Approaching Spring

We heard from Fred as usual and he is having an amazing experience in the Boston Mission. He is now serving in Lynnfield. When we returned from our trip to the BVI, we were getting up at 430 in the morning. So one morning I decided to see if there were any relatives buried in the Lynnfield area--we have ancestors buried all over eastern Massachusetts. I couldn't find any in Lynnfield, but for the first time I discovered that we had some relatives (my 11th and 12th Great-Grandfathers) on the Mayflower. I told Karen that she is married to a real native American.

The snow is starting to melt and we can see the light at the end of the long winter tunnel. It has been a great winter and it will be a great spring.

Tom, Annie and Jack have just had their birthdays and Karen, consistent with what she has always done, made them great days. It is interesting that all the kids at home have their birthdays in February. They are all doing great--Tommy and Jack are in Basketball, and Annie has started Lacrosse. Jack had is greatest game ever--hitting for 14 points and handling the ball really well yesterday.

Karen and I are going to Bozeman, MT to look at a business that I may buy. I also got invited by the owner to go fly fishing while I am there. That will be great.

All else is well and we are looking forward to seeing you all

Karen on the BVI Sailing Trip etc.

We took a sailing trip a couple of weeks ago to the British Virgin Islands - there were 12 of us - all friends from our neighborhood - we were on two sailboats and we toured around many of the islands - sailing all day - partying on the islands all evening - I had no idea there was so much involved in sailing - there were times when the swells would come up and our boat was literally on its side with the water higher than the boat - it was wild at times - other times it was smooth as glass - everyone had to work the sails and ropes to the skipper's orders - our skipper was from Jamaica - and we all loved him - he was raised on boats since he was a small boy and his father taught him everything he knew -- it was obvious there was nothing he could not handle - that was nice! I had no idea it was going to be so beautiful - the ocean- the skies - islands -- I discovered the color water will be in heaven - the bright, clear turquoise water that we saw there -- you could see the white sand on the bottom of the ocean floor - the water so clear and vibrant - I couldn't keep out of the water - swimming three hours at a time sometimes --- beautiful - we hiked through pirate caves that opened onto Devil's Bay - I was astounded by what we kept seeing - beauty everywhere - we ate at really unusual restaurants and what was on the islands ranged from undeveloped to the most luxurious of resorts - beaches so beautiful - the water was my favorite -- pina coladas and banana daiquiris were a constant --- but mostly the constant was... all of God's creations swirling together into one magnificent experience -- I still can't believe we were able to go - it is like a dream - it is a dream - a dream come true.