A little bird told me, that after more than fifteen years
of going back to Ft. Collins, Colorado for Christmas,
Bud and Betty Carlson have decided to stay in sunny
Arizona and avoid the snow and ice they may encounter
there. When daughter Susan asked her mother what they
would do with themselves on Christmas day, Betty
answered, "Same ole, same ole, I guess."
Yes, it will be a rather difficult time for the Carlsons,
but perhaps we can cheer them up and help them feel
less lonely. We, their extended family, can wish them a
Merry Christmas, and we can reminisce with them.
Remember when their granddaughter Courtney was just
a toddler when Susan and Calley came down to visit?
She was such a cute blonde little tyke and every bodies
darling. Betty went shopping all over to find special
swimming diapers for her, so she could go in the pool
with grandpa.
Remember how Bud swam his daily laps while Betty
sat at the pool side table reading her romance novels?
I doubt she ever got past the first chapter. There was
always someone stopping by to chat. Guess they still
do that to a certain extent, don't they?
Remember when Bud came up with bright green toenails
and everyone wondered what kind of imbalance had
attacked the pool water?
Remember how many years Betty has kept the minutes
for the Social Committee? We never remember a time
when she had an error or misquote in them.
I remember when we had the Hobo party in 1997 and I
took Betty to the Goodwill Store to outfit her in an
authentic Hobo Costume. She was scared to death and
questioned,"Are you sure we are safe in this part of town?"
Remember when we sent Bud, Benny Lingle and Bob Raley
after the green beer for the St. Patrick day party, and it
looked like they would never come back with it?
Of course, they did get back, but with many stories to tell.
I am certain you too have memories you would like to share
with Bud and Betty. Perhaps you can pop in on them on
Christmas day and share them.