Change of Seasons

We've had a long fall this year. Sometimes, fall seems to last about three weeks, but this year it's been a long, warm, dry, delightful season.
Mike is in the middle of applying to colleges, churning out essays for each one. He used to agonize over these, but the more he writes them, the easier it becomes.
We went to Vermillion a couple of weeks ago when he competed in the MNTA (Music National Teachers Association?) competition. Two were competing: Mike and a homeschooled, blond bombshell wearing a sleeveless, black, full-length evening gown. Her mother homeschools her and happens to be a renowned piano teacher near Sioux Falls. Anyway, Mike is an alternate and does not move on to the next level, playing mid-January in Boulder, Colo., thank goodness.
Laurie just passed a math test that allows her to compete in Math Counts. Her first contest is this week. She is also singing for the city Living Christmas Tree. Mike is playing trumpet for it.
This weekend, Mike also volunteered for the Tour of Homes, a charity event. Mostly, he stood guard and kept people out of unauthorized areas of a home of the rich and famous.
Before that, I was involved in our church rummage and bake sale, which was a lot of work and a lot of fun. I love the ladies at the church. Good hearts, every one of them.
Art is faculty senate president this year and keeps things running smoothly at Northern, the best he can.
RJ seems to be adjusting to college life, though he's had some challenging classes this semester. He also went out on his first date to the Mock Convention Gala, a fancy ball kind of thing. The girl's name is Angelica. Isn't that beautiful?
Robert and Beth are expecting another little Marmorstein in February, and Becky and Ben expect a little one in June. Blessings everywhere!
We bought a "new" car, with 112,000 miles on it. We like our Venture, so we got another one. They only made these until 2005, and this is a 2004. So far, we love it. Now Mike will drive our old one instead of the merry Oldsmobile which has a cracked windshield and bad wipers.