2015 Christmas Letter

THE CHRISTENSEN FAMILY CHRONICLES

Circa 2015

This letter is provided as a public service in response to the many requests we received about it – we decided to send it anyway…

Eagle Bend Achers - Crop Report:  Hard to reach the fruit through the anti-deer fencing…
Things That Are The Same:  Too many hungry deer and the number of “seniors” in the house…
Things That Are New:  HVAC; patio swing; a “living” mattress; TV/eating perch; tires…

The City CEO - Collecting his ceremonial gavel he assumed duty as Chamber of Commerce Past President – the equivalent of a potted plant, traveled to Keeneland Park to watch the running of the Bluegrass Stakes (the old adage “always bet on the gray” needs revising), continued as KLC First Vice President, and in a stunning turn of events, was selected as 2015 City of Official of the Year.  He reclaimed his crown in the Sadieville Chili cook-off , winning “Best of Show” and “Most Original” (the main ingredient of the latter was “leftovers”) and testified before the Joint Committee on Local Government on the 2016 KLC Legislative Agenda.  Accompanied by queen they two attended Old Folks “Prom Night” aka the Philanthropy Awards Dinner, a Black Tie event in Lexington (the Valet guys just loved parking our Jeep).

He drove the mower around the yard a lot and finally completed (more or less) the Bridal Path down the hill.  The race to see if he or the hill won became a matter of principle but eventually spiking his shovel he declared victory shortly before passing out.  We attended a few ball games too; the first, was “Bark In The Park” night wherein fans bring their dog, and the second, was “Princess Night”, more or less self-explanatory – with hot dogs, fried Oreos and tiaras.   For the record there were some similarities between the two.

“Cultural” outings included “The Black Jacket Symphony” an ensemble group of really good musicians that select an artist/album and “cover” it in concert.  They caught our eye because their subject matter for this tour was the Eagles “Hotel California” album, terrific show and lots  cheaper than the real thing, which we enjoyed later in Lexington -- Eagles Concert #4, you do the math.  This was followed by a trip to see “Midtown Men” (some of the original “Jersey Boys” cast), and finally Emmy Lou Harris & Rodney Crowell.

The Queen of My World  –  Sandi the Care-Giver, it’s just what she does. Me, her father, her kids, me, the grandkids, me, the Friends of Sadieville, me, her Institute students, me…   Anniversary #45 saw us in Key West, Florida, great timing because while there the mother of all blizzards hit Kentucky and we couldn’t get back, extending the trip.  Lodged at an old Inn, we strolled old neighborhoods, shopped the fabled Duval Street, photo-opted at the southeast point of the US, toured Hemingway’s home (lots of six-toed cats there), took a sunset cruise, visited Truman’s “Little White House,” enjoyed a terrific dinner cruise, cruised 70 miles out to Dry Tortuga Island, and came back to 18 inches of snow in our front yard – the sublime to the ridiculous.   Other travel included trips to Utah, New River Gorge in West Virginia, travel north to collect or deposit relatives and eat Greek food.  We also visited the hoppin’ town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky where the mayor is Lucy Lou, a red and white Border Collie, nuff said…

Tempted with Japan she yielded, and they two traveled as part of the Scott County delegation to the 25th anniversary of the Sister City Agreement with Tahara.  An immersion of epic proportion in an ancient and beautiful culture different than anything we have experienced to-date.  Details can be found at her blog of the: 14 hour flight, “interesting” food, bullet trains, giant statues, temples, shrines, tiny hotel rooms, tinier bathrooms, the emperor’s confectioner, 2800 photos, castles, noodles, stocking feet, the Great Buddha, the good Buddha, and just Buddha, sitting on the floor at dinner, Happy Coats envy, Dashi Floats, parades, official gift exchanges and photos, and a fireworks show you can’t even imagine.

Her highlight this year might include Melon Day with the Homemakers Club (SO many directions I could go here) but we gleaned some great recipes from the event and leave it there.  If that was not THE highlight of her year, eating dinner in a horse barn would qualify - the “Celebration of the Bluegrass” dinner at Normandy Farms, good food, “interesting” ambiance.

Tylorama – Ah yes, the Michigan Tylers.  Life came at them this year but they endeavored to persevere.  Business is good at the store, they know where all their kids are most of the time, they continue to pay appropriate homage to Ma and Pa, joining for lunch at The Pita Place on more than one occasion.  Paul graduated himself from the surly bonds of school and ventured off on his own to explore the world with stops in North Carolina, Arkansas, and circling back to Muskegon, the ride so far was interesting for all concerned.  Ms. Aubrey on the other hand was lucky enough to visit us twice this year, is a high school senior, a cousin spoiler and Pa worshipper, and landed her first real job at Arby’s, ironic its Aubrey working at Arby’s but it was fun to have her wait on me at our visit there and get paid to be nice.

Marxalot  - Michael, survived his first half-marathon and promptly announced his plan to do the whole thing in 2016.  Andie continued to mold young minds and began her own journey in higher higher education, speaking of moldable minds.  Hayden, took up basketball and wowed us as Sir Dancealot in his Performing Arts Club.  We also got to bury him in the corn pit at their fall break visit to Evans Farm Orchard - which reminds me, we should go pick him up.  Ms. Bailey, now a Brownie Scout/budding musical performer/cheerleader sparkled in the “Magic Schoolhouse” chorus line and as Lark the Crow in the “Acorns to Oaks” epic and making us proud at their annual neighborhood whip cream battle, after school let out for the summer.

Blogman – Our family writer/space fan/blogger/graphic designer continued his journey this year.  Trading up in terms of cars and apartments, and dutifully visiting his aged parents on multiple occasions.  He applied for and was accepted to the special NASA program celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope in Washington D.C. so he has that going for him.  He also did some story telling in and around Chelsea this year participating in a couple of area “Moth” events.

The Ropers – Yes, it’s a new branch on the old family tree this year.  The former Ms. Katlyn Squires, now the current Mrs. Drew Roper, is living happily ever after in beautiful downtown Grand Haven, Michigan, building cars and making babies.  They are a lovely couple with stars in their eyes and love in their hearts (ugh!).  At the wedding Mrs. Roper made it clear she expected “honorable mention” in this year’s publication.  This was it. First great grandmonster due January 2016.

You made it! Having completed this years’ chronicles, enjoy a temporary sense of accomplishment and have a great next year.  Press “Next” to continue cause WE ARE OUTTA HERE!
The Christensen’s !!!