Compton Christmas 1998

 

Well, sports fans, another year has rolled around, just like that. And what a year it has been with the Volunteers making their run for the SEC championship and the national title. Nancy got to see two games (Alabama and Arkansas) at Neyland Stadium, with Steve making it to the Arkansas game (the Vols by a miracle!) to celebrate his birthday.

Progress was made at home too, not the least of which was the mortgage burning. Ah, dreams of retirement!!! We got the place painted and landscaped, and spent the rest of the year piddling. Steve also bought a new Nissan truck, for gardening fun like hauling rocks for around the hole he dug for the new backyard pond. Also, for those of you getting this letter online, you can view Steve’s renewed interest in genealogy within the zip files attached. Seems that we go back to at least 1735, with no convicted horsethieves or murderers (identified yet).

Summer here was a roller-coaster ride, with two road trips through Knoxville and the Smokies, Pikeville and Huntington (the first to celebrate Aunt Del and Uncle Earl Bevins’ 50th wedding anniversary). During the first Pikeville trip, Steve and sis Janene, with able assistance from husband Loney, arranged to replace their mother’s weatherworn tombstone. A somber task, with some more of life’s little perspectives. Nancy and Steve also took a side trip to Asheville to visit the elegant Biltmore Estate. Alas, Steve was also hospitalized in September for pancreatitis, ulcer, and sundry infections. <Ugh> But he is completely better now and ornery as ever. He is even taking care of himself (!). His work continues to be challenging, with Y2K and implementation of the IRS Restructuring Act on the top of his list.

Nancy’s exciting work related news this year was beginning a new assignment on March 16 as the Executive Secretary reporting to the President and CEO of FedEx. She works with two other assistants and has been able to incorporate a 4-day/10 hour schedule. And, speaking of time on the job, Nancy celebrated her 20th anniversary with the company on May 1. Two months later she became a member of Executive Women’s International. This is a group comprised of local professional businesswomen representing their companies in the Memphis area.

San Diego was a new place Nancy visited in June, along with other members of the Memphis Chapter International Association of Administrative Professionals (formerly Professional Secretaries International). When we weren’t attending seminars, we were visiting the San Diego Zoo and watching the San Diego Padres play St. Louis. Even though Mark McGwire didn’t hit a home run, he was still awesome to watch.

In anticipation of the fast approaching holiday season, Nancy made her annual trek to Atlanta to visit her brother and family and shop with Debbi during the week before Thanksgiving. Then, in mid December, Nancy visits her parents in Knoxville.

Ellena and Adam are doing fine, having returned to Hawaii as part of their first anniversary celebration. Ellena was recently selected for a new FedEx job managing an operation in Pensacola. She and Adam will be gleefully relocating after the holidays. They will join us down in the Panhandle for Christmas.

Steve and Nancy Compton

And the Felines: Winnie, Flash, Gracie, O.W. and Lucie

WISH YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

GO VOLS—1998 SEC CHAMPS!