Blessed in Many Ways
We survived 2021 well, as did most of our friends and family.
We sheltered from the epidemic, read good books, ate home-cooked meals, watched old movies on Netflix, but missed out on gatherings around which we normally built our lives. Eating out is no longer normal.
We got our vaccines early and the boosters as well. We remain cautious, avoiding places that are sloppy with health regulations. We wear masks.
Gathering with friends -- outdoors
We both played more music and spent a lot of time on the computers, reading newspapers or playing games. By year’s end we were reviving some gatherings with small groups of friends and neighbors. Will life ever be the “old” normal?
Sanders’ back surgery was delayed until April, but then was easy (relatively speaking) and recovery has gone well. Pat had similar surgery with the same surgeon at Stanford the year before, and she feels great.
By January we had been vaccinated, sure the end of Covid was in sight. Unrelated, the first part of the year seemed to be filled with doctor appointments, testing, back surgery and even one quick trip to emergency room where I was treated successfully for diverticulitis.
Spring was glorious as usual here in the foothills.
The back yard garden 
Out front 
Roses in Spring
By May we were able to take off camping on the north coast with Ruth and Brian and their kids. A nice break in the Redwoods.
The "fake it school" of mandolin 
Last day of our long trip
By August we were dodging smoke, and one fire that came too close.
We were ready to leave when they got it under control
In the Fall we made a two week trip in our old VW camper to Monument Valley and Utah, Colorado and Nevada.
Our humble cabin in Navajo Country
And a short day trip to Yosemite, to make sure it was still there.
Fancy lunch came in a box
Pat stays very busy as a key member of our church’s Parish Care group. She delivers food, provides rides but most important shares friendship and love — something at which she is an expert. She has resumed playing her psaltry.
Sanders slowly resumed important activities such as poker with friends, music every Tuesday night, and getting back to volunteering at the state park. His music friends even performed several weekends at the local farmer’s market. “Home Grown Tomatoes” was his big hit.
Son Zack lives in Spokane, Washington. He caught Covid, ended up in the hospital for several scary days, but survived it well and joined us at Christmas. He has a new job, and great attitude about taking care of his health and is very upbeat. His daughter lives near him and he is now a grandfather.
Daughter Ruth and her husband Brian continue to live near us, and are learning how to adjust to an empty nest: improving their home, working but mostly getting ready for their daughter Delaney’s wedding in the Spring. Delaney moved to the Boston area where she is a doctoral candidate in bio-engineering and her husband-to-be is a medical student. Connor is a now senior at UC Irvine.
Soon to be inlaws
Christmas week turned white
Our wish for you in this New Year is good health, and joy to share..
God Bless you every one.
