Farewell 2021!

2021 began with COVID restrictions still in place, bursitis in my right hip causing pain and keeping me from doing all I wished to do, the (not so surprising) diagnosis of COPD, Dave’s ankle causing pain again, and both of us looking to get a bit healthier.

We are ending 2021 with some COVID restrictions starting up again, stretching exercises are keeping bursitis from bothering me too much, COPD is pretty much under control with inhaler use before exercising, we are both many pounds lighter than we were a year ago, and Dave is 3+ weeks into recovery after ankle surgery. Life is really good!

In between all that, it’s been a year of so many experiences we are grateful for: celebrations, reunions, the times of sadness and those of happiness.

 

Dave and Paul enjoyed some father/son time camping and watching the car races at Limerock and Watkins Glen.

Dave’s sister, Linda, came to visit for several days in July. The last overnight guest in our camper, I think!  Was good to spend time together again. 2020 visit was cancelled due to COVID.

Sadly, we lost 2 friends within 5 days of each other in July: Elaine DeSilva and Margaret Weaver. I noted in my journal that it was interesting how they both were “tell it like it is” people, kind, loving, give you the shirt off their back people… and they were both relatively young. They were loved and are missed. We are thankful to have shared this lifetime with them.

 

I spent a “Girls Weekend” with my friend Colleen, her sister Lisa, and Colleen’s friend Cathi. What a beautiful cabin in a beautiful spot in White Lake, NY! It was so nice to spend such a relaxing weekend together. Hoping to do it again.

We also drove down to Maryland in August and enjoyed a visit with my sisters, brother-in-law, niece, nephews, son, daughter, and granddaughter! It had been 2 years since we had all been together, once again due to COVID.

 

 

August also brought news that Camp Westwood seasonal camping area was being closed after the season. So, we sold the camper and most of the camping related stuff. Dave was more ready for this than I. I still miss it sometimes, but do agree we made the right decision in selling the camper. It was a wonderful almost 4 years, but we are quite comfortable where we are now and very much enjoying time with our family. 

September found us taking the ferry to Orient Point, something we had not done in many years. We spent a weekend in a little apartment we found on Air BnB, got to visit with Colleen again (twice in just 2 months!!), enjoyed a little time on the beach at Robert Moses, had a great time at my 45^th high school reunion, had brunch with childhood neighbor and friend Sharon and her mom (so very nice to spend time with both!!), and enjoyed all the food one has to eat when in NY that I’ve been missing (pizza, Chinese, bagels, etc., etc.)

 

October brought us to a celebration of our 41^st wedding anniversary. We spent a fabulous weekend on Block Island. We stayed at the Avonlea and enjoyed the few restaurants and bars that were open. We also got to meet up with Lisa Sprague – Dave hadn’t seen her in many years and this was my first time meeting Lisa. Hope we can spend some time together on our next visit to the island.

 

We’ve enjoyed watching Emma play softball and basketball over the past several months. She plays both quite well; her athletic abilities definitely do NOT come from her Nana! LOL😉

Paula and Frank came to visit us for a couple of nights just before Thanksgiving. We camped out in our little apartment one night, then we all went to visit Paul for the next night. Fun times!

The holidays were pretty much back to normal this year – yippee! We spent Thanksgiving with Paul. On Christmas Day we were able to spend time with all – including Matt’s parents and brother. Was so very nice to spend the holidays together once again. 

New Year’s Eve finds us enjoying a quiet evening at home. Pretty sure we’ll be sound asleep well before midnight and will wish each other a Happy New Year when we wake up to pee in the middle of the night! (The joys of getting older, huh?)

We wish you all a happy, healthy 2022 filled with peace, love, and much joy!

Dave and Kathi