October 1999

Note: Click on any photo to see a larger version

I've recently purchased a digital camera. I took this self "portrait" while driving over to Purdue to pick up Ryan for his October break. Jackie (my stepmother) has threatened to turn me in to the authorities... I guess she recently went through a day-long safe-driving course. In case the Illinois or Indiana authorities see this: "I'm only kidding... I was parked along the highway while I took this photo." I've been experimenting with photo collages for awhile now. I did this one for my Mom's birthday... using some new software called "Wright Design 2.1". It's a fantastic program and I'm really pleased with the results. You can upload the files to Kodak's website, and order "normal" photo prints from your digital images. This it too cool!

Since his graduation from Stephen Decatur High School (he was the sole valedictorian), Ryan has enrolled in freshman engineering at Purdue University. Things are going well for him. He's recently pledged ATO fraternity and is a member of Purdue's Sailing Club. You can e-mail Ryan at his Purdue address: stoar@purdue.edu Heather's still President of Junior Achievement of East Central IL. As you can see from the photo above, she's an active gardener (a "Master Gardener" in fact!). She tells me often that her job gets in the way of those activities. Visit her JA website or e-mail her at: hstoa@hotmail.com

Kristin has completed her classwork at Iowa State and is now completing her student teaching assignment. She found out recently that the school district will put her to work as of Nov. 15th... great news for Mom & Dad! She's sharing an apartment with two other ISU student teachers, and it looks like they'll all be staying on with permanent assignments. Kristin loves to get e-mail. You can reach her at: kstoa@hotmail.com.

My mom (Donna) and stepfather Harlow are now connected to Al Gore's (yeah, right) information superhighway. With the help of my brother Scott, they've got their iMac set up and are ready to hear from you. You can reach them via e-mail at: harlow_donna@hotmail.com