Our Brian becomes Squadron Commander

Nov 6, in an age-old military tradition Lt Col Brian Stopher took command of the 74th Air Refueling Squadron with the ceremonial passing of the guidon from Lt Col Paul Wietbrock. The 74th ARS is one of two KC135R Stratotanker squadrons under the 434th Operations Group, Grissom Air Reserve Base, IN.

In addressing his new unit and those family and friends assembled for the ceremoney, Colonel Stoher explained that he and those under his command would face new opportunities and challenges, but he would be their greatest advocate. (Nick and myself and Aunt Clara were honored to be among the guests. Nick gave the invocation.)

Brian presents Jenny with flowers and gives her a hug thanking her publicly for her support.

My Daughter(s)

If I an artist were,

Most lovingly I'd trace

Upon a canvas fair,

My lovely daughter's face.

With steady hand I'd draw the smile

That tends to make my day worthwhile.

***

Upon her head of shining hue,

For that is her pixie way,

I'd paint the hat she treasures,

All flowery and gay.

With loyal hand I'd splash with care

Some freckles 'cross a nose that's fair.

With careful brush, her eyes, it seems

I'd touch with happiness and dreams.

***

No tears must mar those twinkling eyes,

No hurt must chase her smile

She'll be my "little" girl like this

For such a short, short while.

So if she's spoiled a little bit,

It matters not I say,

For daughters are a precious joy

That must be sketched that way.

***

If I an artist were

Most lovingly I'd trace

Upon a canvas fair

My lovely daughter's face.

But since I lack a lot in art

I'll keep her picture in my heart.

Florida Cousins

Congradulations Dean! Nov 16, 2010, with son Dean in front of him, Roy Dean Cannon Jr., Winter Park Republican was officially sworn in by Chief Justice Canady as speaker of the 85th Florida House of representatives. Dean and family. My niece, Ellen is just behind her husband Dean. I believe that is Katherine in his arms with Dean III next to Katherine. The other man is the out going speaker who term has just ended.

Dean

Nicki and Joey at the Ball

Colonel Joseph and Mrs Nicolette Hickox

On October 29, Ambassador Beyrle hosted an Enchanted Ball at his residence, Spaso House, to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1935 Ambassador Bullitt's legendary Spaso House Ball. Bullitt entertained his select group of guests, which included the Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov, with live animals from the Moscow Zoo, an orchestra flown in from Prague, and hundreds of colorful finches. The ball inspired Bulgakov to write one of the most fantastical scenes in his renowned novel, "Master and Margarita."

*****In 2010, Ambassador Beyrle invited Russia's political, economic and cultural elite--to enjoy a modern interpretation of the original ball, which was highlighted by various references to Bulgakov's novel.

*****Two 1936 cars were parked in Spaso House's driveway and guests were greeted at the entry by a life-size cutout of Bulgakov. Spaso's guests went up the same grand staircase where the fictional Margarita met her guest in the original "Master and Margarita" manuscript.

*****Just as in 1935, the center piece of the Enchanted Ball was the Chandelier Room aviary. This time the aviary was a whimsical art installation with two colorful animal costume processions through the residence. Guests danced the night away to Russian and American music while a magician enthralled others, just like the "mysterious magician" entertained guests in the Bulgakov novel.

*****Ambassador Beyrel's celebration was a resounding success. You can watch the "Enchanted Ball" video by clicking on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNND795E_p8

*****The video makes more sense if you have read the above. It is about 5 min long and at about 2:09 right after the trombone player you can see Joey sit down beside Nicki... The tall bald man in uniform dancing with his wife wearing a shiny jacket is Joey's boss. About 2:51 in the foreground is this guy with a Napoleon hair-do in the background is Joey's back and the silhouette of the back of Nicki.