Happy Holidays 2017

It’s been a few years since we’ve composed a holiday note but not to worry, we are great!

Byll has been very busy this year even though he’s “retired.” He built yet more stone walls and four garden terraces.

This year we…and by that I mean HE…planted and harvested enough tomatoes, squash, and peppers (sweet and habanero) to last us for another 12 months.

We harvested more potatoes (white, yellow, and sweet) than ever before and they’ll probably last another month or so. We’ve been keeping them and the onions in our mechanical room in back of the garage.But since we lost many we…and by that I mean HE…excavated a place for a root cellar that will be completed in the spring. His video business is still in operation with a couple of jobs per week (mostly conversions from old movies or VHS to DVD) and he’s been working with hospice again as a volunteer. He helped start a bereavement support group and has worked individually with 3 patients, one of whom he has been videotaping to provide a legacy for the patient’s adopted grandson.

Cheryl continues to work full-time doing student specific consultation, conference presentations, some policy work, advising and writing info briefs for Dan Habib’s new film, and writing. My work with the Vermont I-Team (training and technical assistance for students with complex disabilities) continues to challenge and reward me and I’m lucky to be living not much more than an hour from the schools that I visit.

My newest book is in the editing stages and will be out sometime in 2017: Tentatively titled Inclusion is More Than Just Being “In:” Strategies for Students with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other Unique Support Needs. Daughter Katherine joined my consulting business and she’s doing remote technical assistance for families and schools outside of my comfortable traveling zone. Speaking of, my fear of flying is greatly diminished. Probably due to my monthly flights to NYC – nothing like good old exposure therapy.

Hannah is still a joy and one of the things our AirBnB guests comment on most frequently.

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We started hosting in September and have had folks from New England, California, The Netherlands, England, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Everyone seems to really enjoy our…and by that I mean Byll’s…breakfasts, especially his home fries and blueberry pancakes.

Daughter Katherine is closer to getting her Ph.D. from Syracuse University (in dissertation proposal mode) and son-in-law Steve is just one ceremony away from being Dr. Singer. They have moved to Pennsylvania for Steve’s faculty job at The College of New Jersey. Kath and I talk frequently about work and Steve always stays here when he’s in the area conquering his latest mountain assent.

Daughter Anne, son-in-law Keith, and grandkids Jason and Jordan are doing well in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The kids are growing up so fast (6 and 4 now)! They keep busy with their jobs, home improvement projects, doing youth work at their church, and their new passion, running.

I’m so lucky to have visited them several times this last year.

We had a great visit this fall from my cousin Cathy and husband Tom from Tallahassee! When there are only a few relatives left we appreciate them more and more. Our Tuesday night pool group is still going strong and our visits with “good” friends from TAC remind us that while we make new friends, we also treasure the old.

In January my ex-husband Neil Vroman passed away after a battle with cancer. He was honored by the University of New Hampshire in one of the largest memorial services on record. I miss him more than I can even say.

From our warm and cozy earth-sheltered home, we wish you and yours lots of happiness and good health for the new year.

Love,

Cheryl, Byll, and Hannah