Vol. 2 No.52 February 20, 2000
"When you see a worthy person, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy person, then examine your inner self." Confucius
PPOB 'Friends Forever' Reunite
Parker, Pelissie, Ohrn and Benacs Once More!
Our dear daughters Mary and Catherine were recently involved in the sendoff ceremony of one Thomas Garcin Parker III, as he entered the Mission Training Center for the Salt Lake City Mission. Carrying on the tradition of 'friends as family' that began long ago in New Canaan, CT., our dear girls took the day off classes to escort our dear Parkers around prior to Tommy's entering the MTC, enjoying a long visit with Pat Pelissie in her Provo digs, and finally sitting through that gutwrenching missionary farewell ceremony when the Chosen One separates from his family for the last time for two years. An emotional mother, Janet Parker claimed that Catherine's warmth and gaiety was sorely needed at such a difficult time of separation, and Mary's assistance with transportation and moral support was of equal value. Thanks, girls, for being there when needed! (Oh, and Winston Ohrn, representing the fourth family of the old group, joined Mary in a group camping experience in Arches National Park that same month!) So we go on., happily sharing in each others' milestones to the end... A Night at the Circus
Caroline, Peyton and Kate Budd, John
The Dallas Contingent recently had the time of their lives in a Valentine Night soiree with the Budd family down the street. Taking in circus as is used to be; with all it's classic charms; the friends loved the Ringling Brothers Kalaidescape tent circus. We are also grateful for our great neighbors with whom we share so many activities! John is official dog walker for Buck, the Budd's oversized labrador, and the two families are presently gearing up to spend spring break skiing Crested Butte together! Aaron Pays a Visit
Our Dear Mr. Supreme I, the very cool Aaron Allred, paid the family a visit last week during his visit to Aurora Natural Gas, his new Dallas-based employers. We were delighted to show him the wonders of, you guessed it: the Dallas World Aquarium, for the very first time. He may have been quite impressed with the Editor's skill at getting the howler monkeys to demonstrate their formidable skills at making a ruckus! He tried to act self possessed as he stood next to his wild-haired mother-in-law performing her howler imitation in front of all those people! She was successful, however; and they cooperated in their usual enthusiastic manner! 
Mary Joins Wilderness Expedition
Relentlessly insisting on retaining her old set of East Coast buddies, our Mary set out for Arches National Park with Lori Jackson of Scarsdale NY, Winston Ohrn, Justin and Tracie Hohl of New Canaan, and other new friends from other not-so-favored places but wonderful people nonetheless, including cousin Mark Ashurst of Plano, for a chilly, rainy campout and hike during which they shivered out the night in tents under a rock overhang. We predict she will really miss this sort of thing once she graduates in April!
Annutchska of the Stone Stairs 