Christmas 1998

The annual report....

This year I'm getting smart and writing the news as it unfolds. I always forget little things like.. the dog (Pup-Pup) died 2 years ago December, or Gara Ann ran off with a drygoods salesman last year! My mind just isn't sharp anymore! See below!

The "Martins" started the year off with a bang, as usual. Nate (plus Beagle) was home from school for the holidays although we didn't see much of him, what with his busy social schedule. We did get to see much of the dog however! I think he (Nate) is preparing us for the days of grand-parenting (new word?) when he & spouse drop the kids and

disappear for periods of time. If he expects that fringe benefit he better get started... we are loosing it fast (called aging mentally); if he doesn't hurry we'll be so senile nobody will entrust their children with us; even Nate. True story: GAM & I go into grocery for milk and bananas, pay for groceries, go home... Where is the milk? bananas? Uh Oh... I thought you..... Then a week later; but we only forgot the cards she paid for that time. I can't remember what I got for Christmas; heck, I can't even remember what I had for dinner last night.

Oh well, it could be worse; I could be getting getting fat and loosing hair.... Uh Oh again!

The season was super; both, business and social. The island was buzzing with activity this year; Lots of new homes going up and always fun to spend time with great friends (snowbirds) who spend the winters here. Most have gone home as of tax day and the island is winding down for the long hot summer. Gam is going to MO for nephew David's

college graduation in early May and I am planning my first mountain trip in middle May.

Spring.. Nate only got down for a short week during spring break. Just too much going on up there (Tallahassee) this year SO I had to do Key West all by myself... You realize I always had to force myself to go down, keep an eye on him and bail him out of any trouble he might find; You know how kids are? I rode the bike down, stayed at KOA

(campground) and did the street (Duval) 2 nights. Tough job but someone has to.... If you've never been in Sloppy Joe's, Ricks Upper deck, Schooner Warfe or Capt Tony's on a Saturday nite - Spring break - with all those co-eds, You ain't lived! Almost makes you feel young again.

Company! The Peisers (Alice and flock) for their spring break.. Left up to those kids there wouldn't be a shell to be found on Marco, but we sure eat good when they are here. I think aunt Gara Ann Did a super job of entertaining and it appears that they will return next year and I (we) look forward to that. Great kids but SHELTERED. They need to expand their horizons; like maybe a trip to Key West with Uncle Jim?

Grandma Toalson came down for a 2 week stay and renewed old friendships. She's getting around very well these days but declined a ride on the Harley! She and GAM went partying while I was in the Key's. Thinking about it she could use a trip to the Key's with uncle Jim also! I did invite her.

Nate's new PET??? A Ball Python. I hear its about 5 feet long and very friendly! Yeah - Right! GAM & I agreed; OK for Nate (boy) to come home - always welcome; OK for PUNGO (beagle) to come home - always welcome;

Never will Norman (snake) come home.. EVER! Named after the previous owner, who mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind everything.. wallet, credit cards, clothes, car, girl friend and SNAKE! Maybe Norman (snake not guy) should be suspect? Same fate might happen to Nate if he wasn't so big! PUNGO is just right! Girlfriend (Norman's)

gave snake to Nate! Where does he find these deals? Just lucky I guess. Update: Norman "done flew (slithered) the coop"; disappeared just like his name-sake! Nate looked everywhere but no Norman! Thinks someone might have taken it?? My question is WHY?

June.. The Bill Toalsons (Vickie, Charlie & David) were down for a long weekend in June. One of the Moussouri football players married a Naples girl and we (Gam & I) were included in the festivities. Sure were a bunch of BIG boys and pretty girls around here for that occasion. I took out about 15 of them on the Airboat and Aunt(s) Gara

Ann and Vickie (the football groupies) were in their glory feeding those kids. Bill, David & another father/son team went up to Oceechobbee to kill Bass for 2 days while Vickie & Charlie relaxed with us. We all put on pounds over that period! By the way.. The boys did catch Bass and GAM & I enjoyed fish for 2 dinners.

July.. GAM is packing for her expedition to the far reaches of MO and Ak, More about that in the next paragraph when she returns to FL.Snake returns! Oh great! Dog barks in night and Nate discovers Norman in the kitchen.. Remember this has been 4 months since disappearance. Norman was in hiding under cabinets, coming out only to eat pizza,

snacks etc inadvertently left on tables or floor. (speculation only)Nate fed him a big fat rat and Norman is back in cage and happy!

This has been a long hot summer but it is coming to an end.. (Sept. 98) Weather man says 3rd hottest summer on record! End of September means time to go to Key West for the annual Dog Days Bike run (25

thousand bikers) then on to the Ga mountains for my vacation.

Oct 98 Gone to "Hill-billy heaven"! Great time riding the backroads of GA, TN and NC. Camping in the woods and just enjoying life and this beautiful Country! Plenty of kids, dogs and campfires. I'm getting too old to sleep on the ground so I guess I will get some kind of camper in the next year. Most mornings the temperature is around 40

degrees and that is enjoyable but getting out of the sleeping bag is tough! Stopped off in Daytona on my way home for Biketoberfest for 4 days then back to the real world. Mrs. Martin had to re-train me in the etiquettes of civilization; Bathing, grammar, language and dress (no camo?). Good to get back; a month is enough but I'll look forward

to next year!

GAM went to MO for her Football weekends in Columbia (U of Mozzarella) and fun visits with her family; Brother in Columbia, sister in arkansaw and mom in Centrailia

A quiet Thanksgiving with Nate and beagle home for the weekend; A super bird with all the "fixins". Our Christmas is shaping up to be a busy one as always. Church activities, family and of course friends.

Gara Ann has passed on the role of Sunday School director but is still the best SS teacher around. She really prepares for class and it shows! Also still playing the piano for the services. This has been a super year for business and again we are busy as ever. We are still on the health kick and walk most days along with a ration of Oat Bran Muffins and great bean soup. We feel guilty if we eat red meat! GAM goes to an exercise class 3 mornings (5AM) a week and is "looking good"!