December 2001Season's Greetings Everyone
December 2001
Season's Greetings Everyone
Finally, I get to write the Christmas letter! The folks decided that since I was almost old enough to vote (I turn 18 in May), I should be allow the privilege of writing the letter this year. So, I get to start with me. (You know me! I'm Reitzy Lady, Paul and Susan's horse.)
This has been a tough year on my old body. I have arthritis in my back legs and it has slowed me down this past year. Susan and I have taken the buggy out almost every weekend but we don't go as fast as we use to. Still we have enjoyed our outings. My shoes were pulled just before Thanksgiving for the winter, (the metal shoes get a bit slippery in snowy condition), so we don't get out much. Also, I think Susan is a bit of a wimp… she won't come out if the temp gets too cold, so I get to rest up over the winter months.
Much has been happening at the main house. Paul got promoted to Technical Director in April. I think he is working harder than he should, but he is happy. He has had to travel a couple of times but fortunately all the trips have remained within the greater 48 states. He has one chemist who's his “right hand woman”, three “lab grunts” and more consultants than you can shake a stick at.
In the fall, Susan had a workshop built for Paul. It is 20 X 24 and doubles as a garage for the truck in the winter. So far, they have moved the furniture that needs to be refinished and much of the big items, like Paul's table saw and sander, out of the main garage, so that the cars can be parked inside this winter. Paul plans to build his workbenches and set up his shop come spring when the warm weather returns. He commented to Susan last night that he probably will need to have back surgery next fall… the surgery he will need after he builds a stone retaining wall (raised flower bed) on two sides of the garage next summer.
Susan went to work for an electrical engineering company the end of March through a temp agency and then was hired by the company in September. Her first day was September 10th… I don't think she will forget her second day. She is part of the Office Team and provides whatever support is needed. Her work and work hours are flexible and seems to be suiting her.
Maximillan has now been with the family a year. He is the cat they got from the Humane Society. When Paul was promoted he went from second shift to first, and at the same time, Susan began working full time, so poor old Max was home alone and lonesome. So, the folks decided he needed a companion and checked with his vet, good old Dr. Pope, for a kitten. (Dr. Pope participates in the Lucky Kitten program and just had a couple of kittens looking for a home.) Max got to go with them to choose his companion. There were two kittens, a brother and sister about six weeks old, there that day. I guess he wasn't sure about either one of them, until the female walked right up to him and bit him on the nose. He retaliated by biting her in the butt. Susan says it was love at first bite. Needless to say, Carlotta joined the family the end of May. There has never been a bit of discord between to two. She actually gets him to run around the house and play with her. (We think he came from a not so nice home before the folks got him. He is so timid about a lot of things.) She does keep the family stirred. She likes to sit on Paul's chair at the computer, preferably as soon as he gets up and the seat is still warm. Or she will leap upon the bed and up to the headboard to look out the window… and usually one leap is in the middle of the sleeper's face somewhere. She also helps Susan by carrying the balls of yarn around the house… usually while Susan is working on something. Max just sits there and watches. Once in a while, while he is sleeping, she sneaks up on him and then will jump on him. Then she can usually persuade him to run and play with her.
Over Thanksgiving, the folks agreed to dog sit for friends of theirs. Ruby, a Jack Russell terrier, a small breed of dog, came for a week. Carlotta thought that was the best thing. She has to really persuade Max to play with her, but Ruby took little or no persuading. The two of them had best fun. They would chase and play “fetch” (as best a cat will fetch… she goes and will get the ball, but not bring it back to Susan. At least, Ruby would bring the ball back.)
Susan's mother, father and sister, Sara, came to visit for a weekend after Easter last spring. They had such an enjoyable time. Got to play cards and visit. During that time, they received the good news that Alex, Rose's husband, had finally gotten approval to come to the States and be with Rose and Aiko. Sara and the folks got home just in time to pick them up at the airport the next day.
Paul and Susan went to Olean in the fall to visit. It was their first time meeting Alex. He is such a nice guy. He has a job at Moonwink's restaurant and has been fixing Rose's Trooper. Everyone one seemed well. Paul's mother has gotten a motorized chair, which allows her to get out more often.
Get out your address books; Susan and Paul have their own URL now (www.stomieroski.com
During times like these, family and friends become more important than ever, so for Susan and Paul and their cats. I would like to wish you and your families a safe and joyous Yuletide season.
Keep Healthy and Happy!
Lady, 
for Susan & Paul, and Maximillian, & Carlotta!
PS: If you see Santa, remind him that I like sugar candy better than carrots!
Paul and Susan Stomieroski
6310 Setter Road
Weston WI 54476
