Starting as a dreadful continuation of the year before, 2021 improved dramatically with the availability of vaccines. While the pandemic isn’t over, the fear of death has substantially abated, and a semblance of normal life has resumed. Dorinna celebrated with a trip to Colorado Springs, while Rich met his friend Doug for a backpacking trip in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park.
Dorinna overall had a hard year – even after a replacement, her hip still isn’t doing well. She has had other annoying medical issues and is too busy at work. While an unfortunate reflection of the world, it’s a great time to be a therapist. Between the need in the community and increasing her training and consultation business, her business is thriving. And the extra income has afforded her the ability to buy some really nice shoes.
Nate welcomed the return to in-person school for 7th grade and is doing great. He keeps busy with Dungeons & Dragons, playing the tuba, WAVE (an after-school activity where they do a mock space mission), and archery. He even tried a wrestling camp (not for him). Over the summer, he flew by himself (!) to Oklahoma to visit his birth family. His biggest recent development: BRACES!!! He has a good group of friends and we all do a lot with them and their families. We are loving that!
Rich has returned to his co-working office and resumed his bicycle commute. Skiing, hiking, bicycling, and working out has increased his fitness level. On his road bike, he climbed to the top of Rist Canyon for the first time in 14 years. He completed a 40+ mile backpack in Wyoming’s Wind River range with his friend Jon, and is up to 100 pushups a day. With a promotion at work, his job responsibilities and rewards have both increased.
This year’s family vacation was a trip to Washington state. We spent most of it on the Olympic peninsula, visiting friends Kevin and Lisa, hiking, and whale watching. Nate had his first beach backpacking trip. We ended the trip with a few days in Seattle, visiting more friends and the usual tourist destinations.
The house enjoyed a set of upgrades- we had the backyard landscaped and after a long saga converted our back porch into a sun room.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Das Haus von Ruh — The Family Page 