Hey y’all!

It’s been another exciting year of household renovations, family celebrations, partying with spirits of all sorts, as well as a trip to the birthplace of our country.

 We made more progress on our home and yard, including the kitchen, entry-way, hallway, and master bedroom, including painting, window dressings, wall décor, and flooring. Having trouble with the tile in the entryway, we had a new hardwood floor installed to match that of the hallway. At the same time, we put in new flooring in the kitchen and laundry room. 

We installed a pergola on the west side of our house where we will grow jasmine vines, as well as a fountain for the pond. Our goldfish – Poseidon, Dorian, Kailani, Kai, Pisces, Ariel, Amber, and Sienna - have grown so big, from the ¾” feeders to healthy 4 to 5” pond dwellers. Our fish are very cautious, which keeps them alive amongst the local predators like hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Opossums, and neighborhood cats.

The latter are regular visitors since we are one of the only yards on the cul-de-sac without a dog. They tend get a bit insulted when our canine friends come over to visit. We finally acquired our Mary statue for our Water-wise, Moonlight, semi-shade, Mary garden. We installed lattice with clear lights as a backdrop to our garden. Eventually Jasmine and rose-colored Bougainvilleas will decorate the lattice and the lights will shine like little stars through the foliage. 

In June, Greg and Rana’s son, Michael, was baptized by Fr. Rick Sarah with a large reception afterwards. In September, Michael had his first birthday party at Greg and Rana’s new home in Laguna Niguel. He’s growing up so fast.

In September, we traveled across the country to Virginia. We stayed at a nice little cottage in Williamsburg. We toured Colonial Williamsburg – the old houses and town square. We also participated in a two-day pageant – a presentation of a Revolutionary play. We were part of the townspeople, as actors played the part of particular characters involved in the events of the Revolutionary War in Williamsburg. We also visited Washington D.C. Pictures

In October, we held our first Halloween Party on All Hallows Eve, instigated by Brian’s (Clay’s) co-workers at Saturn. We invited people from both choir and Marybeth’s work as well, realizing that most with children would probably have to skip it. This was a party for those of us who love Halloween but are too old to Trick-or-Treat. We decked out the house and yard using the theme of the Gravestone Tavern. Our garden made a great graveyard. Marybeth was in charge of the theme and decorations, dressing up as the strange Tavern owner herself. Brian created an elaborate competition between teams of mixed guests. First, he projected Halloween and horror film themed trivia questions onto his computer and a large TV. Then teams had to bob for apples for points. The competition was complete with a game of pictionary. The winning teams received gift certificates to their choice of Starbucks or Jamba Juice. It was a night of great people, great food, great fun!

Also, in October, Marybeth’s parents celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows Mass and reception at Portofino’s in La Habra afterwards. The whole family participated in this wonderful celebration. Mom and Dad Schirmer picked their readings and music, just as one does for their wedding. Aileen, Daniel, and Marybeth led the music at Mass while Brian, Jennifer and Greg lectured. Pat was an extra-ordinary minister and Steve and Julie greeted guests at the reception. We were joined by relatives from both Schirmer and Menichetti sides of the family, as well as Norma (Brian’s grandmother) and Bob and Brian Malneritch (Aileen’s father-in-law and brother-in-law), along with many dear friends of Marybeth’s parents, both old and new. Great memories and food were shared by all.

In November, Greg and Rana hosted their first Thanksgiving dinner at their house, joined by Steve, Julie, Austin, and us, all who could not join the family in celebrating in San Francisco due to our work schedules and other commitments for that week. 

Brian is still selling Saturns at Cerritos Auto Square and Marybeth is still a bookkeeper at Crossroads Pet Resort in Stanton. Brian keeps busy with his internet business and repairing computers, as well as everything else he does. And yes, Marybeth is still walking that adorable Dalmatian, Miss Dasha. She’s singing in Voices of Joy and Singers Choirs at St. Angela Merici Church in Brea.