Christmas Letter 2018

HO, HO, HO, and all that,                                                                                        December 2018

    Another year has gone by, and here is your Christmas Letter.  Not much is different from last year. We had a few additions to the family…puppies. Molly had four, and Tiny had five. We found homes for all, and kept two. I guess that once you name them you have to keep them. Therefore, now we have PeeWee and Cutie in addition to Molly, Teddy, Tiny, Dixie, and Peaches, bringing our dog children to a total of seven. I do not know what the limit is, but I think you can have nine cats so we should be okay. Being little dogs, they do not eat much or take up much, room unless they all want to get in bed with you, or sit in the chair with you. They are “lap dogs”, not much doubt about that. They are fun, and have been a blessing in our house. Now I know what you are thinking, “SEVEN DOGS!” Let me explain. We started with Molly, and then some months later got Teddy as a playmate. Well as time passed, they got married and had two pups, Bruiser and Tiny (they were so cute we had to keep them). More time passed and Molly had three more pups, we found homes for all of them, and decided to let Bruiser go also (a family wanted a dog, but not a puppy), that took us down to three dogs. Then Tiny had her first pup, it was brownish\blonde, and we wanted a brownish pup so we kept her and named her Peaches (My very first dog’s name was Peaches). We warrant the pups, and if someone has a problem, or it just does not work out for them, we will take the pup back. Well, it did not work out for one family, and I got the pup back, named her Dixie, and kept her. She had suffered abuse by the four year old at the new family, and it took quite a while to get Dixie mentally healed.  Since I was the one who went to her rescue, she has stuck to me like glue ever since. Anyway, now that gets us to five dogs, and with the two new pups brings us to today’s count of seven. I would like to announce that Dixie is having her first litter of puppies around the week of Christmas-New Years. Some people have already signed to get one. These dogs are great as companions, and emotional support. I credit our dogs to pulling Brian out of the depression he was going through, and maybe saving his life. You just cannot help but love them. The two little pups we kept because the black one “Cutie” is just toooo cute, and the black & white “Pee-Wee” was sooo little (7 oz.), and the Vet said he would not make it, that he had water on the brain. Well the wife, not being one to give up easily, bottle fed and cared for him like a preemie. Now he is a robust little pup and holds his own against the bigger dogs.

                            

               

Molly, Teddy, Tiny, Dixie, Peaches         Cutie                                 and, PeeWee

    Other news:  You know I think you can fix just about anything with the help of “YouTube.” Our icemaker was leaking. I looked it up on YouTube; the guy explained if you call a repairman it will be about $60 just for him to show up. Plus the parts, plus labor to fix it. He suggested just buy a new icemaker. Just three screws and presto change-o you are back in business. Cost of the new icemaker, $60, Labor to install it, $0.00, no more complaining from the wife, Priceless.

    The Wife is getting a new knee in March. I suppose I will be catering to her while she goes through rehab. I am pretty much doing that now. I swear when I am home most of what I hear is “Alan, will you…” This is where “selective hearing” really pays off. Did I tell you that the government awarded me disability for being hearing impaired? It is true, so I have a legit excuse for not answering her call every time. I also have “selective memory,” that comes in handy. It is kind of like having controlled Alzheimer’s, for those days when you need it most, again Priceless. “What?” The most useful word in the English language guys. After enough “what’s”, you get an “oh never mind.” Of course “huh?” works, and for the ole one-two punch; a “Huh, what?” in combination once in a while gets you to the knock out; “oh never mind.” a little quicker. Sometimes a little rope-a-dope; “Can you wait a minute?”, catches the off balance and after a few minutes, or so, come back with a “huh, what?” and chances are good they have forgotten what they wanted to start with. If they do remember just give another “in a minute.”      Hold on a second, and have a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year

                                                                                  From:  Alan & The Crew

PS, Is there a snooze button for peeing first thing in the morning? I would like another ten minutes of sleep.

It’s Christmas Time Again,                                                                                       December 2017

This makes Christmas #47 for Cindy and me. I just don’t know where all the time is gone. For me today is pretty much, just like yesterday, and tomorrow isn’t looking any different. We all have varying schedules that fit the different times in our lives. When we were school kids, we lived by the bell. We graduated, and moved on to live by the time clock, and raising kids by the bus stop times. Now in retirement, time is a whole new thing. My Dad first introduced to me one retirement “time” while he was living in Florida. He said, “Time for early birds!” I’m like, “What?” I was soon to learn that seasoned citizens got a special price, discount, at the restaurant if they came in early, after 4pm but before five. Well…this was new! Living at home we NEVER ate supper before 5; Dad didn’t get off until five. Fast forward, guess who’s doing early birds now? Our usual haunt has a deal if you eat after 4 they punch your card. After 10 punches, you get a free meal. Well, that is just one way we track time around here. Another is days of the week.  Since everyday is pretty much the same around here, I lose track of which day it actually is, that is until I get out my “Pill Minder.”   Well what do you know, it is Wednesday. Next thing you know I’m out of pills, which mean another week has gone by. Seems like I just filled it up yesterday, time sure flies when you’re doing nothing. If Cindy is watching the NFL is play, it is Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. If it is on all day, it Sunday for sure. If it is NCAA football, it’s Saturday. NBA, those guys have no sense of time, I swear they play every day, can’t go by them guys. We have taco Tuesday, Whopper Wednesday, AYCE fish on Friday. You get my drift.  Of course prime time, it isn't what you think. Primetime is 8:30 am at the coffee shop. If you want the very latest news on a whole list of rumors, gossip, political views the college of knowledge is our Java Bean Café. Best 2 bucks I spend every day. No internet, just fellas talking (the occasional Smartphone may appear when specifics are in question). Details may be important, but not too often. The Java Bean is a unique blend of think tank, consultant group, focus group, opinion poll, liars club, politics usually not allowed unless we praise the Democratic Party. Trump has a ways to go before winning over some of these guys, but there is hope. To be fair, I don’t hear anybody singing how great Obama was either. Religion is not discussed unless we're talking about Notre Dame, Bishop Dwenger HS, or Bishop Luers HS. All hail Notre Dame! Everybody also puts a lot of faith in Prayer. We’re praying for it to either rain, or stop, or a Notre Dame win. All Hail Notre Dame! When Coach Kelly had two quarterbacks, prayers went to Coach Kelly…All Hail Brian Kelly! Whenever I have to travel to South Bend, I pray also, that it isn't on Saturday. What a madhouse. I almost forgot… Wednesdays. Wednesday is ladies night at the Venice, a restaurant/bar on Goshen road. Cindy, and a bunch of other older ladies, go there to hear a group of old guys playing old music, blah. Give me a young gal dancing around a pole any day and Rock-n-Roll, just kidding.

As I said, this last year has been just like the last few. I’m still working, nothing else much to do around here so might as well, beats staying home and watching TV all day. Cindy is still making towels (and doing the Wednesday night thing).  We are up to four dogs now. They’re entertaining, just like having kids around the house. When dogs do something that you don’t like, do they really know you don’t like it? They get into Cindy’s yarn and really foul it up sometimes. She scolds them, but two days later, they’re at it again. They know you’re mad at them, but they look up with their sad eyes and wag their tails and you forgive them, again. We took our annual trek up to Michigan; just have to go to the beach at least once a year. It was only three days, and a little chilly, but Brian and I got in the water anyway. I mean that’s what we went for, right?  We left the dogs at home with Tracy. When we got back, you’d swear they thought we’d been gone forever. We didn't know the hotel was pet-friendly, or we would have taken them along. They need a vacation too, running along the beach with the wind in their hair, digging holes, sniffing strange things.    In addition, I got to go on an Honor Flight to D.C. along with 87 other Vietnam Vets. We toured all the war memorials, met Vice President Mike Pence, and had a police escort everywhere. It truly was the "welcome home" we didn’t get 50 years ago. I’m not bitter though, in fact, I think I can appreciate more now than I would have then. War stories were in abundance, although I think a lot were just tall tales, it was a fun trip, and I’m glad I went. Speaking of trips, this nice lady (I think her name is Elizabeth) keeps calling from the Resort Rewards Center offering me all these free vacations. I must be one lucky guy. Add to that all the money I’ve been saving in interest from the Credit Card Services people, I can probably afford to go on some of these vacations. In addition, I’m just one pill away from curing my irritable bowel syndrome, so I don’t have to worry about “going,” if I would go, and I could enjoy the boardwalk. All those people suffering, they take a pill and voila, they instantly have so much fun. Sitting in bathtubs on the beach, not worrying about having to pause if the moment strikes. Better living through chemistry. I like the guy who dances at work, then he goes home and dances while mowing his yard (like that would ever happen here), then he goes out to drag his basset hound down the sidewalk, dancing all the way. Who said drugs were bad?  I'm about to the end of the page here.  Winners and losers in politics. The winners didn't really win, and the losers didn't lose and Mueller is going to fix all of, it. Whatever happened we can always blame the Russians (and have since 1945). Why can’t we find a pill to fix Post Election Stress Disorder?     I’ll close by saying, we love all of you, we have no enemies, and you are all, our friends. We hope you have a nice Christmas and a good new year. May your days be many and your trouble be few, your loved ones safe and your friends be true.                                   Merry Christmas,   Alan, Cindy, and Brian Geiger

Christmas Letter 2015

December 3, 2015

HO, Ho, ho, Merry Christmas to all my friends, real and imagined.

Yet again, another year has gone by ever so quickly. So many things were suppose to be done, but weren't. Just never quite got in the mood. Didn't fix the rock wall, the steps, and the sidewalk. Forget about painting the house. Still got those boxes of laminate flooring for the hallway sitting in the same spot for four years now. In my defense, I haven't decided whether to restore the woodwork in the hallway before putting down new flooring. Oh well, best not to worry about that now. I give some thought tomorrow, or the next day, when I have more time.

We are happy to have welcomed a new addition to the family this summer with the marriage of Alyssa to our Steven. We wish them all the happiness. Steven is currently serving in the Marine Corp. His brother John is now an Asst. Manager at Walgreens, and their sister Martha Graduated last spring from Purdue. Both Gretchen and daughter Martha have undergone surgeries at NIH in Maryland to remove some of the tumors caused by their NF2. Keep them in your thoughts as they continue their battles with this disease.

We also welcome another addition to our family with the arrival of Molly.Just when I thought, we'd never get another dog. She's now about four months old. Plays fetch, knows how to sit, and understands "get in bed." Typical female, a real pain in the butt. Wants what she wants, when she wants it. Sasses you back if you tell her no. Doesn't know how to shut up. A brat if there ever was one. Loose a sock? She probably took it. Loose a shoe? She has it. Can't find your keys? You guessed it. Have papers you want shredded? No need to buy an expensive machine. Need your mail opened? She can handle that too, might be soggy to read, but it is opened. She has a few favorite toys too. An empty Kleenex box with a string on it that she likes to race around the house with. She also has an empty Clorox bottle, with string, that she swings around in a circle and makes it roll. Plus an assortment of balls, knotted socks, and a very small teddy bear. She's also part cat, as she likes to climb up on your shoulders and lay behind your neck like a collar (warm and soothing, when your neck aches). (Dang dog wants out again) You know when the kids were two (four mos. In dog years), you could pop a video in the VCR and they would be occupied for a couple hours. I need a doggy video. I also need a doggy diaper, probably would not be any good a changing those either. (Darn it dog, I'm not gonna hold you while I type) Jeeze, give me a break.  Okay, enough about the stupid dog already.
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It has been another busy year.  Indiana Donor Network has managed to keep me out of trouble and Cindy has been busy making her crocheted kitchen towels. Sales increase every year. The weather cooperated, after a wet spring, we were able to use the pool. Last year I think I only swam once. This year not only did I get wet, but the little tykes next door came over too. Fun for all. No vacation this year, just two days at Ludington Michigan was all. I swear they have the best beach.

I guess when I was young; time didn't mean that much except, how many hours could I work to boost my paycheck. And, time could not pass quick enough until the next holiday, and a day off work. And remember how we could not wait until we turned sixteen, and got our license.  I remember the first night I got my license…put 100 miles on Dad's car, and never left Markle. Those were the days, those were the days…  (By the way, Justin and Chase, both sophomores, turned 16 and will start driving soon.) And, we just could not wait to graduate school, or turn twenty-one. Then how we put off being forty, much less fifty and ohoo the dreaded midlife crisis. (Never understood that anyway, guess I did not have time for one). Now here I am, retired (HA). Suppose to slow down, take your time, and enjoy life. Funny thing…the clock seems to move just the same. I guess my point is, I should have savored every minute more as they went by. "If I only had more time…" That is what we tell ourselves. And now, with this dog around, I'll never have enough time to do anything.

Kids all seem fine and the Grandkids are getting older. Holly is a freshman; Chloe is in middle school, and a serious minded softball player (catcher). She made the winning catch and her team won the City Championship. Cara is now 8, and quite artistic.  (What do you want now dog?) Lord, she has food, water, Kleenex box, the TV is tuned to Animal Planet (thought I'd try that)…but no, here she is, wanting picked up again?…  Nope she wanted out. I don't know why, she just sticks her nose into the wind and sits there watching cars go by. Twenty minutes wasted, well maybe not. I did have my smart phone with me and got in a couple games of solitaire, and checked Facebook. I can't leave her alone out there, the little fur ball will take off on an adventure to the neighbors to visit the kids. She followed the mailman next-door once, guess she thought it would be okay if an adult went with her. Ever try to catch a puppy? That little black devil can run fast, turn on a dime, and double back fast as a leaf in the wind. Who needs a home gym, just get a puppy.  I did figure out one way to catch her, corner her at the end of the porch. She has nowhere to run. Okay, where was I ??? Oh yeah, we've been healthy enough this year. No trips to the ER. Uncle Arthur seems to visit more often, but a couple Advil and we're good to go. Molly wants out again. If we're going to be out there a while, I have to go to the bathroom first. Older people evidently "go" as often as puppies. Seems I'm not allowed to pee on the porch, or in the grass, like you Molly does.  The neighbors complain if I do. Darn finicky neighbors.

                                                        Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,  Alan

LADIEEEES and Gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages…                                                    December 2014

Step right up and lend me your ear whilst I spin you a tale or two.

Today's word is Predictable (pre-dict-able…something you think you're able know of before it happens).  My wife thinks she has this ability, and to her, I am totally predictable. Today for instance she told me to take some hangers down stairs next time I went down, and to help me out she placed them at the top of the steps. I assured her that unlike our son, I would take them. Less than ten minutes later I went downstairs (without the hangers).  I "forgot." I'd like to say I did it on purpose, but I didn't. She was able to predict the future. Now if she could only be so sure with the lottery tickets.

Cindy thinks she's pretty good at forecasting the future. Like the time she just knew I was hard of hearing, and sent me to the doctor to get that checked…wrong. I even went as far as to have the audiologist write a note to take home to Cindy stating I was fine.  Cindy, not trusting I'll come back with the truth,  went with me to my last VA doctor for my last routine checkup. The doc told me I should get a mental health checkup, they like all vets to go at least once, just to be evaluated. After an elbow to the ribs, I said I would. Well I went and spent an hour getting my head shrunk, came home, and the first thing Cindy asked was, "Well what kinda pills did they give you?" She was really disappointed when I said "None." Apparently Cindy is a psychiatrist also, claiming I have anger issues and need Xanax. Also on my last visit, the doc decided that it might be a good idea to examine my head further and ordered an MRI. Seems no one has checked the spot where I had a pituitary tumor removed back in '88, for quite some time.  Cindy (and me too a little) thought maybe it was growing again. The results were negative, everything is just fine. That was a relief to hear. They sent me the full report, and in that there was the notation that I in fact had a "remarkable brain" for my age, though I'm not exactly sure what that means. Cindy told me that since I hardly ever use my brain, it's not wore out like everybody else's, but I told her that they meant I'm smarter than her. I think that's when the fight started, not quite sure, I  can't remember much after that. The doctor said my eye will heal up first, and I'll be able to eat solid food by next week.  Earlier this last spring I had back surgery. After a year and a half of pain it is now gone. No more go-carts in the Wal-Mart for me, although shopping that way is kind of fun. Cindy has a bad knee, and probably will need replacing one of these days, so she still uses the cart for shopping. For awhile is was kinda funny as we raced behind each other down the aisles.  By the way, whatever stories you may have heard about VA Hospitals, the one here in Fort Wayne has been doing just fine by me. Other than the normal maladies of getting older, I guess health wise Cindy and I are doing okay.

In other news:  We took our usual vacation trip up in to Michigan. We loaded up the van with all 5 grandkids plus Brian and headed to Ludington. The Lake Michigan was a little chillier than usual, so not much swimming action (good thing there was a pool at the hotel). Instead the kids, especially Chase, learned to build drizzle castles. It’s a different way of making sand castles. I think Chase, and the guy showing him how, spent about 3 hours building this elaborate castle. I'd love to show you pictures, but the SD card in the camera failed and so no pics. Cindy spends a lot of time crocheting those hanging kitchen towels she sells. Her little business has been pretty steady all year long. I, being a good husband, have offered to help but I always get the same answer he** no. I guess I lack the ability to put colors together, and I sure don't know how to crochet.

Some of you may not know this, but this summer I officiated my first (and probably last) wedding. Gretchen married her boyfriend Jim this past July in a back yard ceremony. Question to me was did I write down what I was suppose to say? "No", I said, I think I've been to enough weddings during my life to remember what the vows are. It was a nice wedding complete with flowers and music. Gretchen couldn't hear the music  but she marched in to the "Imperial March" theme from Star Wars. (Darth Vader's entrance music), no  ♫Here comes the bride♫  this time.

Speaking of time, it has certainly flew by. Not just this year but always, as they say "time marches on." This next spring will 20 years we've lived in Fort Wayne (in the same house, and with the same woman). We waited so long last year for winter to be over, then summer was over in a flash and here it is winter again. Another year wasted. 

We're thankful for Facebook, (It isn't just for young people) We are able to stay in touch with so many of you, but do wish we could see you in person. We're also thankful, and blessed to have so many friends. Facebook has made it possible for me to speak with a friends I hadn't heard from since we were buddies in Nam. I'm thankful we could re-connect. It would probably never happened with out Facebook and the Internet.

You've received this letter because you are important to us, and have meaning in our lives. God has taken some of our friends this year and they will be missed. I urge you to reach out and in some fashion re-connect, and wish everyone you know a Merry Christmas.