Habitat for Humanity

Westwood Presbyterian, where we are members, supports Habitat for Humanity and we volunteered one of our Saturdays in January to swing a hammer. We helped to build a 2-story, 3-bedroom home for a family of 5 in Watts (south central LA). The builder who was coordinating educated us in California building requirements as we framed the first story. It was fun, informative, and rewarding work!

Steelers

We cheered them on the whole season, with rising pride as their record climbed to 14 - 3. Gabe's bar was in a frenzy as they defeated Baltimore and became the AFC Central champions. But then, our hopes for a trip to the Super Bowl were crushed by the loss to New England in the final game of the playoffs. They had a great season, we had a great time, and we're looking forward to next year.

Creative Memories

Laurie began a new venture as a Creative Memories consultant. She's been using their scrapbook products for several years, and decided to join the "team" of a very energetic and friendly woman here in LA, Amy Snively. Laurie's still working her "day job" at Qiagen, but is holding a few scrapbook workshops each month.

More Shakespeare

The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company called Eric to reprise his roles from the summer production of Hamlet in a re-mounting at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Since most of the actors had returned, there was a shorter-than-usual rehearsal schedule. Eric was happy to see familiar faces and work once more in an Equity production. Kingsmen produced Hamlet and followed it with A Midsummer Night's Dream using many of the same actors. When an actor in Midsummer had to leave the production early into rehearsals, the director, Lane Daves, asked Eric if he could fill in. Of course, Eric jumped at the opportunity to keep working and earn more Equity points. Look for more details and pictures next month!

Remembering Fritzi
"Fritzi" Dodson, Laurie's grandmoter, passed away in an accidental fall down the stairs. Laurie returned to PA for the funeral and to spend time with the Dodson family. Though it was a sad occasion, our hearts were uplifted as all of the cousins, aunts and uncles were together for the first time in many years. We assembled a scrapbook of Fritzi's life and remembered the past together, as we read old letters and found family history in files and drawers. Laurie is grateful that she had the opportunity to return for this special time.

All of her grandchildren (& great-grandchild)


Our last visit with her on New Years Day
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