Our 2010 was marked with celebrations and life challenges.  As we and our parent’s age, good health becomes more prized.  Our celebrations more cherished.

At the end of January, we were shocked when Susan was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma breast cancer.  There is no history of this in her family.  Like many other women with the same diagnosis, she began the process by educating herself.  Then we both hoped for good news from further tests and surgery.  The final diagnosis was Stage 1; a small tumor in one breast; no cancer in any lymph nodes; and removal by lumpectomy surgery.  After some healing time, she had 35 radiation treatments in April and May.  She began feeling very tired a week or two into the treatments, exactly as had been predicted. 

She now has nearly 95% of her energy back with only occasional residual pain.  She takes medication to help prevent a re-occurrence—a 5 year program.  Her Oncologist sees her every 3 months and she has an extra mammogram each year!  We now know 1^st hand what it is like to have a cancer diagnosis and the emotional roller coaster that is part of the journey.  We are so grateful for the support of family and friends during this time.  Her prognosis looks great—but we take life one checkup at a time.

Our 25^th Wedding Anniversary was in June. To celebrate, we had purchased tickets for a 3-week group tour of Machu Picchu, Peru and the Galapagos Islands off of Ecuador.  We were scheduled to leave in early April with 4 friends.  Unfortunately, this conflicted with Susan’s cancer treatments.  We had to cancel. 

Instead, in early March, between Susan’s surgery and the start of radiation treatments, we spent a week at a beach house in San Diego.  Only a sidewalk and 200’ of sand separated us from the Pacific Ocean.  We were joined by most of Rich’s Baugh cousins and Uncle George.  It was very relaxing and a pleasant break from Seattle’s dreary winter weather.

Last year, we enjoyed having Susan’s niece Sara live with us for 8 months before she found a new job and apartment in downtown Seattle.  We continue to enjoy time with her for hikes, concerts, dinners, and just getting together to visit.  It’s more fun than having your own children living close by!

An added benefit is that Sara’s parents, Susan’s sister Louise and husband Bob, come visit Sara, which they did in late May.  We enjoyed tours of an organic chocolate factory, a winery and a brewery; a Mariner’s baseball game (and they won!); a walk through Seattle’s waterfront park and lots of time to visit. 

In June, we flew to Evansville, IN to spend 2 weeks with Susan’s family.  Her father was recovering from vein by-pass surgery due to vascular disease in his right leg.  His recovery in the hospital took extra time due to his reaction to some of the medications.  Being there allowed us to help with chores around the house and yard, and anything else to assist in his recovery.  We have learned that time with parent’s is very precious.

As June ended, we drove to Boise, ID with Rich’s cousin Susan and husband Murray.  There we rented a 31’ motor home and rendezvoused with 3 other motor homes (other members of Rich’s family).  We caravanned for a week through the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounding areas of Idaho.  We called it ‘Roots Tour Sequel,’ repeating most of a route this same group traveled in 2001.  Our prime destination was Custer, a small mining ghost town where Rich’s Grandmother was born.  Other stops included the home of Rich’s other Grandparents near Twin Falls and a visit with Bob and Linda Parkinson.  Air conditioned RVs with a bathroom, kitchen and running water made tenting seem primitive—at least Susan thought so!  She may be spoiled forever!

Late July reunited many from our Idaho trip at Lake Mayfield, along with other friends.  This replaced our annual Baker Lake camping event, since that campground is now closed.  We returned to sleeping in a tent while most everyone else enjoyed the luxuries of RVs.  Still, it was relaxing. 

We extended our Lake Mayfield outing by visiting friends Linda and Randy near Randle, WA.  Sunny weather allowed us to kayak down the Cowlitz River together and improve our skills playing ladder golf.

August and early September were dedicated to staying home to do projects.  We renovated our master bathroom by replacing 20 year old carpet with a heated tile floor, refinishing all the woodwork and other minor upgrades.  Rich had a prolific year topping trees to preserve our view of Lake Washington.  There is enough firewood for many years to come.  He also completed some long postponed repairs at our rental house.  It was a short season for picking our wild blackberries—but delicious while they lasted.

August outings were constrained to weekends.  First a stay at the Lake Bay home of friends Becky and Greg.  Our walks and chats with them, topped by Becky’s wonderful meals, are always a delight.  And a weekend at the Bloxham’s lake cabin with so many of our closest friends.  An annual event we always look forward to.

In late September, we departed by car to Albuquerque for their annual hot air balloon festival with friends Pat and Chris.  We took 3 weeks, stopping at Canyonlands and Arches National Park on the drive down, and at Zion, Bryce and Capital Reef on the return home.  Each park was awesome.  Just when we thought we had seen the most spectacular feat of nature, the next park offered us something more.  We managed to hike at least once in each park, though we were challenged by weather in Zion and Bryce.  In Albuquerque, we were graciously hosted at the home of Pat’s daughter, Rachel.  From here, we took side trips to Taos and Sante Fe, and toured several Indian pueblos.  A wonderful time was had by all.

October brought news that the earlier by-pass surgery on Susan’s father’s leg was failing.  There were no options; he had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.   Another reaction to some of his medications extended his stay in the hospital and slowed his recovery.  This was a very stressful time for the family.

As November arrived, the condition of his left leg deteriorated further and was amputated below the knee.  Susan flew home to assist her father and mother through the transition from surgery to rehabilitation.  She returned to Seattle just before Thanksgiving.

We made four trips to Salem to visit Rich’s Mom.  We helped with maintenance chores and gardening during the summer visits.  Our long Thanksgiving visit allows time for fall chores as well as holiday celebrating.  Rich’s Mom still tries to do everything herself to maintain her house and yard in spite of being slowed down by age and geriatric ailments.  Her health remains good, but her strength, agility and vision have changed.  She just celebrated her 84^th birthday.

In spite of our busy year, Rich still makes time to research investment strategies, tax law changes and other events that might help clients of his small financial planning practice.  Changes in economies and laws have been especially prolific this past year – with more coming.

Susan continued her mentoring of Nitza, who is now a sophomore in high school.  She still tutors in the English as a Second Language program at Renton’s community college.

We will visit both of our families during the coming holidays.  Susan will fly home in early December, and Rich will follow on the 15^th.  This will give Susan additional time with her parents, allowing her to assist her Dad in transitioning to a new lifestyle with a wheel chair and helping her Mom.  We both look forward to spending time with Susan’s family of 31as they gather for Christmas.

After returning to Seattle for New Year’s Eve, we will drive to Salem the following day for a delayed Hopkins Christmas.

We look forward to hearing from each of you.  We look back with gratitude for the blessings we have had and look forward to the new year.  We wish you a season filled with wonder and a new year bright with promise.

    Rich and Susan