Christmas 2002 was hosted by Krissy and Robert at their secluded home on the banks of the Satilla River in south Georgia. Activities included watching movies and playing Space Invaders on the projection system Cliff brought, touring the river on Robert's boat and canoe, some last-minute shopping, opening about a thousand Christmas presents, and eating. (Click on any of the smaller pictures for a larger view.)

Robert and Krissy treated us to a visit to the Okefenokee Swamp, less than a half hour from their door. At the Suwanee Canal entrance, we enjoyed sandwiches prepared by Okefenokee Adventures, toured the excellent visitor's Center, and rode four miles into the swamp with Robert at the helm of a 12 foot boat. We saw birds, plants, and animals of all kinds--but not a single alligator.



Christmas, of course, is a time to reflect on the blessing of the year, and it has been a good one for the Chattanooga Lings. Laura turned three and started school (three days a week at daycare). Rodger had an excellent overnight canoe trip in the Okefenokee with friends Jerry and Michael (a video is available, just right-click to download). We enjoyed a great trip to the Florida springs, rivers, and Disney in October. Rodger flew his glider only 14 times during the year for just seven hours of airtime, but had some great flights nonetheless. On the water, we raced the Possible Mallard in a whole series of regattas, inevitably coming in either third or fourth. Annie organized a marathon of "camping" trips (nowadays, that means an RV with a microwave) to Fall Creek Falls, Chilhowee, DeSoto Falls, Fort Mountain, Lake Guntersville, the Smokies, and Cloudland Canyon. We purchased a house in Red Bank to rent to Cliff, and contemplated the purchase of a 35 foot sailboat.