2001 may have flown by, but it will indeed feature in the annals of the Woodies, for we have been richly blessed. Noteworthy must be the safe arrival of our first grandson, Alan's holiday to Israel & India, and Ann's learning to say 'No thank you' to kind offers to join, participate in or be involved with......! (Truly our cup runneth over!!)
     Beginning with our newest family member, Edward Alexander (after his late Granpa) Warner (a Robinson family name) made his debut on May 26th, to the relief of his proud parents, Nicola and Angus, and witnessed by his very privileged Grandma. The young man's journey into the big world was rather drawn out, his map reading skills needed improving. He's a great success, especially with his 2yr.old big sister, Hannah, and his cousins Rebecca,3 and Sarah,1; their sometimes robust attentions are received with smiles and chuckles - laid back might even be too active an expression for this young man!
     As for his other family member, Hannah might be described as a whirling Dervish - a very bright Cookie, who's only frustration is her inability to articulate in a language that everyone else can understand. Her 2 days a week nursery experience is quite obviously very worthwhile, she has a wide circle of friends, an incredible range of activities and it enables Nic to keep up-to-date with the developments in the teaching world.
     This year, as well as increasing the size of their family, Nic and Gus have put on an extension to their home in Kelvedon, making it more suitable for their needs.
     Suzanne and Andy would like to extend their Upminster home, but it would appear that their plans don't meet with the local council planning requirements, so at the moment it's back to the drawing board! Perhaps, with all the girls' activities, it might be difficult to fit in the building works, too. Rebecca and Sarah keep their taxi driver Mum busy. Mondays are spent in the company of Auntie Nic and 'the cousins', Tuesday is swimming day for both and mini-movers in the afternoon for Rebecca, Wednesday and Thursday Madame holds court at playgroup - some of the results of her industry are displayed on the kitchen wall here, Thursday afternoon is ballet and to round off the week Friday is toddlers' club at church with Sarah going too. The girls are very different in character. Rebecca is quite confident, gregarious and has a wonderful command of language. Sarah is quietly determined, content to keep herself occupied, although she loves playing with her big sister too.
     Our little one, the 6'5" one, is still resident at home, although it would appear that an interest in the housing market may indicate setting up home with Gemma in the new year. It was grand having Doug around while Alan was away, he took over the more important duties like setting his Mum's alarm clock and putting out the refuse - in fact all the things I take for granted!
     Life for Ann seems to have moved up a notch - but for those of you who are kind enough to care, not into overdrive. Now in my second year as an ordinand with S.E.I.T.E., term time life seems to be all about essay writing, projects, preparing worship for weekends (8 per year) and fitting in placements. During the summer term I found myself worshipping in an Evangelical, Charismatic Community Church - quite a culture shock, but an opportunity to meet with some tremendous people. Early in the new year I am required to spend 30hr. working in the Redbridge Night Shelter - the guests are all homeless folks. This will no doubt prove challenging and will heighten my own appreciation of the comfortable life we have in Upminster. Work at Little Haven Children's Hospice continues to be very rewarding, the last few weeks have inevitably been taken up with Christmas preparations, parties, a visit to Lapland for some of the children, trips to see the lights and a host of other activities. Children have that wonderful ability to live life to the full, dying comes when all around them least expect it.
One of the highlights for the family this year was the Clan gathering in Lille. We travelled to France for Alex (my nephew) and Laetitia's wedding. Only Simon Kear & his new wife Marika (wedding April 2001) and John Kear (in Toronto on his Mormon Mission) were missing. We had a wonderful time, great fun and the French guests were very complimentary about how well the children behaved -- we could only agree.
     Other ramblings included a four day break to Rome, taken with a very pregnant Nicola in April. It was magic, the company was good, the sights were breathtaking. Perhaps we'll make it Florence next time. Holy Week was spent in Canterbury at Residential School - hard work but in good company. In July the U.R.C. Summer School was held in Windermere - with plenty of time to observe the beauties of the Lake District, it was an enjoyable experience.
     Alan had been on the waiting list for a Bahá'í pilgrimage to Israel for about 6 years, so 9 days in the twin cities of Haifa and Akka came as no surprise. The family only had a few weeks, however, to get used to the idea of the ever-available retired babysitter being away for a further 2½ weeks in India, once travel arrangements had been made for accepting a kind offer by a Bahá'í family in New Delhi (who used to live near us before they emigrated) - part of the plan was service at the Lotus Temple, which needs volunteers to help with over 20,000 visitors per day! The travel agent did not tell me that I needed a visa for India, so a week was spent with glorious weather on the beach in Tel Aviv waiting for it to be organised (those familiar with my holiday preferences will know that I enjoyed that!) Fortunately I managed to make my return flight a week later as well, so my length of stay in India was as planned, and I had the bonus of being there for Diwali, but it meant 5 weeks altogether - really a once-in-a-lifetime experience! For anyone with the interest, a detailed account is on this web site.
     As the observant amongst you will notice from the postmark, the pace of life for the Senior Woodies hasn't changed much. We are looking forward to being with the family at Nic &Gus's home in Kelvedon on Christmas Day. Meanwhile there is first singing in two choirs at the Carols by Candlelight Services and lastly Midnight Communion with the Methodist Church. Then it's off to Kelvedon on Christmas morning, with strict instructions to be there in time to see the children opening their Christmas stockings.
     Time to wish you every blessing for this Christmas and our hope that you will enjoy good health and much happiness in 2002. The last minute shopping to do, some essential cooking of 'date squares' for my son-in-law & others, a mountain of ironing (am I the only one to resort to stuffing it all into a black plastic bag?!), get these letters in the post, and we'll be ready for the festivities.

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