As we are finishing up 2006, we think about what went on in our family this year:
Winter
We began the year in Colorado, where we spent New Year's in a mountain cabin and going skiing.
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The "mid-century style" guest bathroom in our house got a remodel with new floor and wall ceramic tiles, a glass counter and sink, modern faucets and hardware, a glass block window, and skylight.
We went on a vacation to Mexico, spending three nights at a resort on the Riviera Maya before doing a driving trip around the Yucatán. Stops included Tulúm - maybe the most beautiful beaches anywhere - ancient Mayan ruins at Cobá and Chichén Itzá, the colonial city of Mérida, and Cancún which was still rebuilding after last year's hurricane.
Sandy is still selling cruises, tours, and other travel at Rancho San Diego Travel. She belongs to the Prost club of travel professionals and also attends many seminars throughout the year. She is treasurer of the La Mesa Methodist Foundation and was involved in putting on some of their events.
Lee still works for San Diego Community College District where he teaches in advanced hospital corps courses at the Naval School of Health Sciences. He serves as Lay Liturgist and communion server at church. This year he began participating in monthly Ensign-class sailing races.
Spring
Sandy's mother Fay is thriving in the house in Vista she moved to last year. She continues to volunteer several days a week at Tri City Hospital. Sandy and Fay went on a trip to the Netherlands and traveled by riverboat. They visited an interesting combination of cities, towns, and countryside and saw the flower fields in peak bloom. Fay also got a new car after a hit-and-run driver totaled hers (luckily, she wasn't injured).
Lee's parents live at Casa De Las Campanas in Rancho Bernardo. His father, Darb, has gotten stronger despite last years stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side. His mother, Louise, visits with him in the health center several times a day - they enjoy having visitors, going to eat in the Casa dining room, getting cards, letters and email, and making phone calls.
Sandy's son Andrew - a physical therapist - and his wife Pam - a Certified Public Accountant - continue to live in Denver, Colorado with their children Katie and Braden. Sandy went there for Mothers' Day and to see both kids perform in the Denver Shakespeare Festival. Braden is in Third Grade and Katie started Middle School this year. Both kids achieve top grades in school and they are also outstanding in soccer and swimming.
We enjoyed seeing plays at the Old Globe Theater while working as ushers there. We also continue to be season ticket subscribers to the Lambs' Players' Theater. It was on the way to Lambs' in Coronado that we were hit by an SUV on the freeway that changed lanes into us without looking (same day as Fay's accident!). Lee was able to keep control of the car even as the other spun around, but the whole right side of his Subaru Baja was badly damaged. Despite the serious (and frightening) impact, we both escaped without injury. Two months (and many thousands of insurance dollars) later, he was very glad to have it back.
Summer
Andrew and Pam drove out with Katie and Braden. There was a big beach party in Coronado for Sandy's birthday on what turned out to be their hottest day ever. They also attended a performance of "The Sound of Music" at Mt Helix with us.
After the parents went off on a hiking trip, we had our time with the children. They enjoyed times at Balboa Park, sailing trips on the bay, the Soak City water park, the zoo and Wild Animal Park, visits with California friends, and more beach days.
Sandy's son Rob is a lieutenant in the Cobb County fire department. He has a new station this year and continues to be involved in training new firefighters. His wife Barrie is an instructional aide and substitute teacher at the neighborhood school their daughter Emma attends. They live in Lilburn, outside Atlanta, Georgia. Emma is also in Third Grade and excelling in school and outside activities. She did a university-based enrichment program in science and has accompanying top grades. She has been playing softball and is now considering taking up clogging.
Autumn
The daughter of friends was getting married in Marin County, so we had a lovely weekend in San Francisco attending the wedding and all the festivities as well as celebrating our own anniversary.
Sandy's sister Paula and her husband Lee continue to enjoy their retirement together in Oceanside near to where Fay lives. They are in constant touch which is a blessing for all of them. Lee had major surgery but has recovered very well.
Lee's sister, Barbara (Sister Marietta), is at the Cor Jesu monastery in the mountains of New Mexico. She is involved in administration and in the education of new members of the Handmaids order.
Sandy made a short trip to the Hawaii, looking at hotels, sights, and activities in areas of Oahu besides Waikiki. A highlight was hiking in the rainforest followed by a five mile downhill bike ride with spectacular views over Honolulu.
We began the holiday season with a trip to Sequoia National Park. We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at Wuksachi Lodge and spent our days among the mountains and giant trees. A highlight was hiking an 8 ½ mile round trip, 2000 foot climb to Heather Lake.
We always look forward to hearing your news by way of letters, cards, and notes! Also by email:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2007!
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