EUGENIA SMITH DURLAND: We are all so old now that – at least in my case – news kind of dries up. Bill and I are alive and well but not traveling much anymore. We are very active in our Quaker Meeting, which is a Sanctuary Church among other things. We still teach in the adult religious education program. And we still work hard for the Dems! We want to see our democracy restored in 2020. We got our newest great grandchild in December so he’s nearly a year old. That makes 5 greats! Our children and grandchildren are all well and busy with their careers. Two of our children live nearby – Julia in Boulder and Christian in Denver and six of our grandchildren and all of our greats are in various parts of Colorado. So we are well looked after.

BARBARA THOMAS YINGER:  Sue Bond Almy and I talk on the phone as do Bobby Kaufman Harrison and I.  I’ve been “fussing’ with my left knee for the past 6 months, physical therapy and 2 different shots with minimal relief.  I think I’m going to have to “bite the bullet” and have surgery.  I won a blue ribbon (first prize) at the Frederick Fair on a quilt I made (see the blue ribbon?).  ‘First time in 30 yrs. or more that I’ve entered anything here.  The Frederick Art Club, of which I’m a member, is honoring Claire McCardell with a statue in Frederick.  She was a Hood student in the ’40s and then went to NYC to study clothing design.  I volunteered to make a dress like one of her designs and will be featured in a special showing sometime this year.  There are quite a few Hood alums in the Art Club so it’s been interesting to meet them.  I haven’t made clothes in years so this was a challenge.

CAROL HARKNESS KILREA:  Off in the AM for Boston and Maine – will spend time with Susan Peterson and Carl – always such fun! Our trip to Scotland was marvelous – the people and the history and the beauty – wow!! On the way home we both fell on the escalator @ the Airport in Scotland – happy to say a bit sore and, of course, embarrassment the only consequences! Continue to enjoy the Chicago Symphony and the Lyric Opera but it is always so good to return to our small community on the Lake – we are now part of the 61^ST National Park, but should not feel a great difference! It’s the Indiana National Park -full of wetlands/birds migrating and nesting/ sand dunes/just a plethora of nature at its best both plant wise and animal wise! Lucky me!!!!  Happy holiday season to everyone!!

MIRIAM SPAULDING KEYSER:  2019 has been a busy year. Our 1^st  Great Grandchild was born Easter Day. Maeve is the daughter of our eldest grandchild, Logan and his wife Mackenzie. Her presence added to the family Beach Week at the Outer Banks. Only a week later everyone headed to Roanoke, VA for the wedding of Ethan and Alexis. Ethan is Matt’s eldest. On the way home I fell and hurt my back, but therapy seems to be helping.  Bill and I are still active here at Oak Crest. Our garden provided both flowers and produce.  We both are on the Welcome committee and help with the weekly concerts.  Does anyone know anything about Dot Hofstadter Lewis and Irv?  The phone # I have is disconnected and the Email is not functioning. We have kept in touch with them over the years and visited with them just a year ago. I am really worried. Let me know if you hear anything.

LOUISE REED:  Well, this past 9 months or so have been difficult.  I‘ve had a number of falls and ended up in hospitals and rehabs.  I think I could write a book on the good and bad rehabs.  I am now home, being careful and presently have 24/7 care.  I would like to get rid of the nighttime care soon. So no trips or excursions for me now.

MOLLY SPERANDIO:  No tax consulting this year due to my hip replacement; but that didn’t keep me from flying out to Davis, CA in June for the high school graduation of my 7^th of 8 grandchildren, Sophi. I was still able to drive to PA in April, June and October and enjoyed having the CA family visit here in FL a week in August.