This past year has been one of many changes in our lives. If we have not been in touch, please forgive us. We are sorry we did not send Christmas cards last year, but now you will hopefully understand why. We had been thinking about downsizing and selling our farm for quite some time, but change is very hard when one is used to a certain way of life. We had our horses and our famous Rattlebridge Cavalier breeding and showing program to consider as well as Al’s “farmer mentality.” However, with our advancing years, we thought that we needed to decide the time to move rather than let the time decide for us. We accidentally happened upon our wonderful new home in Galena, Ohio, just a few days before Christmas last year and had it signed, sealed, and closed on December 28 because we felt instantly that this was “home.” Then the fun of moving horses, dogs, all of our equipment, totally crammed house and barns began. We moved into our new home on February 21, with no dog facilities completed and no idea when we would be able to move dogs so we could put the farm up for sale. However, it all took time, but with the help of friends and contractors all is fairly complete, the dogs we kept are here, our horse is being boarded but will soon be moving back to the farm as M’s niece and her husband are doing a lease/purchase and will use the property to board horses and mainly dogs as the kennel set up is great. Al and M are delighted as they are very close to Annie and Eric and their first child, baby “Fritz.” Meredith has lost much of her wanderlust which had her traveling around the world judging and showing and now just wants to be home with Al to pursue other interests besides just breeding and showing; we have really downsized our breeding program; we keep far fewer dog and have no wish to show at the present time. What the future brings with our Cavalier endeavors is unknown, but after 42 years of “doing dogs,” M is ready to be home where Al needs her now. His health is stable, but orthopedic problems plague him. At almost 80 he just refuses to admit that he cannot do all the outside work he loves to do.

Our new home has lovely gardens, but no swimming pool (thank God the farm is in family hands so Al can swim all summer!). In her totally compulsive/obsessive manner, M has driven Al crazy extending all the already lovely flower beds of our new home,, civilizing a couple of the raggedy wooded areas (he won’t let her touch the main woods), and planting trees as though the place didn’t have enough trees already! They have even gotten in the holiday spirit and actually decorated for the first time in years! M has become very active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she went briefly as a child and again when Al and she built their first home in Delaware, Ohio. She has also been busy writing articles for major dog magazines and fighting anti dog breeding legislation; she is pleased that the latest bill died on the Ohio Senate floor at the eleventh hour before recess. Al continues to be M’s greatest support and is very encouraging of her recent return to Columbus, Ohio, Public Schools as a substitute principal and would like her to ask for her own school full time next year just to get some peace around the house.

Al’s daughter Carolyn and her family are fine. Al delights in his grandchildren, Audrey and Darrin. Both are really good students and very active in school. Audrey is beginning to plan for college as she is in her junior year. Audrey’s dating adventures keep Carolyn intrigued for lack of a better word and Al very amused as he remembers Carolyn’s teen aged years all too well. Stuart is continues to make his life in Texas.

We wish you a blessed holiday season and a blessed New Year!

Al and Meredith,

email: meredith@rattlebridge.com

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