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May you be blessed with the joy of Christmas all year long!
Our 2015 was busy with a blend of work and travel. In 2014 we set out to sell 3 cars, 2 houses, and a bicycle, and buy a new car. Last year, we accomp-lished only half of the list, but continued working on it this year. We sold the 2nd house, the 2nd car, and bought a new car. We’re getting closer.
We started this year by spending 3 weeks in Hawaii to re-motivate ourselves. We divided our time between Maui and Kauai, and were joined by different friends and family on each island. Highlights included a whale watching expedition, a hula dinner show, a chartered flight over Kauai, a drive through Waimea Canyon Park, and lots of snorkeling, beach time and sunsets.
Upon returning, and while still relaxed, we focused on test driving new cars. We wanted a hybrid (for our environmental obligations) and a touch of luxury (not so environmental). We ended up with a loaded Toyota Avalon, and have been very pleased with it. We sold our 1996 Maxima on Craigslist to the first person who looked at it. Two more milestones completed!
With new wheels, we returned our focus to prepping Rich’s Mom’s house to sell. Mom moved out in June 2013 and the family has worked to get it empty and ready for sale since then. It took 3 trips to Salem in March, one in April, and 2 in May before getting it listed. To our surprise, within a week, we had an offer over our asking price. It closed in mid-July. Everyone celebrated – it concluded a time consuming effort for many in the family. Another milestone completed!
We celebrated the sale and our 30th wedding anniversary with a trip to Wenatchee. We departed a week before the area was ravaged with forest fires. No implications on the future of our marriage.
July took us to Evansville to spend 2 weeks with Susan’s Mom and family. Susan's Mom is still managing at home thanks to all the assistance from family members in Evansville. Her neuropathy and hip pain has worsened and mobility has become more difficult. Cortisone shots provide some relief, but only temporary.
We made multiple trips in the second half of the year to visit Rich’s Mom in Salem. We now get to visit with her instead of working on her house. She now lives in an assisted living facility. We sleep on a fold out sofa in her apartment. Her health has declined only slightly over the year - a good thing. She still has very little use of her left arm and grip with that hand due to paralysis from previous strokes. She can walk very slowly with a walker, but often uses a wheel chair.
Rich’s brother Ron and family joined us on one visit. They traveled from Orlando, allowing all of the Hopkins family to be briefly together.
In September we packed our bags and headed to Europe. We traveled with 8 friends and were gone for 3 weeks. We started with 3 ½ days in Amsterdam, then flew to Berlin to join a tour group. This was our first experience using a tour company. We found they greatly increased our exposure to history and local culture. We explored Berlin for 3 days before heading to a river ship that was to carry us up the Elbe River to Prague. We were surprised to learn the river’s water level was too low for the boat to move. The group instead traveled to the same destinations by bus. Highlights included a local wine festival, dinner in a majestic castle, museum displays depicting life in East Germany while under communist rule, and more. We concluded our trip with 2 days in Prague after the tour ended. Prague is to architecture what the Louvre is to art. We really enjoyed every day.
Just before leaving, Susan had her 5 year breast cancer checkup. Her blood test revealed increased levels of a cancer antigen. So after we returned, they did preventive PET and CAT scans. This revealed an anomaly in the tissue lining her brain. To determine if it was cancerous required a biopsy and cutting open her skull to gain access to the tissue. This major surgery was delayed until mid-November. She was in the hospital 3 nights before returning home. A week later, we learned the anomaly was rare, but benign. Very good news! These 3 weeks were extremely stressful; not knowing if it was cancer or if the surgery would cause any cognitive impairment. The loving support of family and friends through prayers, food, visits, etc. brought peace. We are truly grateful.
Susan's hopes for 2015 included taking on some new volunteer work, but time just didn't allow for it. Instead she began the process of downsizing our possessions at home in preparation of a move in the next several years. Her friends in Book Club, Scripture Study and Children's Hospital Guild continue to bring much joy to her!
A new project for Rich this fall was going through pictures and genealogy materials his mother had been archiving away for many years. He invested just enough time to get everything organized. After scanning 100 photos, the real work is still ahead.
Even with all these other activities, Rich made time for his financial planning business. When several of his clients joined us on the trip to Europe, he had to work hard to not talk shop.
We return to Evansville in mid-December for Christmas with Susan’s family. Upon returning to Seattle, we will drive to Salem on New Year’s Day for the Hopkins Christmas.
We still have a few incomplete items hanging over from our 2014 list. The old Camaro is targeted to go this spring, along with that extra 10 speed bike. We are also starting to clean out our basement. Craigslist ads are being prepared for everything from fine china to a dining table to scuba gear. Downsizing will continue through 2016.
Wishing you a season filled with wonder, a new year bright with promise…
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