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Strike Over
Many of you may have noticed the lack of a 2003 issue of the rag.  The head writer read a book on learning how to say NO to reduce stress.  The book stressed not agreeing to do something if your heart wasn’t in it.  The co-writer was relieved to have the year off, so he joined the strike.  They apologize for any feelings of disappointment this may have caused the readers.

<><>Passion Becomes Business
With the urgings of many friends (especially Alex) Tami turned her passion for photography into a business.  Besides selling photos at art/craft fairs, she has also had some shots published in Isthmus newspaper’s Scenes section, and one in the Capital Times.  Tess, her dog, even turned into a calendar girl when one of Tami’s many dog photos was published in an Australian Shepherd calendar.  Tami reports feeling thrilled when she sees her name in print next to a photo!  She says also that she will not be quitting her more lucrative job as a house cleaner because she does not want to become a starving artist. <>

Party Hearty
The Dettingers had much to celebrate in 2003 and 2004.  The biggest bash was Tami’s 40th birthday party at the Lussier Center in Lake Farm County Park.  The community came together from far and near to make it a rousing success.  Tami reached middle age surrounded by an amazing group of loved ones, and felt blessed for all of them in her life.  Tom turned 50 in the Las Vegas area!  Before leaving for that trip though he also enjoyed the company of friends, and an awesome cake at a combination Garlic Potluck and 50th birthday party.  Next was Tami’s 41st birthday brunch potluck held in the backyard thanks to a screen tent and mosquito repellent.  In September the backyard and house also hosted the Dettinger’s 20th wedding anniversary gathering.  Quilt squares were hung in the bedroom with care…They were once again in awe of their blessings of friends and family, and for their love for each other that keeps growing over the years.  “Didn’t you just have a party?” was a common quote heard when party invitations were passed out.  The 2005 Garlic potluck is coming up next folks so study those cook books!
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A New Look
A few things took on a new look at the Dettinger estate in the past 2 years.  The yearned for new counter top was bought and installed by Tom (now the rest of the kitchen is begging for help); beautiful tan shingles which match the stonework and trim on the house adorn the roof (the hardest part of that operation was figuring out which company was trustworthy and did quality work); the backyard is more open due to an amazing storm with straight line winds cracking a big plum tree like a toothpick; the driveway is home to a fuel efficient little Honda Civic formerly owned by Tom’s wonderful parents; and most amazing of all, Tom’s face was free of all hair from May Day until mid December 2004.  Tom says he hadn’t seen the skin above his upper lip since 1975!  Tami loved how it was baby soft.  Friends said “Wow Tom, you look like that movie star, now what’s his name?”

 

 

Tess’ Tales (or lack thereof)
I don’t know what is wrong with Mom & Dad.  They went on a vacation and forgot to take me.  They seem to have forgotten lately that weekends are for agility games.  We have only gone to a few trials this summer, and even though I’ve picked up all the titles mom wants, I’m still really good at it.  We did go camping and hiking.  That was great.  I got to play with a lot of my friends, too.  Mom heard about something called Mad City Pet Star Search and put together a set of tricks for me to do and we won first place.  I got $100, food, and a new bed.  Two years in a row mom and I received a ribbon for finishing in the top hundred runners at the Dog Jog.  Coaching her to run faster is a full time job!  This fall we were out for a walk through the neighborhood when this pit bull thing came out of nowhere and bit me on the butt.  It hurt a bunch and I had to get some hair shaved off, a drain tube put in, and stitches.  I’m pretty much healed up now.  Why are there mean, rude creatures like that?  I think everyone should live together in peace. It’s more fun and less stressful.  “Live in the moment” is my motto!

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The Arts
The Dettingers still enjoy performing with the Narodno International Dancers.  In September 2004 they were part of the week long grand opening ceremonies for Madison’s new Overture Center.  Contra dancing fills many of their Saturday nights.  One of their favorite dates is to go to concerts.  The last 2 year’s highlights include Willy Nelson (twice), Lyle Lovett, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, The Berrymans, Gypsy Spirit, Barenaked Ladies, Free Hot Lunch, Cherry Pop Burlesque, Hayley Westenra, Utah Phillips, James Keelaghan, Kepa Junkera, Gillian Welch, Vance Gilbert, Greg Brown, and Karen Savoca.

<><>Unlikely Destinations
Mrs. Dettinger learned that friends can definitely broaden one’s horizons.  One particular friend, Kerensa, was responsible for her visiting two places she NEVER thought she would want to see, Texas and Las Vegas.  Tami explored San Antonio by day while Kerensa worked (business trip), and fell in love with the River Walk.  One evening they drove to Austin to visit a real Texas roadhouse, and Tami discovered she loved that city even more (of course this was midwinter and anything above freezing was heaven).  She found out there was such a thing as “too rural” for her tastes when she visited her niece Sherry and her family in the Texas hill country.  It is beautiful, but much too “Texas” for her Madison upbringing.  Kerensa fell in love with a man from “Sin City” so once again Tami followed.  She visited in October of 2003 and leared the hiking around Vegas is spectacular.  When Tom joined her in February 2005 for Kerensa’s wedding Tami knew hiking Red Rock Canyon on his 50th birthday would be the coolest gift he could get!  That trip started in California with a visit to Tami’s brother’s place on the coast and then on to the Mojave desert, Death Valley, and the Pacific Crest trail.  It was their first long trip together without Tess since her arrival in 1998.  It looks like family will take Tami to another unlikely destination in January.  She will accompany her nieces, sister, nephew in-law, and great nephew Aarin, to India to meet her nephew-in-law’s family.   Wow!