Kathy has joined the Keller Williams real estate team. She has risen to the top of her class and already has two listings. She is working hard but enjoying it. Jeb built her a website at www.fiveforksliving.com and helped her advertise on craigslist.

Danny went off for his junior year at Spring Hill College, departing in the Jeep Cherokee. He will be playing baseball and studying between pitches. He earned a good chunk of money over the summer guarding a pool that seemed to have no one at it more often than not.

Nicole is considering some changes – perhaps Peace Corps – perhaps teaching – perhaps both. Her car continues to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. (Dings, flats, busted radiator.) She and Carr (the drummer boy) drove in from Athens recently and cooked all of us dinner. It was a lot of fun, delicious, and Kathy enjoyed not having to worry about dinner for a night.

Kelly has started off her 10th grade year well including a good solid start for cross country. She is battling for a position on the Varsity. With her determination, I think she will make it. She and her film partner, Claire, have been making videos. We have posted two on YouTube that are quite entertaining. (See mac.fiveforks.com to view them.)

Claire has started off 7th grade working furiously to maintain her all A streak. She is already talking about getting into Notre Dame. She has long term plans. Claire continues to play soccer and is learning to deal with having to run fields that are now twice as large as last year. (Huff… puff.)

Jeb continues to help market the new combined company, Harland Clarke. They have a new logo, which is fun.

We were all saddened by Uncle Edward’s passing. We will all miss FOPAB’s first son and master historian.

Uncle Edward memories by Jeb:

Oldest:

I have a letter from Uncle Edward that he wrote me when I was born. I recently found it in my baby book, read it again, and scanned it. It is typed on the front and back of one page of onion skin paper. I have read it several times through my life.

Middle:

Helping illustrate and typeset (I owned a Mac) Uncle Edward’s self-published book, General Sherman’s Girlfriend, was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. I guess he managed to sneak me into the Library of Congress.

Last:

I was very honored to be in Uncle Edward’s company in this year’s B.S.R.C. golf tournament. His come-from-behind victory, beating his younger brothers and much younger nephews (and Uncle Jack!) was grander than anything Tiger Woods has ever done. He won with style and grace.

Two celebrations for Kelly’s 15th included a group of friends over at the house that included several girls with August birthdays. It was very loud and based on the few photos we got, a lot of fun.

A less quiet (but still noisy) celebration tonight included a trip out to Kelly’s favorite restaurant. See the Gallery.

Birthday photo by Kathy:

(New hammock. Can you find Stout?)