Friday, January 01, 2010

Mark''s 2009 Recap


A Happy New Year to all!! Greetings on this mild New Years Day 2010. Its going to get colder and windy again this coming week!
Were do we begin to recap 2009 and the times that the were. In January, we got the roof repaired on the back shed which is now Carolyne’s studio. This was a first step in process of the opening of the Fithian House Gallery. For 6 months the gallery showcased artists from Millville and the region. We were told more then once that we had the best spread in all of Millville for the 3rd Friday’s. In October we decided to take a different course with the Fithian House. Janet Church, a Jewry maker, just opened her shop this past 3rd Friday this past November. She will continue to use the name Fithian House. Carolyne is running Fithian House as an online ETSY shop We renovated our kitchen and repainted most of the rooms this year and have a new look since last year Well, its new for folks who have not dropped by since last January . Mark decided not to run for the Millville School Board . He is satisfied with that decision since it freed up time to help at home with our gallery and other matters.
Carolyne continued to teach Yoga Class at Ostara Yoga She teaches at our home and in Bridgeton on Saturdays.
We both enjoy the folks who come out to find peace and stretch out our aging bodies 
Our good friend Steve Testa was in a terrible car accident with his girlfriend Jen. In March we went to a fundraiser to help pay expenses. He recovered nicely and is now living with us as the Artist in Residence. The Levoy Theatre, which we can see from our house, is getting closer to renovation. This will improve our neighborhood and Millville as well. They just picked the general contractor!
Mark decided to reduce his carbon footprint. He sold the Toyota and now takes the 408 bus run by NJ Transit to work. It works out pretty well. He gets time to read, sleep and make new friends.
On the Animal front our cat Odessa passed away suddenly. Our newest cat is Oggie which we got in February. She was all head and had a tiny body. She is now filled out and a piece of work.
In September we made a heroic road trip to Paducah Kentucky. We checked out the artist community there for about 5 hours then we just decided to hit the road and visit Ashville NC. That is a beautiful area. We went to Statesville NC to visit Blanche but alas she was away for the Labor Day holiday. We then drove though Nashville Tenn. And then decided to hit the Outer Banks NC. We spent 3 days and it was such a cool place. We even were featured in the Atlantic City Press! See it here Also in September, Carolyne showcased local artists their work at the Energy Plus Store where her Ostara Yoga Classes are held. \The first gallery opening was held on First Friday in Bridgeton and was well attended.
In October my brother made a quick visit to our house. We visited the Oar House and JB and Me. He enjoyed the visit and said Millville is a nice little town. He came in from Oakland to visit other family members as well.
On December 19th and 20th the 2nd biggest snowfall in recorded history hit. We had over 20 inches of the white stuff and it was a winter wonderland.
What does 2010 hold for us? Well, I do not know for sure. I do know that the winners will collect their spoils and some of the winners will still complain. Some will get new jobs as well. With the recession still holding a grip and unemployment STILL at 10% you can't really blame a person who finds a good job with perks. As for welfare, it will grind on and I will still have the same old caseload and supervisor. I can only hope the cooler head will prevail to fix up some of the messes that 2009 left us. Happy New Year








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