Mon Nov 24 08:14 EST 1997 November 22-24 Most everyone remembers where they were on November 22, 1963. How unfortunate for my father-in-law, whose birthday falls on November 22 because he often gets overshadowed by the ghost of JFK. To our credit, (which might only be because I was 3 when Kennedy was killed, and I have knee-jerk right-wing fundamental tendencies), we called Dad C and completely forgot it was a national date of rememberence. Happy birthday (again), Dad. Last week, the burning question was "will the living room be done by Thanksgiving?" Through diligence, determination, and drywall dust the job is now reduced to hanging trim and pictures, and touching up. As much as I disliked being dragged onto the project, the wall turned out surprisingly smooth and good looking. The neighborhood (Mayberry) has wondered about the bright light I was using to examine the walls. Over the weekend, the clarion call went out to the members of the Metcalfe household in what I affectionately term as "all hands on deck." All six of us worked in concert to bring a sense of order from the chaos that had befallen the Manor during our renovation project. A "train wreck" occurred when Andrew pulled the central vac hose from the wall, knocking over my wife's antique pedistal plant holder, shattering it into big chunks. It had been her mother's, and a treasured piece. Joy retreated outside into the cold; she sobbed and sobbed. Andrew was sobbing, too. After she got some control, Joy told him that she wasn't angry with him because she knew it was an accident, but that it hurt so much because it was her mother's. Miranda got out the superglue and did a pretty good job of reassembling the pieces. On Sunday night, we entertained friends from Georgia. (We like entertaining friends from Georgia - Hint for Dan, and Fran.) The Pinas were up for a visit. We munched on chinese food and recounted the blessings of God over the past few years. We'll finish the preparations for Thanksgiving just in time, no doubt. We look forward to the Crawford Clan descending upon us once again. On Friday, before the leftovers are gone, we'll begin the Christmas decorations. I think all of December is a come-as-you-are drop-in Christmas party at Metcalfe Manor (decent hours and clothes please). We hope your Thanksgiving observance will be joyful. Though my mother-in-law's absence will be keenly felt this year, we are thankful for the heritage and traditions she left us. And I believe she will be waiting to welcome us to a greater feast someday. Happy Thanksgiving! Mark , _____________________________ 888b d888 \_0__, 888 \\ Mark Metcalfe \ 8888b d8888 M 888 // metcalfe@cadence.com / 88888b.d88888 .|\. 888 \\ (978) 446-6451 \ 888Y88888P888 8888b. 888d888 888 888 // Cadence Design Systems, Inc./ 888 Y888P 888 "88b 888P" 888 .88P \\ Chelmsford, Ma 01824 \ 888 Y8P 888 .d888888 888 888888K //_____________________________/ 888 " 888 888 888 888 888 "88b I I 888 888 "Y888888 888 888 888 //\/\//\//\\I I/\\/\/\//\\/\/