I know, I know, I know. I’m desperately behind on the latest of the VW family exploits. Last week I posted about our trip to Scotland, but that’s not all the happened this past fall. Here’s the skinny on the rest.

It was a very difficult fall for my father. He is the younger of two brothers and my Uncle Bud was failing quickly in the fall. I took my folks up to my dad’s hometown of Le Mars to visit Bud in the hospital. I am so glad we made the trip. It would prove to be the final opportunity to see him this side of heaven.

Wendy and I continue to enjoy our local gathering of Jesus’ followers. We hosted a backyard barbecue in September along with our awesome backyard neighbors, the Garlands. Together, we hosted over 100 people for burgers, hot dogs, and a bouncy-house. The weather was perfect for the evening and it was awesome.

Of course, it’s not an official fall without American FOOTBALL (have to differentiate with kids and grandkids in the UK – GO MILO!)!!!!! We enjoyed watching our friend Nathan on the local Pella football field and watching our Vikings on the television.

My parents moved to Pella in October. They started in Wesley Life’s independent living at Pella Manor. Within a month, my mother would move into Memory Care at the Cottages of Hearthstone. It was a difficult transition, but God was so good, and the timing was perfect in so many ways. I’m so grateful that my mom got to meet her great-granddaughter, Sylvie.

Autumn is also a big time for our local community here in Pella. Our local gathering of Jesus’ followers does an Original Works Night to spotlight the artists and creatives in our midst. Original art, photography, poetry, music, and the like are presented in a fun coffeehouse atmosphere. I was asked to host the event again this year, and it was awesome. I loved the origami theme.

Our dear friends Mat and Anne McCullough-Kelly were inducted into Pella Community Theatre’s Walk-of-Fame. Wendy and I couldn’t not have been more thrilled, as Mat and Anne played a HUGE part in our own successes there over the years. They both always went above-and-beyond in so many ways, and they were more than deserving of the honor.

Wendy and I also participated, once again, in the annual Pella Tulip Queen Announcement Party. Wendy chaired the Committee this year along with her stellar directorial management of the event. I got to be the Master of Ceremonies. I’m always blown away by the incredible young ladies our community raises. There was not a single one in the final twelve who would not represent our community well (I say that every year), and I love getting to announce Court members and Tulip Queen.

So, there you go. A quick recap of Autumn. Next up: Holidays 2022.

It was a very difficult fall for my father. He is the younger of two brothers and my Uncle Bud was failing quickly in the fall. I took my folks up to my dad’s hometown of Le Mars to visit Bud in the hospital. It would prove to be the