The Much Delayed Frodigh Newsletter

My family writes a somewhat sarcastic Christmas letter each year. This year Krista took a stab at it. Enjoy...

My father is busy with a leaky pipe, drywall patching and building stone walls around our garden areas with the rocks he pulls out of soldier hut sites. Anna has strep and mono and my mom is getting over strep and gastritis so you’re stuck with me, Krista, the best looking and most mature Frodigh, Anna coming in a close second.

So, here’s a quick recap to cover 2yrs since there was no card last year.

Anna .was in England from February 11^th through September of 2011 attending the London School of Hygiene getting a diploma in tropical disease and medicine. She is now living at home and just recently got a new job working as a nurse at the Juniper clinic (HIV). She had been the coordinator for a church-based outreach program. She also has the privilege of sharing a room with me. She is dating Bobby Tate, a very tall young man who has to be mindful of our 8ft ceilings. That is not however, the reason for dad’s drywall work.

Nik has made 2 trips to Haiti for his coffee venture. The family is hooked on the stuff now, great flavor with low acidity. He is finishing his last semester at Liberty and majoring in business and finance and high-risk Haitian business ventures. Dad put two tires on his car while Nik was out of town in Philly but he hasn’t noticed yet even though the old ones were bald and causing a wobble. Nik sports a mustache and goatee making him look like Captain Morgan or a Three Musketeer…maybe Johnny Depp. Nik is still dating his long-time girlfriend, Saint Lindy Brigham.

Gunnar has been attending Falls Church high school for his senior year. Dad drops him off on his way in to work. Dad assumes he is going into the school although he has his doubts. Gunnar recently starred in “Almost Maine” a romantic comedy. He and his fellow thespians got great reviews. The plan is for him to graduate in June!

I was awarded best in show for my photography in a small show and have a lead to display my work in a small studio. I may continue to be homeschooled my freshman year as it gives me more time to pursue my art interests. My dad thinks it has more to do with the value I put on sleeping in. Dad says I have a great eye for style and photography once they are open.

Mom is back to work! She is an assistant teacher at a pre-school (3 year olds). She did10 days in London with Anna in 2011 and loved it. Unfortunately she is still struggling with unpleasant health issues, which we hope are soon resolved. Thus far the doctors are somewhat baffled and she is getting sick and tired of tests and procedures. Please pray.

Dad finished the patio and fire pit this summer! After10 long years, oh wait no its only been about 3, but its felt like 10. He continues to work at DOT, still enjoys digging relics and bought a small SUV (replacing the family van) to get him there and back. He seems to be most comfortable with a shovel in his hand and dirt on his shoes. Of note was his decision to hire a landscape group to have the leaves raked and cleared. He was a happy man.

Mam-mam (Betty) is still with us at 86 but swears she is at deaths door at every opportunity. She can barely hear a thing but remembers everything she does hear. She continues to makes a mean turkey stuffing for our Thanksgivings. She has been claiming that we are stealing her dish towels that she puts on the floor to catch a small leak. Turns out some varmint is getting into the house and swiping them. She has lost five towels to the thief. She got dish towels for Christmas.

And now a moment of silence please…..Our 13-year-old African albino frog Pinky has passed away. We are making a permanent headstone in the backyard for it. Maybe even a memorial garden. A statue will certainly be erected. Plans to be announced. Dad has no idea what to do with the crickets next fall, as Pinky’s murky fish bowl had been the depository of all things creepy and crawly for thirteen cricket seasons.

We enjoyed Gloucester and Cape Cod for our family vacation this past summer. We dug steamers, caught bass and bluefish, enjoyed lobster brought up by Debbie’s hubby, John Gauthier. The weather, which can be so variable, was fantastic even if the traffic getting there and back was not. Driving at night continues to be our plan to keep it under 11hrs with dad at the wheel.

Mom and dad are hoping to take a nice trip somewhere to celebrate their 30-year anniversary this coming year. 

 

We are still the Frodigh family, where the women are strong and the men are good looking.

Rough draft by Tara Frodigh, additional edits with sarcasm by Krista Frodigh, No participation at all by Gunnar and Niklas Frodigh, Blessing by Anna Frodigh and final edits by Dad Frodigh with a nod to our albino frog in the mulch pile and mystery towel stealing squirrel behind Betty’s stove.