Jim and I left the day after Catherine’s funeral for Charlotte NC and spent sixteen days away from home. Perry gave us a tour of the Microsoft complex and it was very impressive. We really enjoyed the opportunity. We both came down with strep throat while we were there, but on the way home we went to visit with Mom Slone in Greenville, attended a Brown family reunion (Jim’s grandmother’s family) and Janet and Ted in Alcoa TN.

On August 20 at age 92 Mom Slone passed peacefully away to heaven. Because of the NASCAR races in Bristol TN we had to stay in Sevierville TN, an hour’s drive from Greenville. We had four rooms together and had all three of our children and six grandchildren with us. Even though the event was sad we did enjoy our family, Jim’s sister Janet and family, and Jim’s uncle Bill Kennon and family.

In October we attended the first Hall family reunion since 1968 in Marianna FL. All of my dad’s brothers and sisters have passed on, but there were many of the next three to four generations there. We plan to keep this going.

Also in October Jim contracted a bacterial infection from having a colonoscopy and was in the hospital seven days with high fever. After only a clear liquid diet he has really been slow to fully recover. In November I was sick with acute bronchitis and I’m still having cough problems.

In November brother Joe O’Daniel, the Superintendent of the Panama City Rescue Mission, passed away after serving at that ministry for 30 years. Jim, as a board member, has had to spend much time in meetings, etc. for the business involved and to search for a new Superintendent.

Thanksgiving was celebrated at our home with Torrie and family and Jay and family visiting. Jay and Perry put up our outside decorations and the three biggest grandkids decorated the tree.

Christmas 2000 was very exciting with all our kids and grandkids with us. This year we’re going to be enjoying Dan, Martha, Amanda and Jocelyn and their golden retriever puppy Kona being with us.

No, we haven’t deserted our FSU Seminoles. They’re rebuilding and we’re patient. We’re just looking forward to the Gator Bowl!

We’re still enjoying our Singles Class at Hiland Park Baptist Church even though we’ve been away or sick more than usual this year. But our Hiland Park family has always been there for us with all our sad events. And most of all our Heavenly Father has never forsaken us and has provided for us in every time of need. Jim and I went through F.A.I.T.H. training (a new way of witnessing) and he has continued to be a trainer of other teams.

Our thoughts and prayers are still with the families of the 9/11 tragedy.

Thank you, Lord, for our new baby Erika as well as for our many friends and family. We are still praying that each one of you and yours know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. May each of you have a very

Love,

Jim & Pat

And Speckles