:::this is the way the world ends:::

Holidays

The holidays are upon us. I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving next week, wherever you will be. Jen and I will be in the Pacific Northwest from Tuesday through Sunday. So here’s wishing you a good feast to you and yours, from there.

As it happens, I have a fairly grand holiday break set up for myself this year, due to the fact that my class ends the week of December 10, I’m three days a week at Graywolf, and I have saved up vacation days all year, apparently. I will more or less be off of a regular work schedule from December 13 to January 7.

I’m hoping that might mean I can come to Kansas for a few days somewhere in there–either before Christmas or sometime after. I will certainly be in Minnesota roughly December 23-26 for family gatherings here. I thought I would see when others of you might be around the McPherson area during the holidays, to see if I can match my schedule to yours, as it would be great to see you all, in addition to my parents, grandparents, and extended family.

I need to get my air fare set as soon as possible, so let me know what your plans may be. And of course, it’s always interesting to know what all of you are doing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s…

11 Comments

  1. Ned

    Sara and I will head down to McPee on the 26th of December. We will be there for a week. I we can see some of you there.

  2. Shotts

    Ned–Nice that you’ll have your own holiday together before heading down to Kansas. Sounds nice, and hopefully restful. And I hope you’ll have some time for painting. I hope too that we’ll be around the area at the same time. Thanks for letting everyone know your dates.

    Anyone else?

  3. J.E.

    Most regrettably I’m not going to make to Kansas over the Christmas Holiday. On the up side, I will be spending the holiday with Liz’s family in Big Bend National Park. We’ve been looking forward to the trip for about a year now (that’s how far in advance you have to book the rooms in the lodge.) Wish I could squeeze a trip to Kansas in as well but we’re building a show until the 22nd and starting another on the 3rd.

    I still expect to make it for Thanksgiving though. Peters, you’ll be there right?

  4. Shotts

    Here’s what I could best arrange to come to Kansas around the holidays:

    I fly in to Wichita the evening of Sunday, December 16, and will be in McPherson area from late on December 16 until I fly out on Wednesday, December 19. So it’s short and sweet. During that time, I will probably go to Hutchinson to help my mom clean out my grandparents’ house, now that they’re in a care facility in Winfield. I’ll also be going to Winfield, probably on Wednesday before my flight back to Minneapolis.

    Peters, I hope we might be able to get together perhaps on either the evening of Monday, December 17 or Tuesday, December 18. Let me know if something like that might work. It would be great to see you.

    Toby, any chance at all that you, Steph, and Clara will be in the McPherson area at that time? I know it’s doubtful and a little early, but it’s the best I could arrange and afford.

    Ned, any possibility that we could meet up sometime soon?

    J.E., I hope to see you in 2008!

  5. Shotts

    Peters, got your phone message last night from the new number that you didn’t actually give us. What’s your new number? And what do you think about the possibilities of getting together–it will just be me coming down, since Jen has to work–on the 17th or 18th?

  6. Shotts

    My holiday plans have changed. Last week my grandfather passed away–the man who somehow put Tennyson, of all things, in my young hands. I was in Kansas last Tuesday through Sunday to help with arrangements, be with family, and attend the funeral. It all went as well as it could.

    So I am not, after all, coming to Kansas next week. I was hoping to see my grandparents then, but I was too late, as it turned out.

    I hope you all have great holidays. Peters, sorry I won’t see you, and sorry last week was too full to get a chance to see you and Amanda and come to Lindsborg. I do hope, however, that you will share with me your new telephone number. Thanks.

  7. J.E.

    Sorry about the loss of your grandfather Shotts and I’m sorry you were too late to see him again. I hate not being able to see my grandma more often. Take care.

  8. Ned

    Shotts,
    I’m sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful memory you shared – having Tennyson put in your hands.

    I never knew either one of my grandfathers. Though I have been told by people who knew him that I have mannerisms that recall my grandfather, Clell.

    I also apologize for not seeing this sooner. I was wrapped up in my own little world.

  9. Shotts

    Thanks for your words, J.E. and Ned.

  10. Pete

    Our sympathies are with you as well. Our apologies for not posting sooner. We have been without internet for a few days due to the ice storms. I may try to post some photos in a minute. I am also sorrowed to hear you won’t be around. We were looking forward to raising one or two at the Vasa. If you need anything do feel free to call. New number is 785.212.0720. I guess I assumed it would show on your caller ID. I hope you found some comfort in your trip here, even if you did not get to see your grandfather. I hope all is well with you.

  11. Shotts

    Thank you, Peters. Well, here’s a raised glass to you and Amanda. It would have been good to get together, but it was not to be this time. Thanks for your good words–

    –and your new phone number.

    I hope everyone’s preparations for the holidays are going well.

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