2009

When we left off last year, the family was on an adventure, like so many of our fellow citizens of Michissippi, of job search and budgetary constraints. It took a while, but Mary found a highly suitable position with Consumers Energy. What's a great story without a happy ending? A tragedy, of course, but so far it's not a tragedy. So take that, Shakespeare, or Robespierre, or whoever that guy was that wrote those boring things that make for lousy television and even worse reading--we're still working on a comedy. It's a laugh a minute, you might say.

Other than living with impending doom of financial disaster, most of the year was like most of the others we have reported. The grass needs to be cut, and laundry must be both washed and folded. Alex played soccer and Emily sang and danced.

One minor new twist was Alex playing golf with some regularity. He is a true golfer, meaning that he is convinced that a better driver, new irons, and an expensive putter are all that he needs to correct his game.

Emily enjoyed some success on the county fair talent show circuit. With her winnings, she was the most financially secure member of the family for most of the summer, but the some of the prizes reflect the realities of our economic conditions. A rooster, two pies, and three magic beans were offered.

Mickey's mother, Margaret, passed away, if you haven't heard, in August. She drew a lousy hand at the end, but she is remembered for her laughter, love, and joy of life.

In the fall, Alex played Junior Varsity soccer. The varsity team made it to the State finals, which is interesting even if you are bored out of your skull by soccer. You shoudn't be, by the way; disparaging the beautiful game is all too easy, and you are depriving yourself by not taking the time to learn it. Of course, fly fishermen say the same thing about their sport, and there is no way in hell I'm going to wade thigh deep through ice cold mountain water, even if Hemmingway found it to be therapeutic.

Emily discovered short distance running over the summer, and joined the cross country team in the fall. She improved greatly through her dedication and effort. But now it's going to be new shoes that will make her run faster, because everyone knows that new shoes make you run faster. They just do.

We still have the dogs, and they are still losing teeth, and barking, and making messes where they shouldn't. They are, after all, dogs.

Hope all is well with all who read this.

We remain — The Hadicks: Mickey, Mary, Alex, and Emily