WE ARE HERE

Yes, we now live in Fort Meade, South Dakota; on the outskirts of Sturgis, SD. Fort Meade is a historic site, once a military installation most famous for the 4th Cavalry Group. From what we can gather so far, it was established in the late 1860's and reached it's peak with the Cavalry Group in the 1930's. It was later established as a VA hospital, even though there is still some military activity by the South Dakota National Guard. We have moved into Quaters #61 and unpacked our essentials, such as all of our kitchen/cooking stuff and, of course, "the beast" and the sewing machine. We are very comfortable in our Quarters, with lots of temporary room. However, we are looking forward to our new home, which should be ready in about 5 months.

A new Ramirez experience begins. We count our blessings and acknowledge this as another opportunity to fulfill our work in this world and to enrich our lives with a new experience. JIR

CHRISTMAS '08

Our Christmas in Montana was punctuated by family love and togetherness, and lots of snow. The clan consisted of Linda, Jorge, Daniel and wife Lindsay, Christina and boyfriend Steve; and our grandogs (Brewer, Guinness and Gidget) and grandcat (Quintus). We went snowshoeing, cooked up a storm, and had a great time. Can't wait for our next get-together next summer. JIR

SOUTH DAKOTA, HERE WE COME!

Views of downtown Rapid City

Mama Linda in the backyard -Lot # 5 Timberwood
subdivision, Piedmont, SD

View of the front of the lot (future view from the

front of the house-north)

Angled view of the lot towards the east

View of the lot (south) from the street

Road leading to the subdivision

THANKSGIVING IN SIOUX FALLS, SD

DC

Jorge and I in our room. Me with some of the men and women who were at the Gala and patients at Walter Reed. The photo of me with a soldier and a lady in a dress, she is the injured soldier, as they are both in the Army.

M
Myself, Sgt. Martin G., and Twyla, who volunteers with SA. The lady in the blue dress is Patti Patton-Bader, the founder of Soldiers Angels.

That is Line and I in our matching black dresses.

These are pictures of Arlington, always a favorite visit. For the first time we went to the Womens Memorial, and here is a quilt hanging there. I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it.

Our hotel in DC was decadent and very beautiful.