John & Ellen Mast

As the year winds down, it's a good time to reflect on how things have gone. Ellen and I have come to expect Ben's reminder to take a step back, slow down and actually think about what happened this year. It always seems to go by way too fast.

We are blessed to find our family in relatively good health. Our Mothers are doing great. Pat Mast excersizes daily, plays bridge and follows Wisconsin sports teams. Jane Dickey will be flying up to Prairie du Sac for a visit over the Holidays. We are happy she has been able to fit the visit into her busy schedule.

We had a visit from Son Shawn before Thanksgiving and we entertained the Fortney (Pat's side) Cousin Reunion this summer. I had not seen several of the participants in fourty years and had never met their spouses. We had a great time catching up on a lifetime of happenings.

Nana and Grandpa John had their summer visit from their two favorite grand children. We attended the Wilcox Magic Show in Wisconsin Dells. Gracie is still trying to figure out how to change a one dollar bill into a one hundred dollar bill. We also visited the cranes ar the International Crane Foundation.

Ellen and Ruth along with our good friend Bev Bollenbach ventured to Marrietta, Ohio for a visit with Jane. They stopped off in Rome City, Indiana to take part in a heart felt, family memorial for Ellen's close friend Marsha Cooper. We will miss her.

One of this year's highlights was the 2009 Wisconsin State Cowchip Throw. Bradford Schwartz and his wife Carol were our honored guests. Brad is the Dean of the Medcial School at the University of Illinois in Champagne. When we told him about what goes on here in Prairie du Sac over Labor Day Weekend ever year, he didn't believe us. After their weekend here, this summer, he and Carol are believers.

Ellen and I wish all who read Ben's annual "publication" the very best in the coming year.