Dick and Gee Sauvageau's 2016 Holiday Greeting

Christmas, 2016

Dear Family & Friends,

Christmas, 2016, how did that happen so fast? Time certainly does speed up as we age!

There are no real changes with us senior Sauvageaus — more about our kids and grandkids shortly. Dick continues to play golf, bike, swim and putter around making wooden animal lawn decorations, both in Maine and in Florida. I still spend most of my free time making cards and other paper projects.

We have had to give up our square dancing in Florida because neither one of us can be on our feet for more than ten minutes at a time. Most square dances run 15+ minutes per "tip" or set. In Maine there is still one dance each week where the caller has very nicely tailored his tips to our needs, so for this year at least, the dancing was still doable for the five months that we were up north.

Last year I wrote about Dick's groin/back pain, which is the reason he can't be on his feet for long. We've not had complete resolution to the problem, but the consensus of the doctors is that the issue is with severe scoliosis in his back. When he's on his feet the curvature of the spine presses down on nerves that lead to his groin and back. He's had a couple of shots which gave him some relief, but have not resolved the issue, nor will they resolve it. The good news is that he's not in constant pain — it's only when he stands for too long — so he adjusts by being sure he can sit down whenever he begins to hurt.

We're beginning to sound like our parents, talking about our ailments. But, then, I guess we are the older generation now!

Our kids and grandkids are all fine. There's nothing new with our oldest son Scott and his wife Amy. Teddy, aged 20, will be graduating from the University of Connecticut in May and plans to go on to grad school. His major is physics and, to do anything in the field, he needs at least his masters degree. His sister Kayleigh, aged 17, graduates from high school in June and plans to go on to college. She is still working on the application process, so her plans are not solidified yet. They are both bright, caring individuals who are still a lot of fun to be around.

October 15 — May 1

Dick & Gee Sauvageau
5606 SW 58th St.
Ocala, FL 34474
(352) 873-4301

May 1 — October 15

Dick & Gee Sauvageau
295 Sebago Rd. Lot 26
Naples, ME 04055
(207) 693-1185

Cell phones:
    Dick: (203) 512-2057
    Gee: (203) 744-4193

Email addresses:
    geesauvageau@hotmail.com
    dicksauvageau@hotmail.com

Middle son Tim and his family have no real changes in their life. Alden and Ethan are growing up pretty quickly. They're ages 11 and 9, and are pretty normal, typical kids. We got to spend nearly a week in Spokane with Tim and the boys this past summer, which was a great opportunity to get to know the kids a little better. We also got to spend some time with Tim's ex-wife Cristy while we were out there. We have remained close to her despite their divorce.

The biggest family news is with our youngest son Michael and his wife Jennifer. They have started a really exciting new business called Noteworthy Chocolates. As I write this letter on Thanksgiving, their website has finally gone live within the past couple of days for orders.

Their new business involves creating chocolate stationery on which they laser engrave whatever message the customer wants. To the best of their knowledge, they are the only ones in the world doing this at the moment! They make 3" round medallions, 5" squares, 6" squares and 6x8" stationery. Since they can all be customized to say whatever you want, they make wonderful thank-yous, corporate gifts, wedding favors, invitations, Valentine love letters, birthday cards, etc. for special people or occasions. Check out their website, www.noteworthychocolates.com to see what they're all about.

Ayden and Alea (Michael and Jennifer's children) are 13 and 8. She loves singing and acting, and just about anything that comes into her life. He has become an amazing potter, and is hooked on Dungeons and Dragons and Live Action Role Play.

As I write this, we are still reeling from the recent election. Although the majority of voters did not want Donald Trump, enough people in key states did and gave him the Electoral College. We are very concerned about the future for our children and grandchildren, but this is not the forum for political discourse. I will simply say that if you were one of the people who elected him, congratulations. If not, my condolences. It's going to be a very interesting four years.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year!

Dick & Gee