January 25th Jim Wrote

Hello Everybody,

Glad to hear that everyone survived the holidays. And I mean that literally! On New Years Eve day we went with friends to Blue mountain skiing. I check what time it is frequently on my cell phone and noticed I had a message on it. I thought Brandon may have called since he was the only one not with us. Going up the lift I checked it, it wasnt him but this is the message I received. "Hey Jim, its Todd, I'm sorry to hear about your brother, if theres anything." At that point I lost service. When I got off the lift I wanted to check it again and I had no battery left. I was in a panic. After about 45 minutes I called Mary, she hadnt heard anything that was going on, so I could start to relax. Our friend who left the massage, his wife works for a cardiologist at GrandView Hospital. I figured she was working and had some sort of problem and called her husband. We went out with Tod and Ginny a few days later and asked him about the call. Feeling really bad about of obvious mix up, he has a Jim Rosenberger and a Jim Rosenbaum programmed in his phone. A few changes have been made to his cell phone and he was wondering why his friend never called him back!

Brandon left to go back to Temple on Saturday the 17th. He is living with a fraternity brother a block and a half off campus. It will be a big adjustment again going back. He came home twice this week already. Since his friends death, the group of friends have a very strong bond and may take a long time of healing before he feels like he belongs back down in the city with his college friends. Being home since May, he may not openly admit it, but he misses family. Especially Ashton,they have formed a strong connection and he looks for the hugs, kisses and cuddling time. Every college guy should have a fairly young sister! It adds a certain softness that breaks through the macho image.

Devon is underway with the bus. They are currently putting in the cabinets. After that they will build the bathroom walls, kitchen counter with sink and bunk beds. Dana got him a Futon for Christmas to also use. Their semesters change soon in school. Next semester he will have English class with Dana. It will be the first class they will have had together since 4th grade.He is applying to his bicycle school, Shippensburg and Bloomsburg this week. Dana is going to Shippensburg and hopes to play field hockey their. She is actually helping to coach Ashtons field hockey at the YMCA. We will have one disappointed young man if he does not get an exceptance letter from Shippensburg.

J.R. is doing well in school. He just has his drum lessons right now that keeps him busy.

From Ashton:On saturday the 24th I had a cheerleading compitichon.We did very good. We did better then every one elce.For some reason we had to be there at 9:00 but it only started at 11:00. we had to do somthing for 2 hours.we were the third ones.My mom almost misted my ruteen because she had to work. so she just ran in and said she would go pay for her ticket later.Now im going to tell you how we did. we got a metle for best tumbling and we got First Place out of two other teams!!!!!!!!!!!!!Our couch said she was going to try to put the picture of us and the trofey in the Free Press!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im also getting better at dance and field hockey.Well nice talking to you I have to go now!!!!!!!!!HAPPY VALINTINES!

Vicki had the surgery for the lump under her arm on the 7th. The procedure went alright, but after getting home and taking a pain pill she got very sick. Ever since her gallbladder was taken out she has a very sensitive stomach. After about 5 hours and many phone calls later things settled down. It ended up, they gave her a pain pill with codeine in it and she is allergic to codeine.Where is Darrell when you need him? Since then she formed a lump in the muscle they needed to cut. It needs to be massaged 3 times a day to keep the muscle soft. It may take 2-3 months to go away. Although it ended up being breast tissue that was causing the problem in the first place, this muscle that hasnt healed right is more of a problem than the original one she started with.

On Friday the 16th when it was so cold I had my truck at home since I didnt need to leave early. I started it at 6:30 and went back inside. I heard it sputtering and went back out and it died.When I opened the fuel caps the fuel was all gelled on top. Bergeys came at 9;30 but still couldnt get it running good enough.I had to drop the trailer and Bob tail to Bergeys around 12:00.I've never had that short of a day.

Jim is taking the kids for snowboarding lessons on Friday when they dont have school. They are looking forward to the change since they have only skiied.

Peace for now...
Jim,Vicki,Ashton and rest of crew