The Adventures of Meeko the Monkey Cat: December 2018

We have had this blog for over nine years. I chose to name it after our cat who when younger was playful like a monkey and looked like a raccoon. Over the past several years, he had slowed down to basically be Meeko the sleepy and crabby cat. This summer, after 18 years, he was finally put to rest. I haven't had the heart to change the name of the blog so I guess it is now in memory of him.

We hope to find you all healthy, happy and ready to enjoy the holidays!
It has been a busy year as usual. We are grateful that we are all in good health and have been fortunate to have many opportunities to experience and grow from. I have to admit that I am pretty exhausted from a busy school year and report cards. I am definitely looking forward to a couple weeks off with family and friends. This school year has seen many changes for me although I am in the same school, I got mostly new courses including teaching music of which I have very limited musical training. I am trying to stay one step in front of the kids but they seem to be enjoying it.
I have now had to resign myself to wearing reading glasses. I fought it for so long but these 45 year old eyes just can't squint anymore to see the writing on the paper. And then there is the gray hair starting to come in. Good thing I can still hide it with the blonde.
Todd is a head of gray hair ahead on me so I don't feel too bad. Todd is still doing rail cars as well as fireman duties. He plays hockey here and there. He went to Germany and the Czech Republic this fall on an Oktoberfest tour with his friend. It was a great experience for him and he met a lot of new people. Apparently, we have a lot of places to stay if we travel to the US. If only that dollar would get better.
The girls are busier than ever. We have had to cut out somethings to make room for new things. Vanessa has taken a break from diving to focus on club basketball. Vanessa had to start a new school because of boundary changes in our town. She had to start all over again making new friends which is tough when you are starting Grade 7 in junior high. She joined the volleyball team this fall and just made the Grade 8 Basketball team. She is starting to adjust but it has taken some time.
Heather was busy in the summer competing in highland dance but put that on hold this fall to focus on her high school musical Mamma Mia. She was in the chorus and that was demanding enough of her time and energy. Earlier in the spring, she was in a One Act play at her school called, "Bluebirds". It is about three WWI nurses who were killed in action. Her play was chosen to represent the school, then zones and then provincials. They took home a banner for their school at provincials. She has definitely caught the acting bug.

Here are a few of the events from the year: