Spencer Once again, Spencer has asked me to write his "story" for our Christmas Message. Interesting that he wants to put me in control of the message. Of course, the problem is that, as he spends less and less time at home, I know less and less of what is going on in his life. I do know that Spencer had a big year. Spencer did mention that it was his last year as an executive with the Calgary Ski Club. Among other Ski Club duties, he was responsible for developing relationships with local Calgary businesses to establish and maintain the sponsorships that make the club work, but in return he got to go on all the trips at almost no cost, snowboard (and party) at all the best resorts, and push his skills to the next level. When I talk about a "Drop" on the hill, it usually means I dropped a mitt or something. For Spencer it means jumping off a cliff and dropping 20 or more feet into powder... During spring break, Spencer and Tara took their first holiday together, going to Mazatan, Mexico. They had a great week, doing everything from surfing to zip lining, to tequila tours, to snorkeling, to sunset photo shoots. As I think back, I didn't get to go to a tropical resort for a holiday until... I was thirty - and then didn't go to another one until I was fifty. Spencer has been twice and he is only twenty two. What gives? Ski Trip Party! Spencer's U of C Convocation In the spring, Spencer graduated, with Distinction, from the University of Calgary with a BSc in Science, majoring in Kinesiology. Louise and I met Tara in Calgary to attend the ceremony. Louise and I were and are very proud of him! After Graduation, Spencer and Tara moved into an apartment in downtown Calgary, and Spencer tried out a job as a fitness trainer for a while. He was also offered another job as a physio assistant at a clinic where he had done his practicum. Unfortunately, neither provided the pay or job satifaction that he was looking for. After a couple of months, he appied for and was offered a position with Rife Resources in Ferintosh. While not in his field, his degree played a significant roll in his being offered the position. It is a contract position, so Spencer had to set up his own company, which was a learning experience on its own. With Spencer in Calgary for most of the summer, he didn't get out on the lake as often, but still managed to do some wake sufing with friends, and even had a great day windsurfing with me! Tara and Spencer in Mexico. Spencer Windsurfing with Dad Because his job is close to Camrose, Spencer moved back home part time. He works ten days on and four off, so he has been commuting back and forth to his apartment in Calgary every other weekend. Spencer purchased a 4x4 truck so that he can get to the various well stations that he has to inspect and maintain, so he and Tara are now a three vehicle family - four if you count his motorcycle. Spencer is doing the math to see if it makes sense to keep the Corolla for his commutes to Calgary (it is much easier on gas). In August, Tara told Spencer she had decided that they were going to get a puppy to keep her company during the week while he was away. It was an exciting day when they brought home our grandpuppy and we all got to meet Lady. Lady is a brown American Cocker Spaniel. There has never been a cuter, more friendly, well behaved young puppy!!! Louise and I had fun puppy sitting for the first couple of weeks while Spencer and Tara looked for a "Puppy Friendly" apartment. Since then we get to puppy sit for a few days every now and then when Tara needs a break. Lady Tara's Graduation Tara graduated from her Dental Assistant program in the fall. It was another big day for Spencer, Tara and her family. She has been very successful finding positions with local Calgary dentists, and really enjoys her work. We enjoy seeing Tara when she is able to make a visit home, but we have to share her with her folks as well, so we don't get to see her as much as we would like. I think that lately Tara may think that when she visits, we are only excited about seeing Lady. That is NOT CORRECT! We love seeing Tara too. It is just very easy to make a fuss about the puppy... Spencer has been working hard this fall, with some very long shifts when he has been on call, but he has still made time for some fun with Tara - like a recent weekend trip to the mountains. I don't think Spencer has decided whether he will continue his career with Rife, or go back to school to continue his education. Either way, Louise and I are very proud of him. For now, he has a great job, he is working hard, and seems to be enjoying life! Spencer and Tara - Mountain Getaway. Spencer and Tara wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Spencer - Poster Boy! < Party Time! On the beach in Mexico Learning all about how to make about Tequila Snorkeling in Mexico Blow Fish Proud Parents - Congratulations Spencer! Spencer and Tara The Graduate Spencer Wakeboarding with Cam Dragging behind the boat with Cam - just like when they were 12... Windsurfing at Home Jibing! Tara with her parents Mary Ann and Dean Tara's Graduation Enjoying the Sunset! Prev Spencer Laura Louise Ted Friends and Family Lake Fun Flying with Dad Las Brisas Fredericton Airshow Next