Vol. 2 No. 57 August 28, 2000
"To recreate something in words is like being alive twice." Chinese poet Sarah's Horizon Expands
On what will probably be her last great travel adventure before she begins her next phase of life, our Sarah joined the Editor for three weeks in Italy, during which they participated in an archaeological dig in Tuscany for two weeks in connection with a field study course in which the Editor was enrolled for her Masters program at SMU. Managing to work in side trips to Siena, Florence and Rome, the two wanderers spent an additional week after the conclusion of the dig checking out Venice and Cinque Terre, on the rough and wonderful Ligurian coast. The travel buddies found themselves quite compatible and returned with a bucket full of happy memories!
Benac Family Reunion a Grand Success
The Fam gathered a second time this summer for a lifetime highlight, the Benac Family Reunion, which was held in Aspen Grove, Utah. Many thanks to our dear Grandparents Bill and Helen Benac of Ft. Myers Florida for hosting the entire bunch of about 63 participants for a week of beautiful scenery, wonderful activities and delicious associations with our very precious family!
Annie Lives it Up in Croatia
Our dear Annie reports that she is still alive and well in the coastal town of Split, Croatia. She is here pictured (second from right) hamming it up with her fellow sister-missionaries at the train station in the central city of Zagreb, where she was attending a mission conference. Her letters continue to enchant us all and she reports her infatuation with sticker collecting has not abated with the passage of time. So send her your most interesting stickers (What could it hurt?)!
Ashley Takes Up Jet Skiing
Perhaps as an act of late-life bravado, our own Ashley, Mistress of the Seas, has evidenced a consuming interest in the wild and woolly sport of jet skiing. She is here shown running the waves with Daddy Bill and grandson William Allred in what can only be described as a state of psychedelic euphoria!
Mary and Sarah Take Up DC Residence The two most recent graduates of BYU, Mary and Sarah, have finally merged paths again as they prepare to move into a spacious shared house in Arlington, VA. After an initial whirlwind weekend trip up to New York City, where they cavorted with Sarah's beau, Adam Flake, the two returned to their jobs and the task of creating a home together on the East Coast. Good luck, girls!
Mary cuddles nephew; Sarah surverys Siena from tower. Both are now reunited!
William's Surprise Sleepover
His Preeminence, Grandchild Number One, aka William Allred, was recently surprised to be awakened from the beginning of a peaceful night's sleep by a quiet tap on his bedroom door. It seems that his Grandparents Benac had received permission to perform a loving abduction and spirit him off to a surprise weekend on board the family barque, Halftime, where he spent a delightful interval swimming in the lake with Auntie Caroline and the Old Folks, and jet skiing with Ashley the Wonder Dog. He also exhibited his considerable prowess for a six-year-old at the venerable family favorite game of chess, in which he matched wits with the fiercely-competitive but understanding Auntie Caroline. William surprised his grandparents by arising early and making his breakfast all by himself! On the menu were a bag of Fritos and a generous bowl of Super Golden Crisp, in his opinion a feast fit for a prince!
William and Grandma Barb prepare to depart after wild weekend on water.
Share the BFN online at www.benac.com!
