Christmas letter

[RevSmoke]

(my Christmas letter to you all)

Dear friends, fellow inmates of this asylum:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have not been as active on CA for most of this year as I have been in the past, so I thought I'd put up my Christmas letter, letting you all know what has been going on in our lives - some of which would have been talked about here had I been more active.

I think of many of you inmates as good friends, but we do not "see" one another as often as I'd like, so... here it is.

In October of 2015 we sold the “cabin-up-north,” and for those who know, that was a good thing. It had more amenities that a simply hunting cabin, but I have been in hunting cabins that were in much nicer condition. Just to give you an idea, Pauline did not like going up there.

So, January found us pondering the purchase of another property, but this time we were going to be pickier. We looked for, and found, something that had a bit of “north woods land,” but also a “cabin” that was more of a home which would also serve as a possible place to retire. With some estate monies, we closed on a wonderful “cabin/home” on 11 acres, nestled in the woods near the Nicolet national forest in early April. It is a split level ranch; 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, open concept living/dining room, rec room, 3 season room, 2 car attached garage, and a 3 season room. All this is just under an hour from home. Lakes and streams are nearby. Rafting on the Wolf River is close, and wildlife abounds. We have spent as much time there as we were able, making it a home. (would love to have you come and join us there sometime, especially in the warmer months - although winter activities are also enjoyable)

Pauline completed another year teaching 4th grade at St. Martin Lutheran. Tim finished his first year at Concordia University Wisconsin, and spent a second summer working for the city of Clintonville Park & Recreation. Nathan’s 3rd year at University Wisconsin concluded, he remained in Madison working for Wings Over Madison.

Summer found Todd with the Catechumens at the yearly Catechetical Retreat (the 17th Annual) at Whispering Pines Retreat Center. Youth from Marinette and Three Lakes joined in the event. Later, he took youth to the Higher Things Conference, Bread of Life, at the University of Northern Iowa.

Pauline enjoyed having the summer to relax and vacation. She went on a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean with her sister, Karen. They enjoyed life on the ship and exploring the ports and their unique cultures. Pauline and Nathan joined the rest of the Ken & Martha Palmreuter clan in Crossville, Tennessee. Spending a bit of time in the area, the fires there seem especially tragic.

September came all too soon. Tim went back to Mequon, his second year. Nathan is taking a year off, but remaining in Madison. And Pauline went back to St. Martin and the life of bringing Christ AND academics to the hearts, minds, and souls of 4th graders.

Pauline also joined Wolf River Harmony this year, a women’s chorus that does Barbershop harmony. It is a great opportunity for fellowship and song.

Todd continues as pastor to the saints of Zion, St. Peter, and St. John. It will be seventeen years in January that we have been in Embarrass.

Blessed Christmas to you all, and a wonderful 2017.

Peace of the Lord be with you.