Happy Birthday Grandma Dottie! Grandma turned 80 on the 21st. Her birthday wish is for a time to have all her kids together and here they are. Her four boys-- Fritz, Steve, Dave and Mike. A very special day indeed. Thank you to Tina for helping make this happen. It was really good to see everyone and hear all the funny antics of the boys as they were growing up.

In two weeks from now is our big Wedding day for Rachel and Johan. We are looking forward to the Dutch family members who will be joining us beginning next weekend. We pray they will enjoy their time in California and our family time together. IF you haven't seen this yet, our friend Raya is a fantastic photographer. She created this web site of their engagement pictures.
Rachel and Johan

Happy Memorial Day! Today is a day that is special to remember those soldiers who have given their lives for us in our previous and current wars. As a child growing up, every Memorial day I remember going with my two grandfathers ( WWI vets ) my Dad, and my brother in scout uniform to ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives for our freedoms. I am thankful for the impact that this has had on my life. I see it more now than I did then. In 2004 Rachel and I with two girlfriends visited the Normandy beaches. It was a very sobering experience. To see the crosses, and know that some many of our best young men died in one single day. I have also been to the Arlington National Cemetery and someday I hope to see the new WW2 memorial in DC. Maybe next year! Freedom is not Free, and today we realize that more than ever. If you haven't read Tom Brokaw's book "the Greatest Generation", do read it. As June 6th approaches and DDay 65th anniversary is remembered, it is a very good read.

Hello Dear Friends and Family,
I am up in Napa again right now. I have made many trips up here this last year. My Dad has been having health issues and I have used the extra time I have had to spend with him. I have been telling some friends that Dad is visiting the Queen! Well he is actually. He was at the Queens of Napa Valley. On Tuesday morning he asked to go the hospital because he was so swollen with fluids, that he could barely walk. Dad has a failing heart and kidneys, so together they are slowing him down. At the Queens they have been able to make him more comfortable, but this really is only temporary for now. His health has been like a YoYO-- Up and down-- Dr. Tom says. He has been able through excellent doctors help ( especially Dr. Tom) to have a lot of extra time with us. He is feeling rested and comfortable for now. On Friday we went home. Rachel was able to come from Boston for a visit. My brother Louie came up Friday night, Don and Leslie came by on Thursday, and Carrie on Saturday. Jill has been back and forth once or twice a week also. We are all very concerned about Dad and his comfort at this time.
I want to thank all my SB family and friends far and wide for their concerns. Thank you for your prayers for our family, as so many of you have walked this journey with your parents already. We need to make decisions about his care for the following weeks, to help him be comfortable and continue on with his last days or weeks ?
Dad has given us a solid family who loves each other. We have many cherished stories of his life growing up in San Diego, meeting my Mom in Ghent Belgium, and our days in Burbank growing up. Our Dad has been a man of faith all his life and that has been his stronghold. Our strength is in the Lord-- " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit".

Hello family and Friends.

THANK YOU FOR SO MANY CALLS AND CONCERNS. HERE IS a Santa Barbara Fire update.

We had two sleepless nights, especially last night. It was very very windy around our home, and we are in a protected area believe it or not. The fire of Santa Barbara started in one area in the San roque area, and spread in many directions, but now mainly two areas. With the dry air and wind potential, over 30,00 people are evacuated from their homes.

The total burned so far is 8600 acres and about 80 homes. The last fire was much smaller area but 240 homes were lost. At this time of the evening, no homes are threatened. The fire is very high on the ridge, and we have evacuations as precautions only. We have lived in Santa Barbara over 20 years, and experienced a fire in 1990, similar to this fire. Now we have had 3 large fires in less than 9 months. The winds are beginning to gust up again, but the fires are at the top of the mountain range. I have stayed close to home these last few days.

With all this activity, we are also anticipating the wedding of Johan and Rachel in just 4 weeks. We are looking forward to the big event and all the visitors we will have in Santa Barbara.

Pictures from cousin Joe: http://picasaweb.google.com/bohnetts/May2009Fire#