MERRY CHRISTMAS, 1998 - HAPPY NEW YEAR 1999  

Dear Family and Friends:          Greetings from wonderful warm Wisconsin, where the dandelions are sprouting in the green grassy lawns!  O where are the snows of yesteryear?          It’s been a year of interesting events for me including two trips West.  In May, Merry and I helped Doug and celebrate his Master’s degree from San Francisco State U. and Doug and Sissa’s move into a very interesting modern house in Clearlake with all the latest conveniences!  In Oct. I again traveled west to help Merry and Beth celebrate their move into a newer house in Medford.  Good visits with all the Harris connection.  Following quickly in her Dad’s track, Raina will receive her Master’s on Dec. 19 from Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA.  Wish I could be there.          In August, a McCain family reunion at the wedding of Kathy Williams and Rolf Lund in Beloit.  Enjoyed having brother Bob and his kids, Sandy (mother of the bride) and Ricky accompany me home for an overnight and a visit with our brother, Leland, in Shakopee, Mn. before they went their separate ways home.           On a sad note, Shawna and Jonathan Kuester’s baby, Jonathan Jr. was still-born on July 6th.  We grieve with them as they face this personal loss.          THANKSGIVING ONCE AGAIN saw a gathering of the Webb contingent from Boston, Chicago and Menomonie with Bruce, Jeremy and me at 533 Linden.  The guests brought the food, cooked it, engineered the table setting, serving and clean-up for 12 of us!  On a blue note, Darlene felt too ill to come and that evening saw her in the Emergency room for what looked like a heart attack (but wasn’t).  A week later she spent six days in the hospital where they removed excess fluid, ruled out heart and lung involvement, suspecting a virus as the cause.  She feels much better and is looking forward to Christmas festivities.             Bruce is enjoying to the full having access to the internet and E-mail which was presented to him by the Harris-Webb families, and set up for him the day after Thanksgiving.  So look out if you are on the internet!  I’M not indoctrinated yet, but Jeremy is already a pro, and Bruce is getting there fast, thanks to all who helped with this very special gift!             In September and all this year, Wisconsin and River Falls are celebrating their sequicentenials.  Numerous events in River Falls were well planned and celebrated, so accept a bookmark from River Falls, and a stamp (on your envelope) from Wisconsin.  Can you believe I have lived in River Falls for a  third of those 150 years!              I’m still at 533 Linden, enjoying life, though moving a bit more slowly.  Your cards and letters are much enjoyed, and, oh yes, come and see me.  We’ll have a cup of tea. Wishing for you the blessings of knowing God’s Love at Christmas and throughout the New Year.

                                                   Betty Harris