MDC Family Letter

Hello Family,

This is what 's been happening with us since the reunion.  Miserable week getting Calvin and Phoebe caught up in school (missed the week of school for the reunion) but it was worth it.  Graham has started school (normal traditional calendar).  We survived the hurricane (minor impact here inland) but I went one Saturday to help cleanup trees in a town closer to the coast.

Calvin got his belated bday gift shooting an M1 rifle (WWII infantry rifle).  All the boys went and we had fun.  Next birthday for him may have to be Normandy.  He is most of the way through the long Ken Burns documentary on WWII.

We celebrated my birthday with good fanfare. 

(Pictures of above stuff attached in pdf file).

Rick arrived just over a week ago and we took him straight to the mountains and visited Asheville.  We went to Biltmore Mansion.  This is the 'largest residence in the US.'  Built by the poorest Vanderbilt brother (grandsons of the first Vanderbilt industrialist) in the 1890's.  Over 130,000 sq ft, indoor swimming pool and bowling alley, beautiful oak panels all over, large pipe organ, etc.  We felt most at home in the servants rooms....but I think I could adjust.  We walked around the beautiful gardens and greenhouse and also visited the barns/farm area.  In addition, we hiked Mt. Pisgah, donned our swimsuits and did sliding on a natural rock slide in a mountain river.  To add a little food in, we did some apple picking.  Couldn't help but come home with a few gallons of apple cider in the back of the car along with the box of apples.

Rick just happened to have come from visiting his friend in NYC who grew up in Asheville.  When he found out we were going there he called his parents and arranged for us to stay at their home for two nights.  They were very nice and Rick and I helped them clear some land up the mountainside they own our last morning there.  The old guy was climbing around tree branches with his chainsaw and I was pretty sure we were going to end the day by taking him to the hospital to reattch a limb, but luck was with us and no accident occurred.

The summer heat really broke just a week or two after you all left.  I wish you could have all come back for labor day to enjoy the mild North Carolina weather.  I hope you all a good fall and a cup of cider!

Love,

-Matt Clawson


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