and restrictions for the past almost two years. We hope you have done the same. We are triple vaccinated and trying to operate as normally as we can.

We have had several trips to visit Liz and family in Charlotte. Cate is the eldest child and she's had an eventful year. Her Field Hockey team won the state championship for the second time in three years. She graduated from high school and is now at the University of Virginia enjoying the college experience as a Jefferson Scholar-one of only 38 in the nation this year! We are very proud of her.

Paige is a HS junior and has been busy with student government and loves marketing--she participated in a number of marketing exercises/projects. And, with the departure of Cate, she doesn't have to compete to drive the car! The twins, Will and Sam, are ninth graders and have both gotten their Boater's licenses and are becoming proficient in operating our 23-foot craft. Sam is heavily into baseball and loves to fish in Charlotte and here. Will has continued his pursuit of acting and singing and was cast in the upcoming full length feature film (and #1 bestseller), "Where the Crawdads Sing." In this Reese Witherspoon production, he plays little Jody, the closest brother to the main character. He has a number of speaking lines and was in New Orleans for 2 weeks filming this past summer. The film will be released in the theaters next summer.

The kids are glad to be back in school after a year of no school or Zoom classes that were difficult at best. Liz has stayed very busy with the kids, yoga, and other projects. Brent finally was able to visit his parents in Canada in December after not seeing them for two years because of travel restrictions. He has spent most of his working time at home, but is slowly transitioning back to the office.

In April, we flew down to Tampa to visit friends (the Woodwards) who moved from here. We took in the Everglades and its creatures by walking and an airboat ride. And, we had great foodand card games. We had a wonderful visit here from them in the fall.

Since we couldn't celebrate our 50th anniversary last year because of Covid, we journeyed to Savannah for our 51st in September. Our room was directly on the river so we could watch the (supply chain) ships go to and from the docks with their precious cargoes. Savannah is a beautiful and historic city with many gorgeous parks and squares and lots of great food.

We've had two weekends in Myrtle Beach this year with Cathy's two sisters and brothers-in-law. Barbara's husband, Joe, has a time share program, and he invited us to join them there for good food, walks on the beach, etc. A highlight this past week was a visit to Brookgreen Gardens and its spectacular Christmas light show.

It has been quiet for us most of the rest of the year. Brooke has been able to play golf three days a week and works out in our home gym five days a week. Cathy has started playing golf again--the hip replacement last year has made most of her back pain go away. We've been back to the Club gym once or twice a week for most of this year.

Brooke is off to Aspen in early January to try skiing again after several years off due to shoulder surgeries and Covid. But, our big trip is planned for March (if we are allowed to go). We are headed to Rwanda with Cathy's sister, Anne and her husband Roger. He's on the Board of the Gorilla Doctors, and we are joining them to on treks to see the Mountain Gorillas and other African animals! Liz will be going with us.

Best wishes to you and your family. Merry Christmas and let's hope for a better New Year!

Cathy and Brooke