2014 Recap

Merry Christmas from Nate

I declare the year to be a winner! 2015 is forming in front of me, revealing an

inviting glow to journey forward. Never have I ever imagined being so happy and

enriched at this stage of my existence!

I’m blessed to have an expanding circle of friends, with the most nurturing ones

being a collection of my Osher Life Long Learning Institute writers group, now

numbering 17 stalwarts. We collaborated in producing an anthology of short stories

and poems, marking my second participation in such a creation. When asked

what I do I typically respond, “I’m a writer!” Sometimes people are even impressed,

and it’s a nice departure from, “I’m retired!”

Our travels have taken us to South Florida, the Bahamas, Washington D.C., Boise Idaho, Salt Lake City, Utah, Iowa

and Birmingham, Alabama.

A major undertaking has involved being assessed for a cochlear implant,

first at the Biloxi VA, followed by the Birmingham VA, where implants

are performed by the VA. Having learned that Medicare covers such a

surgery, I’m now being prepped for the procedure in Jackson, as its proximity

is more inviting and doable. All of this is generating heighten level

of anticipation!

Bottom line, I’m a blessed man with an inordinately compatible and

nourishing spouse with whom to gracefully grow into my elder years!

Merry Christmas from Sandra

What more can I say? I confirm all the blessings Nate listed. Plus—I continue

to grow vegetables and have begun to teach organic gardening. I

am teaching a seminar this spring about how to be a healthy, vital centenarian.

No, I don’t have direct experience, but I’ve read about others who do. We have rich relationships with our children

and grandchildren. We have joined a small Unitarian Universalist church that inspires us. And yes, I am blessed

beyond measure to be growing old with Nate.

Lucy, 2, is melting Grandpa’s heart.

With beauty and grace, Ariana turned 40. Our grandson,

Sachin, wows us with his first grade accomplishments.

Grandma and August, 6, play nicely together.

Samantha, 17, and Max, 16,

will be in college in a blink of an eye.

A memorable experience this October was our trip to Germany to learn more about Nate’s family. His grandfathers and

grandmothers came to America in the 1800’s. We contacted our friends, Hans Jorg and Claudia Suss and asked them for

contacts in the tiny village of Rodheim that isn’t on the map. We were met by Sigurd, an English teacher, translator, and

guide; Helmut, the museum curator and specialist on the history of the area; Ekke, another English teacher, and guide;

and Gerhard, Nate’s German cousin. These people guided us through the region for several days teaching us history and

culture. We visited the church that was built Catholic in the 1100’s and transformed from Catholic to Lutheran during

the Reformation. Nate’s ancestors were baptized and attended there. From there we went to Wurzburg to visit our

friends, Hans Jorg and Claudia to see this classic German city and wine villages at the height of Octoberfest. We felt a

heartwarming connection with our German friends.

Our best wishes for peace on earth and a healthy and happy year ahead.

Love from Sandra and Nate