This year forced us to wrestle with our “aging dilemma”.  Instead of counting our birthdays, we have come to realize we should instead begin counting down our years.  Our dilemma focuses on two near term goals, (1) the need to downsize and move to a smaller house while we are still able, and (2) the desire to have fun, travel and see the world while we are able.  We learned in 2023 that doing both at the same time is really difficult.  There just aren’t enough days in a year to do both.  This year, travel won out. We spent 99 nights away from home, but are not much closer to finding where to move.

The highlight of our travels started in May with a 43 day trip to Europe.  Our trip was broken into 2 parts.  The first was a 17 day guided tour of the Loire Valley of France with our friend Pat and Rich’s cousin Susan Thorson.  We traveled by bus and bullet train.  This was followed by a 6 day transition stay in Paris before starting a 20 day cruise up the Danube River from Budapest to Amsterdam with  our friends the Bloxhams and Sharps.

We were in awe of luxurious estates like Chenonceaux, Villandry, Versailles, the Wurtzburg Residence and the many cathedrals.  A significant contrast to small towns like Limoges, Sarlat and Wertheim, which revealed the history of everyday people through their farmer’s markets, outdoor eateries and many churches.
Paris has its own appeal; Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral (still under re-construction), a boat ride on the Seine, and more.  And we won’t forget the French cuisine and wine. 

Traveling up the Danube and Main rivers, and down the Rhine, we passed through 68 locks and 5 countries, with stops in 12 cities.  The view from the river is a unique way to see the many small towns and castles that line their banks.  A ship also allows hoteling in the center of large cities (Vienna, Cologne, Amsterdam) while being treated to 4 star dining every lunch and dinner, and local wines.  Our luggage wasn't the only thing overweight when we returned.

It was an amazing trip, producing many stories and pictures of our adventures.  We are now inspired to do yet another – Italy looks to be next. A challenge to our “aging dilemma”. 

Other travels included 9 days in San Diego being tourists and visiting friend and former Seattleite Linda Hurst.  We did some typical tourist things; walked the beach boardwalk, dinner in “old Town”, and a tour of the aircraft carrier U.S. Midway, and more.  We also got to share some time with Rich’s cousin Rob & wife DeeDee. 

We attended the Spindler annual summer get together in Evansville, also visiting friends Dan and Kathy Wickard, and Susan’s friends Evelyn and Catherine.  We returned in November for the wedding of niece Ann Marie, and will return again in December for the annual Spindler Christmas events.  We are always so grateful to Susan’s sister Louise and husband Bob for hosting us during our stays.

We found time to attend sporting events for a variety of Seattle’s teams, including 10 matches of the Sounders (Major League Soccer), an OL Reign match (women’s soccer), 2 Mariners games (baseball), a Thunderbirds game (junior hockey), and Rich attended the Seahawks season opener (football).

We made a little progress on the moving front.  We started discussing nearby candidate areas to move to, but haven’t explored any specific residences.  We plan to put more effort into this next year.  We both agree we are aging faster than we are moving on this front.  One positive step.  Rich finally listed his 1972 Camero for sale and sold it in January.  It hadn’t been driven since 1989.

We  continue to enjoy good health, but not without some aches and pains.  Retirement keeps us busy.  Susan has regular book club and scripture study meetings.  Rich still has financial planning clients, as well as attending to our own investments.  Our yard and house maintenance demands more time every year, maybe because we move slower than we used to.  We also have regular events with friends, including holiday and birthday celebrations.  All in all, life is good.  We are still kicking.....

Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe 2024.

Rich and Susan