Merry Christmas 2009!!    Peace, Family and Friends

 A TASTE OF PARADISE
We started 2009 searching for warm weather in Hawaii, with plans to stay nearly a month.  We rendezvoused in Honolulu with Susan’s sister and brother-in-law (Louise and Bob).  In three days we took in Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri, strolled Waikiki Beach and hiked up Diamond Head for a breath taking view.

All of us flew on to the Big Island and were joined by friends Pat, Jane, Rae Anne and Tom.  It was a reunion of a trip we all made to Maui 5 years ago.  Our rented 4-bedroom condo was wonderful; located adjacent to the ocean.  Each morning started with breakfast on the deck while watching whales and spinnaker dolphins!  In the evening we enjoyed spectaculat sunsets.

In addition to beach-bumming, the group made a day-trip to South Point (most southern point in the US) and Volcano National Park, home of Kilauea.  An “after dark” hike over old lava flows allowed us to watch lava flow into the ocean –from a distance.  The group also kayaked across Kealakekau Bay, to the place where Capt. Cook was killed.  It’s also Rich’s favorite snorkeling spot on the island, and the source of many fish photos.  Everyone had such a good time a future reunion trip will surely follow!!

For the last half of our Hawaii trip, we were joined by Rich’s cousin and husband (Susan and Murray).  Rich found us a nice condo just across the street from the 2nd best snorkeling beach on the island.  We made a second trip to Kilauea and hiked a road mostly covered by lava in the 80’s.  We also kayaked to Capt Cook’s monument and this time saw lots of spinnaker dolphins and 2 gray whales in the bay.  What a sight.  What a wonderful vacation!!

THE NEW MIDDLE AGES— 60, 60, 60
As the years pass by, suddenly 50 doesn’t seem so old anymore!  Four of our close friends turned 60 this year.  We, and about 35 friends, gathered for a 3-day celebration in Troutdale, Oregon to pay them homage –they are too old to get any respect!  It happens!

After the party, we visited Tom and Cheri Rice, who live near by.  This was the first time Rich and Tom had seen each other since attending college together.   Susan had never met them, but their funny, news-style Xmas letters, made our time together feel like old friends.  They treated us to a wonderful brunch—fit for royalty!!

VISITING FAMILY
Early June took us to Indiana for a visit with Susan’s family.  Her Mother was suffering from spinal stenosis, making walking very painful.  While she waited for surgery, we helped Susan’s Dad with gardening and yard help.  Yes, at 82 and 83, they still have a substantial garden—they are amazing!!  Mom’s surgery was successful and her recovery is now complete.  Both Mom and Dad remain in good health.

Our arrival triggered the annual summer Spindler reunion.  The immediate family now numbers over 30!  Susan’s niece, Amanda, graduated from high school, inspiring a trip to Indianapolis to congratulate her.
 
Mid-June took us to Salem for a Hopkins Family Reunion with Rich’s brother Ron and family from Florida, and uncle George from Seattle.  We all helped his Mother with needed yard work and house repairs. In between we played and enjoyed each other’s company.

Mid-July took us back to Salem for a visit with Rich’s cousins, Debbie from Virginia, and Bob Parkinson from Idaho.  Since Debbie loves yard work and gardening, we spent time together working in Margaret’s yard.

In September we flew to Chicago to care for Susan’s 2 nieces while her brother, Alan, flew to California with Lori for 6 days to celebrate his 50th birthday.  We arrived 5 days early to give Caitlin (age 3) and Brooke (age 2) some adjusting time. Both girls were so much fun.  They had us laughing and relearning how to enjoy the little things of life! Their “I love you” melted us!!  We gained a new respect for Lori’s role as “full time Mom”!

VISITORS AND RENEWING OLD FRIENDSHIPS
Susan’s niece, Sara, moved from Daytona Beach to Seattle in pursuit of a career change. She arrived on Rich’s birthday in April and moved into our guest room to help defray costs during her job search.  Before, she was a reporter for a Florida newspaper.  Starting in November, she provides customer support for a company that maintains a database and web site listing geocaching sites throughout the world.  Geocaching is a treasure hunting activity where you navigate with a GPS.

Her time with us has been good for all 3 of us.  We have learned to be more spontaneous (we tend to lose that as we age), and introducing Sara to life in the Northwest gave us an excuse to do fun things we have been deferring!  For Sara, she has a place to call home and family who can offer her moral support when job-searching frustrations arise.  We will miss her when she moves into her apartment.

Rich’s niece, Kelly, joined us for several days during our ultra hot spell in July.  She is studying dance, in particular African dance, and visited Seattle for several days of classes.

Susan’s high school friend Cheryl and husband Paul, from Cincinnati, joined us for a day after their Alaskan cruise.  It had been over 40 years since Susan had seen Paul, and at least 5 since she had seen Cheryl. We had a wonderful time.  Being together reminded Susan of their very special friendship bond in high school.

We also had dinner with Jeannie Shaw and her husband.  She and Rich worked together at Boeing, but had not seen each other for at least a dozen years. It was a fun reunion.

ENJOYING THE NORTHWEST
Our moderate summer weather, and avid hiker Sara, drew us out to numerous hiking trails.  Our favorite was a hike through meadows in Mt Rainier Natl. Park.  Joined by friends Pat and Chris, we enjoyed wild flowers and scenic views.  Other hikes took us to para-glider launch sites and other scenic viewpoints.  We also enjoyed trips to wineries in eastern Washington to sample choice wines with friends.

In August, we attended the last annual Baker Lake campout.  The campground will be closed for at least 2 years. This event has been bringing a group of families together (30-70 people) for 32 years.  In the 30 years Rich has lived in Seattle, he has attended with the Anderson clan all but 4 years.  A substitute location is in development, but we will miss the calm lake framed by snow capped mountains.

DRUMBEAT OF LIFE
Susan continues her busy schedule with Book Club, Scripture Study, Children’s Hospital Guild and church activities.  She continues mentoring Nitsa, who is now a freshman at the local high school. Wow, 9 years together!

She also continues her tutoring at Renton Technical College, but is seeing fewer ESL students and more GED students.  Their challenges are much greater and they are in need of patience and encouragement.

During the sunny months, Rich’s time evaporated into travel (and travel planning), bicycling, kayaking, painting the exterior of our house, yard maintenance and working with his existing financial planning clients.  A lack of time prevented him from putting planned effort into growing his financial planning business.  Now that winter is here and he is trapped indoors, he wishes he had made that time to solicit new clients.

Our guest bedroom is once again available.  We hope you will contact us next time you visit scenic Seattle.