We don’t usually send Christmas Cards, but this year was quite busy for us, and we thought you may be interested in some of the things we’ve been up to. It’s been 10 years since our last Christmas letter, so please don’t expect another one for another few years………..

Coon and I continue to worship together at the Ashland Advent Christian Church and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Portage Lake on alternating Sundays.***** Coon tries not to miss the monthly "Portage Lake Over 50’s Club" and I managed to attend a few times this year. ***** Since last winter I have been a proud member of the "Portage Lake Red Hat Society", lovingly called the "Portage Lake Loonies".

January brought us less snow than past years, but we still had a few snowmobiling guests, and we enjoyed sliding down the driveway on to the lake! Oh, what fun that is! We managed to attend several of Myles’ junior high basketball games in Ashland.

In February, we took a quick trip to Bobby’s in West Paris, ME. It was great to see the kids and we had a nice visit with his family. ***** During the February school break, Myles helped his grandfather install new laminate flooring in our dinning & living room, finally covering the antique tiles. We had some really nice snowmobiling guests that helped Coon finish up the living room floor one evening. ***** Coon made a visit to TAMC hospital in Presque Isle to receive his 4th pacemaker. He recovered quickly and happily returned to his workaholic habits.

We attended a wedding in Tampa, FL in March, staying in a condo in Orlando and enjoyed having Dan, Christy and Pat join us from Virginia for the week. We visited Sea World, Adventure Island, Universal Studios, played miniature golf, lay around the pool, and just enjoyed being together where it was nice and warm.

In April, I endured a carpel tunnel operation, and took a 4-week break from work. It was nice. to have some time to "help" with our new garage and watch for the beginning of spring. During this break, Coon and I attended one of Myles’ baseball games. I made the mistake of sliding across the wooden bleachers and managed to receive a couple of splinters in my thigh. I was able to stay for game, and even had dinner out, before getting home and looking for the splinters. They were sooooo deep, Coon had to try to cut them out. He managed to get one half-inch piece out but couldn’t get to the rest. We went to the emergency ward the next morning, and after 3 ½ hours which included a lot of cutting and digging by the doctor, I walked out of there with 3 stitches and an inch long splinter still lodged in my thigh! (Yes, the splinters managed to work their way out within the next 3 weeks……)

In May, I drove to Virginia with my friend Lucinda, to visit with Christy & Pat in Bealeton, while Lucinda continued on to visit with her son and family in Norfolk. I enjoyed a wonderful Mother’s Day with my children and Pat’s family in Catlet. We met Dan several times that week for dinner and some quality time together. I was unable to see my grandson Jordan, as his mother would not allow us to have him on a non-scheduled week. Christy and I managed to get away to visit Baltimore Inner Harbor for a wonderful day together. We also enjoyed putting in a large flower garden (and even some herbs for Pat) at their house. It was fun bonding with my grand-dog, Bentley. He thinks he’s a lap dog, but in reality he’s a Dalmatian/Pit Bull; white with black spots, a black tail and one black ear. ***** While I was away, Coon worked on getting the summer furniture out, and the boats and dock in place. ***** We sat for our grand-dog, Ranger (a yellow lab) while Shelly and her family went camping over the Memorial Day weekend. He followed Grampy all over the yard, and was even in the back of the pickup before Grampy decided to go anywhere!

We continued to work on our garage project all summer. We were very fortunate to have some special family & friends help whenever they had a chance. We’d like to thank Ray & Elaine, Dave, Myles, Shelly & Cassie, Claire and Judy, Rudi, Richard, Bobby, Ken, Ronald, John J, and John H. for all the work they contributed. It was such fun to come over the hill from work, and see the progress each day. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends! ***** Coon experienced some laser eye treatment to repair a torn retina, and it was several weeks before his vision was returned to normal.

Bobby and his family were able to share a cabin with us during the 4th of July week. PLC had a potluck barbeque and we played games in and out of the water!, and ate goodies all afternoon. We enjoyed visits from Ike and his family, and several of Shelly & Bobby’s relatives shared the day with us. ***** The middle of July we were devastated by the loss of Coon’s brother Norman. We took a bittersweet trip to Newburgh, NY to celebrate Norman’s life and enjoy the company of his dear family. The trip was made special with the chance to have Sharon and Lorraine Bouchard travel with us, and get to spend some quality time with them.
Merry Christmas,
Laura and Coon (Al)

There's something here for everyone and every season.


For more information or to reserve, please contact;
Laura and Alcide Bouchard
P.O. Box 87
51 Cottage Road
Portage Lake, ME 04768
Telephone: (207)-435-2080
E-Mail: plc@portagelakesidecabins.com

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