Lots of news today. First, I had this nice note and photo from Jenny (Larrabee) Rafuse -

Thanks for posting the birth announcement. We all made it home yesterday and Alyssa is adjusting well to her new surroundings. I thought I would send a picture. I can't believe that James and I have been so blessed!

Jenny

We're very happy that everything went well. Alyssa is a lovely little girl. Yesterday at the store we saw pictures taken when she was only minutes old and she is such a sweetheart. Our regular Joe's Ponders will be anxious to get to know her when they all get back next spring, I'm sure.

I had the following message from Liz and John Randall today, about their Thanksgiving here at Joe's Pond and their trip back to Long Island, NY -

We Got home about 8 p.m. Sunday night. Traffic was awful from Mass thru CT - rockin' and rolling on the ferry I was holding the barf bag most of the trip - John handles the waves better than I. A lot of folks were sick. Weather was nice when we had lunch and dropped Lauren in Keene, but turned to all snow in Mass and a mix of heavy rain and ice in Conn. By the time we got to the ferry I thought it was calming down, but when we got out in the L.I. sound was awful. Next year we will be on our schedule, not Laurens and will leave on an off day. We had fun with all the kids. Tues we got Lauren; Matt, Jason, Kerrin and [dog] Tessie arrived Wed night and Thursday we ate and ate, then we all took a walk up to see the horses [in the big field]. They loved it!!! ~Waved up by you but maybe you were all sitting at the table didn't see us marching by. John took some pictures all of the kids, and doggies. . .hoping for a longer stay over the Christmas break. Liz, John and All [Pictured above, Kerrin, Lauren, Matt, Jason, and Tessie]

That's Liz and John on the old Farmall tractor. When we hear the tractor, we know either John or Jason are here. I think both John and Jason have tractors that they have refurbished and put to good use here at their home on W. Shore Rd.

Thanks for the pictures, Liz.

I was very pleased to receive this message from Homer Fitts today:

Hi -

Just an update on my situation. When the chemo started they planned on 1 week on and 3 off. It has changed to a week on and 4 weeks off. Problem seems to be white blood counts are too low. Also 2nd and 3rd sessions are 1/2 of the original amount of the chemo medicine.

I do still feel good in that I have had no sick feelings yet.

I must say thank you for all your concerns, prayers etc.

Homer

*****