January 2012
It's back! After a long break, the Park Oaks newsletter is making its long awaited return (long awaited by Kevin anyway, who has been bugging Jo to get typing since the technical issues were resolved about, hmmmm, let's see now....8 months or so ago?!)
Anyway, inspired by all the wonderful Christmas newsletters from friends we decided that the new year would be a good time to restart the tradition. While we're at it, Jo would like to acknowledge that her Christmas cards were sent out very late this year so if your card was one of them, please don't think you were an afterthought but between work and a seemingly endless round of Christmas parties, time just got away from her.
Anyway, inspired by all the wonderful Christmas newsletters from friends we decided that the new year would be a good time to restart the tradition. While we're at it, Jo would like to acknowledge that her Christmas cards were sent out very late this year so if your card was one of them, please don't think you were an afterthought but between work and a seemingly endless round of Christmas parties, time just got away from her.
So, where did we leave off.....? Ah yes, in December 2007 (yikes!) with Kevin working on stall run outs. Since then the indoor ring has been extended by 65 feet, the 2 barns have been joined, a bathroom built, viewing room partially completed ............
............. and a “loft” (party room) has been completed amongst various other improvements.
In addition to the the work Kevin has done around the place, we also had some landscaping done and while there are some finishing touches still to be completed in the spring, we are really happy with the results.
Crikey, the squirrel slayer, continues to live her life in blissful ignorance of how lucky she is to be running around outside all day and being totally spoiled. However, now her mum and dad are volunteering for Aurora Animal Control her days of being an only child might be numbered (especially if Jo has anything to do with it!)
As well as working with Animal Control, Jo also participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters and became a mentor to 11 year old Samantha back in the summer.
As well as working with Animal Control, Jo also participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters and became a mentor to 11 year old Samantha back in the summer.
Kevin still volunteers for the Big Rock Fire Department and while he has collected several qualifications over the last few years, this year obtained his Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
He is also still a (not very active) member of the Fox Valley Flying Club. The ultralite has not been without its issues this year and both fixing and flying time have been in short supply.
Talking of flying, since being promoted to Vice-President, Jo's job has taken her to Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan, China (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu). She was promoted again in July and her additional responsibilities increase her obligations in Europe which she hopes will give her more opportunities to visit family and friends in the UK.
We did get back for Duncan's (Jo's brother's) wedding to the lovely Wendy, which was a great time. As was catching up with other family and friends including Sid (who impressed us all with his newly found culinary skills), the newly wed Rachel and Pip, Claire, Fiona and Kenny and family, Andy and Jade as well as our respective families.
Big thanks to Laurie and Natalie for taking care of the place while we were gone and to Joanne for stepping in to clean stalls when needed.
Big thanks to Laurie and Natalie for taking care of the place while we were gone and to Joanne for stepping in to clean stalls when needed.
After Natalie had joined us with Pearl during her college summer vacation in 2010, we went down to 6 horses for a while. Since April of 2011 however, we were pleased to welcome Andrea and Rio and then Aggie and Joanne in Sept with Leo and Monty respectively.
We look forward to a fun year ahead with a full barn. The Park Oaks Christmas party was a good start!
We were proud in April this year to become Godmother and “Guide” father to Caden. Thanks to Timmy and Kelly for entrusting us with this awesome responsibility for their adorable son. We look forward to being a big part of Caden's life in the years to come.
But for now, we wish everyone a very happy New Year!