Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

This was a good, solid story of the 1936 Olympic rowing team from Washington State University. It wasn't an easy read, but glad I endured as it makes me proud of that "greatest generation" of overcomers, those who came from nothing- then went through the Depression and WWII--but still came through. So much like my parents, who maintained perseverance and hard work to get their "American Dream". Joe and the other teammates who fought hard for Coach Al Ulbrickson were all from working class families, who had to earn their own way in college--no wealthy, East Coast mentality. The author went into lots of detail which bogged me down and caused me to skim in many spots, but the overall story line was great.

California Christmas Celebration 2015

After a fun few days with the Tegelaars in December, we boarded a Delta flight on Christmas Day! So fun to have Evy Rose meet us at the San Jose airport with her sign, "Welcome Boppa & Lita"!! Lita had talk time with Ev all the way home to Santa Cruz--she loves one on one time! We sang Twinkle Twinkle as we watched the stars, and she talked up a storm! While Hendrens were in Granite Bay, we spent a few days with Ben & Jenny--a joy to meet Abbott Kyle, getting him to sleep, calming him down. Best times: Evy requesting me to play in her "cubbie", reading to E or M at bedtime - singing bedtime songs & praying with them; Maelie crawling in bed with me one morning & looking at my phone photos; finally realizing I could snuggle with Walker & sing him lullabies after Mel nursed--so precious; going to the movies with Mel & Jenny; a wonderful get-a-way to Monterey with the girls--they were sooo good: playing in the hot tub, eating dinner at the grill, watching Nemo, going to the aquarium; LOVE LOVE when we get time by ourselves with them. Bill thoroughly enjoyed the backsplash tiling in the kitchen and getting started on the back room ceiling-he was really on guard about going into the garage, full of dust & mold-mildew. YAY! He is learning!! Funny Maelie comment--pointing to all my moles, "what this?" I respond, "beauty marks". She points to one on my chest and says, "that's an old one"!! Fun day in the forest, hiking; fun eating out on the patio at the burger place; fun walks to the parks -especially when M refuses to keep going, HA!; Days of relaxation, watching movies & sports & having dinner together. Family -- I miss them.