MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE TIDWELLS
Welcome to the 29th edition of The Tidwell review. Hard to
believe it has been almost 30 years ago since I first set down and pecked out a
letter to send to our family and friends to just share news and a few stories
of the goins on in our lives and to let you know we are still kickin……although
not as high anymore and with less vigor. And with some medicinal aids……..for
the KICKIN I mean!! And now I have some
competition from grandchildren and the like who also write annual Christmas letters
which I read with a big smile knowing they enjoy sharing as do I the ups and
downs of the kin.
This has been a mixed bag as usual with great joys and great
sorrow. I’ll throw out the sorrow first
as I plan on trying to put smiles on your faces and not tears for the most
part…… My oldest sister Kay passed away this year which is one of those things
you know is coming but are never ready for. But she has left behind a large
family to carry on her legacy of caring for folks and animals. I will miss her
greatly…..
Some of the good news, we added to the kinfolk with
engagements, marriages and births………not necessarily in that order…..
My grandson Kyle got hitched to his long time mate Allison,
My granddaughter Sarah got engaged to her forever mate Matt, and another
granddaughter Racheal made me a proud Great Grandfather of Lillie with her
partner Isaiah. My other granddaughter Madison I think really enjoys being an aunt for now but I see parenthood as
being a job she is made for and I hope with her long time main squeeze Curren
who we in the family already think of as kin.
Melissa and Keith have found grandparenthood is a pretty
cool job and have embraced it with enthusiasm like they do in all family
matters. Melissa, now working for herself in an IT contracting/consulting business
and traveling across the nation for clients. Keith still working mainly out of
Metro Atlanta but occasionally also having to travel for his employer. Seems I
am not the only one that has to follow work across the nation. Just glad they
don’t have to stay for months at a time.
Carrie and Daniel are living the Tiny life now in their tiny
home. They seemed to have adapted pretty well and are making the most of it.
For now they are set up not far from us here but may someday head out to other
parts to explore this great country. Just great having them close by. I really do LOVE having my family close……they
are my life.
We just got back from our annual trip up to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood and had
a spectacular time with all. Was a shorter trip than usual for Susan and I as I
have been very lucky to be assigned some projects back here in Georgia since I finished up the Loves project in
Kentucky Elberton , Ga. Franklin Springs
Susan carries on with her transcription work and both she
and I have countdown clocks to retirement clicking down to this time next year
when I hang up my suspenders and hard hat. It’s been quite a ride but I am
ready to catch up on a few home projects and have more time to spend with the
current grandkids and great grandkids and future ones possibly coming in the
not too distant future….I suppose…..
My Grandson Kyle and his wife are planning on building back here next to the Tidwell forest to add
to the labor force for splitting firewood and such and I hope I can lure a few
more back to the mountain. Just nothing like having family close by to share
this life we live. The joy they have all brought us can’t be measured and I am
selfish and want to have them close by all the time. When I come home from
these annual trips we take to the mountains these past few winters I feel quite a hole when I
arrive back home and don’t have them to see just by walking out a door. And
something I look forward to is doing some traveling to locations where you our
friends have ended up to visit with
y'all also again. Time has passed so quickly but I still feel the same
warmth for all of you , Susan’s and my lifelong friends we have made in our
travels.
Now there is still property here on the mountain , although
the tax appraisers seem to think there is literally gold under all our feet, we
sure would love for y'all to move closer by…….with me being home all winter I
will need a LOT of firewood split and stacked ……..and friends and family are
all welcome to come let me show you the basis of how it is done…picture Tom
Sawyer painting that fence…for a nickel I’ll let you try it. Susan would love to have some
quilting assistance also I know….lots of baby quilts to be made…
We miss you all and hope our little letter finds you well
and being warmed by your family close by………but know there are warm thoughts
here in Georgia of you all and we look forward to the day we can share them in
person.
We Love You All………….Buddy and Susan
