It's been a grand year, starting out with a trip to Ireland with Sean. We saw my last surviving cousn Mary O'Flynn, who was suffering a troubled stomach, but she came home from the hospital looking grand, and we had great chat. This year, we'll see only Betts' & my many cousins' children, but that will still be wonderful.

I was honored to be invited to sponsor Grace Jones, a Boston College graduate student, in the RCIA program, meeting with other inductees to the RC church, ceremonies at Holy Cross Cathedral, and culminating at the Easter vigil service at St. Mary's. In May, I attended her graduation, and hosted a party for her here at 84 Harvard, all great fun.

In August I flew out to vist Nephew Stanley in Idaho and attend his Daughter Molly's wedding on Camano Island in Washington State, a festive event. After that, I flew to Woodland, CA to sample all the lush produce of Sean's farm and celebrate my 95th birthday. And since I was already out west, I stopped off in Monument, CO see Patrick and his busy family for another birthday celebration. Boy, ain't celebratin' fun!

Life in Brookline is quiet, enlivened mainly by shopping trips (by car) almost daily to Trader Joe's, but also to Star, Stop & Shop, and the Hong Kong Market. Wednesday dinners continue with my Brookline "family", and of course Sunday mass at St. Mary's, followed by brunch here with any available hungry churchgoers. Cooking is a rewarding hobby.

I'm thinking of all my many friends and relatives world wide, and wishing them a wonderful 2024.

Merry Christmas,
And Love,
Ole Dan