2011 saw significant changes in our lives - our first full year resident in Saskatchewan once again. We had several 'highs' and 'lows' in the year.
Regrettably we lost two important people in our lives. On February 2 our son-in-law Gerald Laliberte passed away. His serious illness was the reason for our 2010 relocation back to Regina after a 7 1/2 years living in Ottawa. Giovanni Delaney Bruce Laliberte (we call him Bruce) now lives with us. We have had some adjustment issues but are convinced that with professional assistance we will 'work things out'.
On September 18 Carol's dear mother, Irene Ruttle passed away at the age of 95 after a lengthy period of illness. Carol was able to get to Kingston for the funeral.
To look at brighter happier events... on July 8 we were blessed with the arrival our first granddaughter (after four grandsons). Kiowa Sage Lavallee is the 'prettiest' baby we know (of course we are likely very biased).
Temporarily she and her big brother Cairo (now aged two years) lived with us along with their Mother (and Dad some of the time) for several months. Heather and children did find other accommodation shortly before year's end.
David continued to deliver newspapers outside of income tax preparation season and as a spare carrier late in the year. GORANDMAR Personal Income Tax Service did operate successfully in 2011 but with a changing clientele. However late in the summer another significant event changed his whole working life.
In late August Dave began driving a school bus. It is a marvellous part time job. One has to like children to do a good job. But as he has always been good with children he is enjoying it very much.
Carol in 2011 also established a small business - becoming a Creative Memories consultant. She plans on getting her business in full operation in 2012. Please check out www.mycmsite.com/carolruttleabbey.
Our daughter Heather is also in business - planning an Aboriginal marketplace web site which she hopes to have operational early in 2012.
The grandkids - Trey (13) is in his last year of elementary school. He seems to have found his favourite sport - basketball - when he is not busy 'running' Facebook. Bruce who will be 9 on New Year's Eve is taking judo lessons and liking it a lot. He also spent several days visiting with 'grandpa' in Saskatoon as well as two weeks with his Laliberte relatives in Cumberland House. Dayvan (8) who we don't see frequently is doing well. Cairo (2) and Kiowa (5 months) well.. we saw them almost every day for many months with all the joys and hassles that brings.
All of us join in wishing all readers of this letter a wonderful holiday season and a great 2012.
