Monday, December 20, 2010

Merry Christmas, 2010!
For the Hobsons, 2010 has been a year of tightening our belts and counting our blessings. My employment situation changed a year ago from full time to contract. That means my hourly salary is higher, but I have no benefits. My contracts have run from 3 to 6 months. Our situation has been less secure this year, but Marty and I decided that we would thank God and enjoy our lives anyway. Twice this year our income dropped as I had to take unpaid breaks between contracts. But Marty and I decided to see it as a blessing and used the time for vacation.


In March, we returned to Disney World. We last visited there in June, 2009. Marty began a family tradition of trying on funny hats. I took pictures of him in a Viking hat, a pirate hat, and a cowboy hat. But my favorite picture is of Marty in a princess hat.

During my November employment break, we took a vacation through the hill country of Texas. We visited Gruene, New Braunfels, and Fredericksburg. In Gruene we admired the rushing river and dined at the Gristmill. In New Braunfels, we attended a Lutheran church and ate barbecue at the New Braunfels Smokehouse. In Fredricksburg, we toured the shops and ate real German sausage. Our sightseeing gave me an appreciation not only for the contributions of German immigrants to Texas history but also an appreciation for my own German heritage.

Another of the blessings in our lives, are our good friends and family. One of those is my friend, Romie, who has been an adoptive mother to me since my mom died. This year Romie wrote a book about her life growing up on a farm in Gatesville, Texas. Our friend, Sarah, typed and edited the book and I inserted Romie’s pictures and molded it into book form. Romie debuted the book at her Wicker family reunion. Sarah and I attended the reunion and were thrilled to be inducted as honorary Wicker women.

This year has had its losses and gains. In May, my sister-in-law, Bonnie Junge, passed away after a battle with cancer. Just a few weeks later, we rejoiced as my niece, Jennifer Junge, married her longtime sweetheart, Bo.

In April, we mourned the death of our 14 year old dog, Rusty. In November, we thought we were going to lose another dog, but Marty medicated and hand fed our Chihuahua and Pancho came back strong.

Marty has continued to study and experiment with internet marketing. He discovered his niche and we are both very excited about his new business plan. He is now offering internet marketing to local businesses.

I hope whatever trials come your way in the New Year, you are able to find the blessings that are hidden in them.

Merry Christmas!


Veronica and Marty Hobson