I guess it’s about time that I posted something to catch up and let you all know how I’m doing and what I’ve been doing. I’ve actually been quite busy. After preparing for Janie’s Celebration of Life came Christmas. Jess was out of town and I celebrated dinner quietly with Leslie. But earlier in the day we enjoyed going to daughter-in-law Katie’s and opening gifts with her, the granddaughters, and the grandsons-in-law.

This month I’ve gone to the opening game of the new Seattle Torrent women’s hockey team, I’ve been to 3 ham radio gatherings, and I went to a Travel and Adventure Show with Katie. The Torrent was fun (and expensive–but I suppose I’m in for sticker shock with anything I go to.)

Jess just moved back to San Francisco and I’ll miss him a lot after having him close for the past couple of years. At least it will give me an excuse to visit San Francisco. I got that chance last weekend already! I had given him some assistance in figuring out what to do with his stuff. His lease was up January 25^th so he needed to get everything packed up. Mostly he packed and got ready on his own with some help from Leslie and I. He had been working on getting an arrangement in San Francisco to manage an apartment building in exchange for free rent, which he had done before. He had a car to get down there, so I agreed to drive with him. On the morning we were to leave, he slipped and broke his ankle so we had a detour to the emergency room! We were finally able to leave Sunday afternoon, and he was to meet with his new boss Monday morning. Most things were being sent by movers, but he had a carload of miscellaneous along with his cat. I felt like an 18-year-old making an impromptu, straight through, all-night run to San Francisco! We made it in time, and I flew home Monday night. Jess is able to get around on a boot but the next few weeks will be difficult.

Copilot

Stairs to Jess’ apartment

I’m also planning a couple of upcoming trips. First, I’m tagging along with Katie and Emma to Phoenix for Spring Training. We’ll be meeting Emma’s boyfriend Zack there. I’m also going to stay a couple of days to visit my cousin Bill and his wife Sue. The big trip is Sweden in April. Our friends Tim and Annalena live there and Janie and I have visited twice before. We loved it there! None of us are getting any younger, and I thought I should take the opportunity to go again. I’ll be there 2 weeks. During the past few weeks I’ve been getting my travel documents ready – passport update, enhanced driver’s license, and TSA precheck.

A couple of days after I get back I will be volunteering as a radio operator at the Olympus Rally. (If you don’t know what that is, it’s easier for you to check their website than for me to explain it. www.olympusrally.com)

For Christmas 2024, I got a whiskey smoking kit from granddaughter Kat, but I never got around to trying it. I wanted to share it with a group. This year, I was determined to get something organized. The kit includes several different kinds of wood chips, a holder for the chips, and a torch. I gathered some friends yesterday to try it out. We had six different kinds of whiskey. It was a lot of fun and easy to do once I tried it out. I plan to do it again because some of those who were interested were not able to participate. Also I’m going to try using the torch one of these days to make some Crème Brule.

In the last few years I have felt that I never had enough time to do everything that I needed to do, much less everything I wanted to do . I attributed that to the time required to care for Janie. I’ve since realized that was not the case. I’m still not getting things done, but I have no excuse. I’m just a procrastinator I guess.

One really exciting event that occurred recently is that my brother Bob celebrated the end of his cancer treatment! I was able to be with his family when he came out of his final treatment and rang the “I’m finished” bell. It’s been a grueling year of chemo and radiation for him. He accepted it bravely and optimistically. His attitude paid off!

Although I miss Janie terribly, I feel like I’m doing okay. I very much appreciate the support of my friends and neighbors. I’m taking life day by day and not worrying too much if I have some down days. I’ll report again soon, at least after Spring Training.

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