Hello from Mary Jo

Greetings to All,

I am always so interested to open the letter and see news from the younger generation. It's so good to see them wanting to maintain a family connection. I think grandma Bull would be pleased. Congratulations to Joan on her soon-to-be status as DVM, for being selected for the South American work this summer, and for the new job in Las Vegas. Please don't leave us hanging...tell us where you will be working and what kind of animals, etc.

Thank you for introducing us to Samson, Elissa. It always warms my heart to hear of abandoned animals becoming a beloved family pet. That's how we acquired our three cats, and they have added a lot to our family life. Glad to hear your pregnancy is going so well. Those of us of the last generation remember your mom being sick when she was pregnant...and then, of course, we all remember your digestive problems as a little one! Hopefully, your baby will be spared that...but of course, treatments and diagnosis are a generation more advanced now, too!!!

Kelly, we always look forward to your updates, too. When Nancy described your two wedding dress choices, I had in mind the "top of the wedding cake" style was something I was remembering from about the 1950's! Then I saw pictures of an acquaintance's daughter's wedding. Her dress was described as having "rouching" (?) and it did look like softly cascading frosting. And I thought "I bet that's what Nancy was describing". It was beautiful. I'll be anxious to see which you have chosen.

I always read with interest Nikki's reports of travels with her work to places I only imagine. What is she doing with all her "free" time now that she has completed her Master's Degree?

I know all of our other young family members have interesting pursuits, too; I'm just glad the aforementioned young ladies seem to have inherited the family gene for being comfortable with the written word.

NOW, ALL OF YOU IN MY GENERATION, LET ME HEAR FROM YOU. (You are excused Nancy; you gave us a good update...and I see by the family picture Allison recovered nicely from the accident last summer, thankfully)

I guess I haven't felt I have had too much earthshaking news to report, but I'll relay what we have been up to, and you can see why I haven't felt compelled to send this along earlier.

I was sick with virus/flu for 5 weeks (in two sessions) in January and February. During that time, mom had a twist in her colon and had to undergo another surgery. Fortunately (?) John was laid up with recovering from the surgery on his heel, so she went to John and Sue's when she was dismissed from the hospital for a short time. (I can't believe how she bounces back from those health set backs.) I am so grateful my brothers are in Omaha as David took her to the ER and sat with her for several hours while her problem was being diagnosed and before she was admitted. And of course, everyone down there did the hospital sitting with her.

I had planned to go to Omaha for her birthday in Febr. and cook supper for a little party she planned. Two days before, the next virus struck, so my dear husband went down with the supper fixings and put the meal on with David's help. That time, my Dr. prescribed tamiflu and I was only sick one week. The Dr. also put Paul and Suzanne on the Tamiflu and they both escaped (sort of) with a milder case.

Now, I'm psyching myself up for a Total Hip Replacement. Being a "research addict" I'm exploring different surgical methods and materials for the prosthesis. I would like to have the "Anterior Approach" done, as it does not involve cutting muscle, but the closest surgeon I have found is one in Omaha. I like the surgeon here, and he is not feeling "threatened" by me checking other options out. He does assure me, though, that "if 100 surgeons looked at these x-rays, they would ALL say you need your hip replaced!" YUCK....however, I am getting tired of the pain and limping around.

Suzanne is graduating from Doane next month!! She has had an interview at the Women's Prison in York for a position as Unit Case Manager, but has not received word yet. In the meantime, she is continuing work at Visinet...but the hours are not enough to meet her financial obligations.

Paul is feeling very good and is eagerly plunging into this year's farming season. He doesn't know he should be retired.

All for now. Please write soon.