The Sloat family, Dawn, John & Chris, drove up from their Gulfport, Florida, home for a Christmas visit to Arab. They stayed with Dawn's mother on Christmas day and spent yesterday afternoon at our house. We had a nice time catching up on things and Chris got to visit the Martin boys next door. They also treated us to supper at the China Buffet. Thank you for spending some time at the Phillips place.

Jim & Karen Bizer invited us to their Huntsville home yesterday to share Christmas dinner with them and a few close friends. It was a lovely evening with much visiting and a wonderful, gourmet quality dinner. Thank you Jim & Karen for making this a special Christmas.

The morning of Tuesday, December 15, 2009, is one we may remember for awhile since it resulted in an unexpected trip to the local emergency room. Read More...

This morning we woke up to a lovely covering of snow, not a common event in this area.
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Yesterday afternoon Jim and Karen Bizer once again ventured out from Huntsville to have dinner with us here in Arab. And, as usual, we talked the evening away. They are an inspirational couple and we always enjoy their company. Come again soon!

Yesterday we accepted an invitation to spend Thanksgiving afternoon with our neighbors, the Martin family. Butch, Burgie, Dylan, and Brenden made us feel more than welcome and the dinner was superb. We spent hours talking, laughing, and truly enjoying ourselves. It was the best Thanksgiving in many years. Thank you Butch and Burgie for making us feel a part of your family.

Yesterday evening we made the nice drive to Huntsville for a visit with our friends Jim and Karen Bizer. It was time to catch up on their recent travel stories. They presented a lovely meal and were the perfect hosts. We also enjoyed meeting and talking with their friends Bob and Barbara Ann. Thanks to Jim and Karen it was another wonderful evening.

Mel and Gregor Jackson came to our house for her birthday.
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Our friends, Bob and Lorraine Russell, drove up from Texas for a visit. Read More...

This was published in the Bradenton Herald on August 19.

John Edward Selbmann, 89, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at the Inn at Freedom Village. He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Dorothy B. Selbmann. John was a long time resident of River Isles in Bradenton and served on the City Planning Commission. He and his wife were active members of the Hope Lutheran Church. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 21st from 9 – 10 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 4635 26th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34207 and a service will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Manasota Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church.

Barbara's step-father, John Selbmann, died today in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 89. He is survived by Dorothy Selbmann. More details will be provided later.

We had an enjoyable evening dinner yesterday when friends Jim and Karen Bizer came from Huntsville. The weather cooperated and heavy rain showers moved out prior to their arrival. This energetic couple is always a joy and we appreciate them making the trip.

Grandson Chris Seabrook had the opportunity to extend his Alabama stay and spent another 4 days with us. This allowed us to really spend some quality time together and we had a wonderful time. Naturally we also did a lot of eating and discussing food; a family tradition. We're looking forward to his next visit.

This morning Chris ended his two day visit with us.

In this picture he and Grandma Barbara are on the way to check the garden spot. Read More...

Yesterday afternoon we made the pleasant drive to Huntsville for a visit with our friends Jim and Karen Bizer. As usual, they presented a lovely meal and were the perfect hosts. We also enjoyed meeting and talking with their friends Rose and Pierre. Thank you Jim and Karen for a wonderful evening.

Yesterday was a neighborhood social that is usually held around the 4th of July, but was scheduled a bit earlier since our social chairman is traveling in July. The weather was nice, but attendance was modest, probably due to other summer activities. We had a good time as usual and ate some fine food. Pictures are on the PLC Social Page.

Son, Brian Bos, was on Northwest Airlines Flight 335 that took off from Detroit on Tuesday morning (June 2) headed for Los Angeles. But things didn't go exactly as planned. Read More...

Yesterday we enjoyed seeing many of our neighbors and friends at the annual pool opening for the Pine Lake Club. Attendance was good, the weather was perfect, and the food plentiful and delicious. Some pictures of the event are on the Pine Lake Club site.

Last night, once again, Melanie and Gregor treated us to dinner at the local Mt. Fuji Japanese restaurant, one of our favorite spots. But the special treat this time was meeting Melanie's best friend from Switzerland, Katharina Padrutt.
This is an older picture, but she looks much the same today; we were too busy talking and having a good time to bother with pictures. This was Katharina's first trip to Arab, Alabama, and we hope she enjoyed it. It was wonderful finally getting to meet the lady we have heard so much about. She gifted us with a box of chocolates from Switzerland that have to be described as art. We just had to take a picture of them before they are quickly devoured. Thank you, Katharina; we sure enjoyed our evening talking with you.

Last night Melanie and Gregor treated us to dinner at the local Mt. Fuji Japanese restaurant. As usual, the food was great and it gave Jack a chance to have a glass of wine with dinner for the first time in Arab (recently gone "wet"). Their menu (pdf file) has many great items you won't find elsewhere in Arab. It was a lovely evening with lots of spirited conversation. Thanks Melanie & Gregor!

Gregor took the pictures and got left out.

Yesterday evening we went to a nice Pine Lake Club party. The turnout was low, probably due to some afternoon rain showers. But as usual, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed visiting with our neighbors. There are some pictures on the Pine Lake Club web site.

Yesterday our friends Jim and Karen Bizer made the drive from Huntsville to join us for dinner and talk. As usual there was plenty to eat and much to discuss; we had a pleasant evening.

Yesterday we headed south to Fayetteville, Alabama, for a celebration of B. J. and Peggy Wood's marriage. Read More...

Yesterday evening we were invited to an annual party that Jim and Karen Bizer have in their Huntsville home. It was a lovely evening with over 50 of their friends from many diverse backgrounds. Their son, Michael, flew in from DC just to help out and he also had a great time. Thank you Jim and Karen for including us in this enjoyable event!

Yesterday evening we went to the first party of the year for the Pine Lake Club. Despite the cold weather there was a good turnout and, as usual, lots of great food! We had a wonderful time and you can see some pictures on the Pine Lake Club web site. Only one picture of Barbara and none of Jack since he was the one with the camera.

Jim and Karen Bizer made the trek from Huntsville to join us for dinner this evening. Jim is a former Army helicopter pilot and Karen has done many things including the theater. We always enjoy the discussions after dinner.

Melanie and Greg brought Little Guy by for his first visit in many years. Read More...