Christmas 1997

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...... Somewhere; but not here. As I start this manuscript it is a steady drizzle outside, as only South Florida can produce. We southern Martins envy our northern friends that get snow and icicles for Christmas but running around in shorts the day after is pleasurable.

We have had a dynamite year (again) and have much to be thankful for as always.

Nate is still in school in Tallahassee (I think) and doing well. His major seems to be golf & party. I need to tell this story; Nate called early in the year and asked if I could come up and visit. My first thought was "my baby (6'4.5") loves me"... When I got there he asked if I could look at his ancient ($25) dryer, it sounded like a cement mixer. (Nate refers to my mechanical ability as redneck skills) After much disassembly and parts all over I found the culprit; A pencil and a couple of pennies in the blower. (he hasn't learned to empty pockets when washing clothes yet). Then the car needed attention; burned bulbs replaced and window didn't work; Next on the agenda was dinner.. Nate said we MIGHT need to get some food???? When I checked the refrigerator it was EMPTY! A jar of mustard and part of a 2 day old sub! $250 later at the grocery and I decided Nate not only loved me but needed me! Aren't kids great, they make us feel important! His apartment looks like a sound booth in a record company, with all the equipment.. 2

turn-tables, mixers and wall to wall speakers! Nate still has his side-kick, soulmate, constant companion and essential other, PONGU the Beagle. I've decided the dog is brighter than previously thought but still not as smart as Snoopy (give me another year). The dog is good for Nate and is less expensive than some other toys I can think of. When he's here on Marco he makes himself at home and adjusts to our schedule much better than Nate.

Nate took 2 summer classes and was able to come home for about 45 days in between. He got a job at Lely Golf course as a greens gopher (anything needed) and was able to play both courses almost at will. Tough part was getting up at 4:30 AM (both Nate and us) to go to work. A friend of ours is the course superintendent and gave Nate a chance to

work on the course.

Gara Ann took off on her annual July driving trip to Mom's in Centralia,MO; Sister & (big) family in Fayetteville,AR; Brother & family in Colombia,MO; Randy & Jeannett in Piggott,AR; Frank & Ruth Willson in Athens,TN and lord only knows who else & where.

Near the end of her journey she got lonely for Nate, Pongu & me and asked for us to meet her in Blue Ridge so we had a family holiday for a week. We stayed in one of Joe's new cabins and felt like visiting Royalty (Hillbilly style that is). We got to visit with all my nephews, sister Beth and B-in law Joe. I took both bikes up and Gara Ann & I

rode every day. I even took her out in the woods on the (see below) dirt Bike (2 old fools on a kid's toy). She went home and took Nate & dog with her and I stayed for another week.

I got up to Blue Ridge 3 times this year and enjoyed it as much as ever. Last Christmas I gave myself a present... another motorcycle (in addition to the Harley). I was embarrassed around all my friends who have at least 2 if not more bikes. I bought a Kawasaki KLR-250 dirt bike specifically for mountain & off road riding. I need to interject that although it sounds like a jap bike (I always buy American) it was made in Kansas by the Kawasaki (I think they're Polish) Indians! Riding that bike is about as much fun as a guy my age can handle. Speaking of age, I can't tell you how many times people have said "ain't you a little old to be riding that thing"(sic). I named it MUD LIGHT after my favorite beverage. Now when I go to GA I pull a trailer with both

bikes on board, all camping gear and whatever else I might need, and I really look like a gypsy. I did my October in the Smokies tour as always and already looking forward to my next. Girl friend "Doris Kosley" (70++) surprised me by showing up and staying 2 days (in a cabin) and we got to ride up into the mountains on the bike. Tons of parties around the fire in "Camp Martin" this year but no more horses as Joe sold them downriver (old Southern term). Still plenty of kids & dogs.

The Martin's are on a health kick this year (FAD) and as happens when you hit the 50's you decide that life is just soooo good that you would like to stick around for a while. Red meat is just a memory, tons of homemade bean soup (me), 1/2 cup of oat bran every day (in muffin form), If I eat another chicken I'll grow feathers, NO fat this and no

colestrol that... and so on. I'm impairing my eyesight from reading the small print in Nutrition Facts boxes and compressing my leg bones from walking... BUT my colestrol has dropped from 245 to 204 (without drugs) and my weight is around 195 from 225!!! We'll be blind, short and flatfooted but live to 100.

Business... Terrific describes our year. Each and every year we profit in permanent friends that we gain through our business dealings and contacts. That is an very tangible benefit of our labors. (I'm glad we're not undertakers). GAM is again near the top of the list of producers on the Island and working as hard as always with a stronger

focus on referral business which increases each year thanks to so many of you! GAM still involved in Baptist Church as pianist, Sunday school superintendent, committee person and my (our) Sunday school teacher. She has an easy way of sharing and the class time always flies by. (Her teaching background shows)

Gara Ann flew up to Colombia, MO in March for a surprise 50th B-Day for her brother. Greeted Bill in her "Old Lady costume" as his OLDER sister and surprised (embarrassed) Bill to no end but she's done it before. Called her mom (Mrs.T) from Ft.Myers Airport and asked if she wanted to go to lunch. Surprised her also. That Gara Ann is getting pretty wild in her old age! She went off on her fall football expedition to see 2 (count em) MIZZOU games - Went to Boulder,CO for the Colorado game and stayed in a quaint Bed & Brkfst; drank tea??? in the parlor with a bunch of the MIZZOU "roadies" (parents & followers) and won the game!!! Then on to Colombia, MO for the Nebraska match. Won that game too butscore board just didn't show it! By the way, last time MO beat Nebraska at home was on Oct 13,1973.. Our wedding day (planed around the game).

A quick (6hr) trip to Alices' for an overnighter - great time seeing the new home and loving on all those kids.

Very special to spend time with Alyssa after her struggle with diabetes and also to see nephew David in football condition after bone marrow transplant for non-hodgkins lymphonia in June. We have a lot to be thankful for!

God has continued to bless our family and we give Him the credit and praise. Our wishes for a Blessed Christmas season...May you personally know that Jesus is the Reason for the Season!