Greetings from the Argetsingers in the best end of the Ozarks – NW Arkansas. We continue to do well, staying busy, healthy and happy. Each year comes and goes more quickly than the year before. And each seems a little less eventful than the previous one. Sure glad that has nothing to do with being late into our 60's. We hope you are doing well and have had an enjoyable year. All the best from both of us for your Christmas holidays and the New 2014 Year.

  This past year has been pleasantly busy without any terrible hassles – kind of the way we like it. Probably the most significant thing for us was Sylvia's successful application for United States of America citizenship. The primary reason for doing this is because of restrictive laws regarding inheritance. She met the qualification requirements and has passed her tests already. She seemed to have done well, particularly the parts requiring English conversation. Swearing-in is scheduled for the 20th of December in Fort Smith – two days after her first cataract surgery. Sadie, our spoiled mutt, is going strong and makes sure Jerry gets outs for walks several times a day.

  We've quite settled into our house on Arkansas's very own Loch Lomond. For the first time in at least a decade we have a shrinking list of domestic projects. I had to give up on one of those and call for the pros – the irrigation pump in the lake continued to defeat me at every turn. I may have to give up on the lawn as well and have the pros show me how to grow grass. Let's hope we can learn to better take advantage of our great setting. We all ways talk about just sitting watching the sunsets, fishing and golfing, but rarely make the time. Got a little sailboat now as well.

  We both keep active. Sylvia still works three days a week as an Assistant Manager for the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. She enjoys the work, the organization and her co-workers. This fall has been especially busy for her, with many overtime hours, as they prepared to move to a much larger and newer store. Jerry is the “house husband.” He' serves on the “Lakes” committee for our Property Owners Association (Our “Village” has seven lakes as well as eight golf courses). Beyond that, if it wasn't for doctor visits and shoppping, we wouldn't have much of a social life at all.

  We had another great holiday with Joyce and Kenn in June. We took a river cruise from Vienna to Amsterdam. These river cruises seem to be the optimum vacation – leisurely sightseeing, time for afternoon naps, same room every night and great meals. For the most part, the scenery was rural, the towns small, and the history fantastic. After the “official “tour , we detoured to England to spent nearly a week with Sylvia's family, her son and two brothers. Ray had a brush with cancer, but is doing well again. Angela still fights the migraines and Paul really likes the new job. Frank and Christine are well settled into their new house. It was great to see them all. Also made a trip to northern Wisconsin to see two of Jerry's sisters, southern Minnesota for Jerry's 50th HS class reunion, and then back home via Omaha.

  We've already committed to next year's trip – three weeks in southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia) – mostly safaris, but also Capetown and Victoria Falls.

  If you find your own self out and anywhere near this lovely corner of Arkansas, stop in for a visit.

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You!

Sylvia, Jerry and Sadie

20 Cheviot Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715,
Telephone 479-271-8572 /479-531-2997
E-mail: jerry@argets.com or sylvia@argets.com
website: https://argets.com/