Happy Holidays One & All

Holiday Newsletter, Volume XIV                       December, 2012   

Happy Holidays to one and all as we ring out 2012 and look forward to 2013. Time continues to pass quickly and we’re thankful for each day and our many blessings of health, friends & family.

I was flattered that the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School (SMJCS) worked hard to manipulate my schedule to make it possible for me to continue coaching softball at Webster (where the varsity finished with a 23-2 record and a top 10 ranking in the area; the JV had a good year, too). I’m teaching a combination 6-7 humanities (English and history) class, plus numerous multi-grade (6-8) social studies and language arts electives, almost a full-time job. SMJCS is optimistic that we’ll have an even larger middle school next year, but I’m hopeful that I can get a little less time-intensive schedule.

Our health is good and we continue to enjoy evenings at the Fox and the Rep. Carolyn is especially happy with the newly renovated WG Library so she can keep supplied with books. Our annual summer stay on the Gulf Beaches was sandwiched around an exhausting four days at Disney World, with a full agenda planned by Becca. We look forward to a briefer visit next summer as we check off items on her ever-expanding list of desired attractions and events.

Carolyn treasures her time with Becca, usually picking her up three days a week after school. I get home as soon as I can. We love being able to watch her grow. Becca started kindergarten at TCS (The College School) and it’s been a good fit for her. There was one minor incident that required a communication from her teacher; when Nicci tried to discuss it with her the next day, Becca said, “I know Mom, I already read the e-mail.”

Carolyn now uses her iPad and e-mail regularly. Both of us are on Facebook, or you can e-mail us at csb8870@yahoo.com or bobberndt@charter.net. I continue to blog and post sporadically at a new location (which you've obviously found if you're reading this): bobberndt.blogspot.com; peruse at your peril.

Ben’s job at Centene as a software security engineer is going well (and while he's handy, that's NOT him at left), with ever increasing responsibilities. Nicci continues to work part-time at a friend and former colleague’s UPS store, which works out well for all. Her RA is occasionally problematical, but she soldiers on. She is active at The College School and with Girl Scouts for Becca.

My dad died in April at 91 after a long period of grief over my mother. His health declined rapidly in the Fall and Winter as he bounced between the Health Center, the ER at St. Anthony’s and the apartment into which he moved from his cottage in January. He never quite accepted his contributions to his sons and our families, but we will all remember and appreciate him.

We are truly blessed. Please accept our best wishes for healthy and happy 2012. Peace, Shalom, Salaam.