January and February, 2005

Nancy and Bob Murdock, Editors - murmuse@comcast.net

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R.I.P. Lennie Schlicke
1930-2004



Lennie's Web Pages


CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM AFGHANISTAN (Sgt. Jason Murdock) Click

HAPPY NEW YEAR (Cathy Howlett) Click

SNOWED IN (Gene Murdock) Click

SEASON'S GREETINGS (Charles Frost) Click

PLEASE ADD MY WEBSITE TO THE MUSE (Kathy Skow) Click

UPDATE (Dawn Wylie Hiscock) Click

PHONE CALL FROM VALERIE (Bob & Nancy Murdock) Click

Click here for Part 2.

Part 2

R.I.P. LENORE CHRISTEL (MURDOCK) SCHLICKE (Bob Murdock) Click

MOM'S PASSING (Don Schlicke) Click

LENORE CHRISTEL MURDOCK SCHLICKE (Nancy A. Murdock) Click

ICY FALLS (Darrel Murdock) Click

FIRST NIGHT (Polly Soberg) Click

OUR ROMANTIC HOLIDAY (Nancy Murdock) Click

POST-BIRTHDAY GREETINGS (Jerod Davidson) Click

PUMPKIN PIE (Natalie Christina Murdock) Click

MORE FO' THE MUSERS (Nicholaus Rickey Murdock) Click

AFTER THANKSGIVING (Mer Murdock) Click

ARIZONA (Margery Aukstikalnis) Click

FROM GRENADA (Nancy's Business Contact) Click

Click here for Part 3.

Part 3

THE HOLIDAY TRIP (Margery Aukstikalnis) Click

CA GREETINGS (Claudia Lindsay) Click

HELLO 2005 (Becky Murdock) Click

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (Ian Murdock) Click

GREETINGS FROM HUBBARDSTON (Teddie Doane) Click

GREAT BIRTHDAY (Polly Soberg) Click

GREETINGS (Marjorie Hanson) Click

HAPPY HOLIDAYS (Kris Knox) Click

Click here for Part 4.

Part 4

A NOTE FROM KHENDRA (Khendra Murdock) Click

REPORT FROM TALLAHASSEE (Bill Hiscock) Click

FALL COLOR TRILOGY, PART 2 (Darrel Murdock) Click

FIRST MUSE BIRTH OF 2005 (Carol Howlett) Click


Muse Editors,
Sept. 1950
Wedding photo




Nancy's quilt,
"Another View
of the Earth"
Graduation gift
for a church friend

 Enlarged Picture





Jason Murdock's Web Pages



HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM AFGHANISTAN
Sgt. Jason Murdock

Dec. 28: Happy Holidays. How is the weather there? I am in Bagram Afghanistan right now. I just got off a 4 day pass to the country of Qatar. The pass was very nice and I got lucky by the lottery system to have it over Christmas day, along with one other from my squad; this is out of the entire battalion. We stayed at an Air Force base, Camp Doha. We went on a desert Safari adventure one of the days in Land Rovers traveling at very fast speeds.

We then arrived at the Persian Gulf and it was raining at the time, but I had to seize the moment and say that I swam in the Persian Gulf. It was awesome! The water was pretty warm but very salty. We also tried some authentic Arabic food, which included trying some camel, and it was pretty good. The rest of the time we hung out around the base relaxing and drinking a few beers as well as socializing with other forces from all theaters. Everyone over here is seeing and doing so much; it is never dull but sometimes scary.

Over the past 3.5 months I have been as busy as I have been over this whole deployment. We have, and when I say "we" I mean my squad of 10 guys has, been all over this country. We have cleared over 5000 miles for many different groups, but mostly the 25th Infantry Division. We have worked with the Special Forces a few times, as well serving for all these groups as their mine clearing package.

We have found several Anti-Tank mines as well as an Improvised Explosive Device in a dried up river bed and many UXO's. We have gone on a few raids with the Infantry to Puc some suspected Taliban guys; and we have performed many engineering projects, such as building roads and houses on bases for Afghan and coalition forces. We have gone out with EOD a few times to help prep and take care of removing weapons caches from this planet by blowing them up with C4; we are talking thousands of pounds worth of weapons here.

Some of the places I have worked and visited include Kandahar, Ghazni, Kabul,Gardez,Qalat, as well as many FOB's. We have gone into some remote villages to drop off supplies and medicine for the locals. For the most part, I think the people here are happy to have us here helping them out. There are a lot of locals who have missing limbs because of the landmines here but it is definitely a lot better since the fall of the Taliban.

The Taliban are still around and they organize in small numbers up in the mountains and try to ambush us sometim, but they are no match for the rising Afghan National Army and especially us US forces. The weather is cold now and there is a lot of snow on the mountains, which looks beautiful but wears fast because we see it all the time.

My health is good and so it is with the rest of the members of my squad; we have lost no lives in my squad but saved many. Recently I was promoted and I am now a team leader and basically I am in charge of all the Maint. within my squad. I do however help the Engineers out with various projects too. I want to wish you all a Happy Holidays back home and God Bless.

P.S. I think there was a typo in your address listing for me here; the zip code is 09354. [Ed. note: Here is Jason's address:]
Murdock Jason R, B Company, 367th Eng. BN, CJTF-180, APO AE-09354


HAPPY NEW YEAR
Cathy and John Howlett

Happy New Year, guys. We hope 2005 will be a year of peace and prosperity for all the Musers. John has the football game on, and is reading one of his Christmas present books, and I'm postponing one of my least favorite activities - dismantling the Christmas tree. Most of our ornaments have tremendous sentimental value, and it's trying for me to take them off the tree and put them away each year. Not only is it a little sad, but it's very time consuming - I sort of get lost in the memories, so it takes always takes a couple of evenings.

We had a quiet Christmas, as John was working the weekend; and it has been a long time since we welcomed the new year in with anything other than contemplation and the television on for background noise. Rather a fitting way to end 2004 - I'd have to categorize the year as appropriate for middle aged folks such as us, not too many highs or lows, but quite a few very satisfying moments.

Our household renovations got off to a rough start with us stricken by that horrible flu or food poisoning; but a month later we had new floors and a bright, comfy kitchen. John continues to feel the effects of that hip injury he received at work a year ago; but his patients make the painful days worthwhile with their constant appreciation of his kindness and skills. I continue to find challenge and satisfaction at my job; the business is suffering from acute growing pains that can only be aleviated by moving to larger quarters, so in a way it's my own fault that I'll have a longer commute com! e Spring.

We enjoyed hosting the family get-together last summer, and will be happy to do it again this year. Please, fellow Musers, let us know as soon as possible if there is a better day / date for everyone to meet. If the Fourth Of July isn't convenient for the majority, we can move the date ahead or back a couple weeks and still have warm weather without that New Hampshire scourge, the black fly.

John and I are hoping to take a vacation this year to Philadelphia, for some sight seeing. If he can handle those crowds we'll start planning a trip to our nation's capitol. Our travels this past year were limited by John's discomfort level from his hip pain; when he sees the surgeon this month he will encourage more aggressive treatment.

Thursday we received our first seed catalog for the new year, an indication that it's time to start planning yard work and gardens and the twice-postponed orchard. Our unusually mild weather is about to change; it's seasonably cold this afternoon, and the week ahead will be that meteorologist's joy, the "mixed bag". I have a feeling we'll have plenty of time available over several wintery weekends to discuss the merits of periwinkle and pachysandra. So here's hoping you too have the gift of time to pursue your joys and the presents of a loved one with whom to share your time. Love to all, Cathy and John


SNOWED IN
Gene Murdock

Dec. 13: HAPPY HOLIDAYS: I am sending my Holiday greetings by e-mail this year. The process of buying cards and stamps, finding the addresses, checking the list, making out the cards, etc. just seemed to overwhelm me (as so many things do these days in spite of taking my Zoloft faithfully).

So I wish you all a Merry Chtistmas and a Happy New Year, and may both events fill your hearts with joy.

But I ask you to spread out your good fortune and love to others who may be celebrating in their own way. Our Jewish friends started the observance of Hanukkah on the seventh of December and our black friends observe the beginning of Kwanzaa on the 26th, while our Druid friends gather under the oak tree to celebrate the shortest day of the year on the 21st.

My best to all of you and your families.

Jan. 4: SNOWED IN: We have just had two days of freezing rain and sleet mixed with a little snow, so the ground has a nice solid sheet of ice on it.

Now the real snows have begun [in Iowa], and the forecast is for a foot or more of the white stuff, which will pretty well paralyze the area.

I made it out today and slid to the post office, bank, gas station and grocery store, so I am all set to weather the storm.

I don't expect I'll make in to the Museum this week, and since I leave for Arizona on Monday, I'll be back on the 20th, or if I really like the sunshine down there, it might not be until the 27th.

You New Englanders eat your hearts out!!

How about those Auburn Tigers???!!!


SEASON'S GREETINGS
Charles Frost

It has been a year of adjustment since Orrel’s passing in February. You have showered us with sustaining love. From around the world came cards and notes recalling fond memories of her. We are most grateful for your caring support.

My daughter Pamela took over the running of the house, planning meals, grocery shopping and cleaning. She has organized photo albums, rearranged displays of art objects and helped us to focus on what to keep and what to discard. In her art program for adults with developmental handicaps she spent most of the year preparing her participants’ work for an upcoming museum exhibit.

Her daughter Colleen took her first job this summer waiting on table at a seaside snack shop. She joined the high school cheerleading squad in the fall and was lauded “the most improved cheerleader” in the end-of-season awards ceremony. Colleen also provides a strong voice in the outstanding high school chorus.

Stephanie received professional credentials in alcohol and drug counseling. She works at a substance abuse clinic near Portland and at a hospital in Portsmouth. Her older son Matthew completed his Army basic and airborne training at Fort Benning, GA, and is now assigned to the Old Guard at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. His younger brother Ethan is doing well in 10th grade and is captain of the high school football team at Granby, MA. Daughter Chelsea is working in Springfield, MA, and trying to fit in community college courses.

It has been another busy year for Derek and his wife Rosalind in Williamsburg. In charge of international sales at Loftware, Inc. of York, Maine, Derek made five trips to Europe this year, visiting London, Amsterdam, Prague and other cities. He enjoys the food, hotels, and ambience of European cities, and has caught up with several old friends along the way. When he is home he serves as Second Reader for First Church, Williamsburg.

Rosalind focuses primarily on her duties as First Reader, preparing the services with scriptural selections, hymns, and Wednesday evening sermons. She continues her work with the Virginia Shakespeare Festival and, of course, runs the Black Badger Bed and Breakfast, which has seen all the seasonal flurries of activity of late.

Alexis and Kristen live happily in Lebanon, NH. Kristen has two more years to complete her doctoral program in physics. Alexis works for Dartmouth College and has been accepted in a new illustrative cartooning school that will open in neighboring White River Junction, VT, next fall. A biking enthusiast, he rode a “century” this summer.

Jeremy-Ruth dances for two companies – Northern Ballet Theater in Nashua, NH, and the Anna Myer Dancers, a modern company, in Cambridge, MA. She also enjoys teaching ballet at two schools in the Boston area, where she is based. Her New York City debut in September went very well. Her parents, grandfather and Mikhail Baryshnikov were all in attendance!!

I keep out of mischief by serving at our local high school in various capacities – as teacher, office assistant, and van driver. The substituting is unpredictable, so I regard it somewhat like being a volunteer fireman (the phone is kept handy at 6:00AM just in case). Because I’m only fifteen minutes away from school, the assistant principal knows I can be there in a hurry if he needs me.

In mid-April I took a trip to see friends in Baltimore; Fredericksburg, VA; Mobile, AL; and Hudson, FL, naturally tarrying in Williamsburg in both directions. My hosts in Rockville, MD, arranged a get-together with church friends whom I had not seen for 20 years. In Mobile I tied up loose ends in a history of the Chamberlains who migrated there from New England beginning in 1813. The World Chamberlain Genealogical Society published the article this fall.

May the New Year bring you an abundance of peace and joy.


PLEASE ADD MY WEBSITE TO THE MUSE
Kathy Skow

Nov. 23: Let me introduce myself to you. I am Kathy, aka Redfox. I am Darrel’s sidekick or partner in crime. Ok, so no crimes have been committed that I am aware of.

I am sending you the link to my website along with the redfox imagery logo to please share with everyone. There you will find a running journal of our adventures of this past summer. You will also find animations or movie clips and pictures not only of the two of us but the scenery as well.

The site is not completed as of yet and I am updating as time permits. The two of us just keep adding more and more places that we have been to and so many more pictures it’s difficult to keep up.

If you go and look around, your feedback is always welcome. http://redfox-imagery.com


UPDATE
Dawn Wylie Hiscock

Just a quick note of appreciation for the Muse. It's fun to get a "snapshot" periodically about you.

If you'd like to see a wonderful show, turn on "McCormick Presents Kristi Yamaguchi's Salute to American Music" on Sunday, November 28th from 4-6pm. It includes skating to songs sung live: Art Garfunkel and Dove Award and Grammy Award winner Michael W. Smith. Paul Wylie (my brother) skates his JFK number, and skates to Healing Rain while Michael W. Smith sings it live! Kurt Browning's numbers are funny and well done. In addition to Kristi Yamaguchi's beautiful numbers, Karyn Kadavy, Roslyn Sumners, Ilia Kulik, Brian Orser, and Renee Roca and Gorsha Sur skate with energy and fun. The music is upbeat, with many old favorites.

It is most likely Paul's final televised skating performance. [Ed. Note: We were spellbound by Paul's performance. He's always been our hands-down favorite, but this was gorgeous! --NAM & RDM]

Brief family update:

Tim is now working for a German medical publishing company in New York, commuting 6 hours 3 days a week, and working from home two. He has a real vision for helping the company as Senior Editor, and his boss has given him consistently positive reviews since his start date in June.

Nathan is a Freshman in high school, and is beginning training in preparation for trying out for the lacrosse team. He sings in the freshman chorus as well.

Ben is starting his third year in a traveling "Club Team" baseball league, though this year he is trying out for a new team which travels more, and plays Spring, Summer, and Fall, with winter workouts. His Uncle Paul, who lives in MA, came to cheer him on during his soccer playoff game. He enjoyed celebrating the Bo Sox win, and razzing Ben's loyalty to the Yankees!

Shannon played soccer and lacrosse this year. Ben plays percussion instruments in the basement, and Shannon practices her viola and flute upstairs.

I enjoy teaching two year olds during Women's Bible Study at church, and volunteering at Shannon's school. I'm also part of a group that prays regularly for the students, teachers, and staff of the school.

Our family is hoping to spend time with Sandy, Bill, Kathryn, Colin, Victoria, and Sydney this Christmas.

We hope your Christmas will be blessed with the love of family, joyful friends, and the Lord's abiding peace!


PHONE CALL FROM VALERIE
Bob & Nancy Murdock

Dec. 19: A Christmas gift from our daughter Valerie was a one-hour phone call to catch us up on her latest news. She had finished her last class for her teacher certification Dec. 13, and was enjoying a two week break. She will need to take three more classes to "clear the credential," and then she plans to take more Spanish classes. Menlo-Atherton HS, where she teaches sophomore and junior English, is 60% Latino.

She is studying at San Francisco State University and the local community college.

She has a new hairdo and sent two recent photos to update us on her new look. Click here to see them in the Jan-Feb 2005 Gallery. The rest of the hour we spent agreeing on our viewpoints about the current political situation and other critical topics. It's great having adult children!




Click here for Part 2 of the January-February 2005 Muse.

Any comments? Contact the Muse editors at murmuse@comcast.net

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