December 2022

After a few days in Sequoia National Park last week for all of our family (only briefly at the same time) we definitely feel that it is winter.  The forecast snowstorm did not appear while we were there, but it was cold and there was snow on the ground.  It was Julian’s first time in Sequoia and his first experience with snow.  He loved it! 

As I said in last year’s letter, Jenk and I drove to Austin to spend Christmas with Beth, Nathan and little Julian.  Our Chinese “niece” Linda also flew to Austin to celebrate with us, then climbed in the car for the long drive back to Newhall.  We stopped along the way to show her an old western fort and visited the amazing cacti in Saguaro National Park.  On New Year’s Eve we were joined by our friends Margaret (currently living in Denver) and Melissa for an evening of games.

In February I flew back to Austin to stay for 5 days with Julian.  On the second day I even got to feed him. What a miracle of a child!  Unfortunately I then managed to get quite sick and ended up septic.  Jenk flew out to be with me for a few days in the hospital and then I stayed with Beth and family for in home IV treatments for two weeks.

This year we were able to celebrate Easter inside our home with our usual crew (Sheila and Mike, the Petrie family and us –including Leslie’s youngest, Kaylie.)  How fun to enjoy eating together at one table again!  It was another first for Julian.  After Easter we said goodbye to a family member as our giant tortoise, Fred, moved to a new home in Bakersfield.  He had been with us for 24 years, but needed more attention and a bigger area to roam. 

In June our Finnish daughter, Katianna (who lived with us from 1994-5), her dad, Bosse (who I have known since high school) and her son Bjorn (Marc’s godson) all came for 2 wonderful weeks.  Everyone enjoyed spending some time in Marc and Leslie’s pool, enjoying good food and watching the kids play.

July saw us back on the road to Texas with a first stop in Lubbock to see Jenk’s sister, Carolyn.  Unfortunately our 4 days morphed into 12 days as we all came down with COVID – in spite of vaccinations and boosters.  (It was my second case of COVID.) Luckily it wasn’t too bad, but we had to put off going to Austin (where the Blakes also managed to get the virus).  We did finally get to spend a couple of days with them before heading home. 

At the end of September we set off on our first true travel since the beginning of the pandemic.  We flew to Quebec City with our friends Margarito and Maria, and after 3 days in the old and historic city we boarded a cruise sailing along the St. Lawrence River and eventually to New York City.  In spite of some problems with my oxygen concentrator and some walking issue we had a good trip.  We sailed into New York Harbor at 5:15 a.m. and passed the Statue of Liberty just as my mom, aunt, grandparents and great-uncle did in 1923!  It was very moving!!  During the 4 days we spent in NYC we visited the 911 Museum, and Jenk and I went back to Ellis Island where the exhibits have changed greatly since Jenk’s last visit.  On our return from NYC I spent a few days in Austin while Jenk flew home to take care of some repairs. 

Last week we celebrated Julian’s first birthday.  He has grown so much and has a fun personality. He began walking a few steps prior to his trip to California, but now he is off with confidence.  He even managed walking in boots on the snow!   As we end this often tumultuous year we are thankful for family and friends.  Jenk and I are so thankful for our children, their families and for our friends who are family.  We are truly blessed.  We wish you and your family the blessings of love and happiness in the new year.

Love,

Patty and Jenk