Wow! We made it! 2024 is Here!

2023 was a long year for Christian and Ian

There was sadness with the loss of two family members. Both of Ian’s grandfathers passed this year. Fortunately, Ian was able to attend the celebration for each of them. However, it’s never easy to say goodbye.

Mom, Dianne, moved to a memory care facility in June. She’s doing well, but she managed to break her hip. Fortunately, she recovered quickly and was back to the regular home in under 3 weeks. Mom appreciates the cards, so please keep sending them. (Contact me for an address.)

Luke passed away in March 2023. He was doing just fine, then started to act sluggish. Within 3 days, pneumonia had taken him from us. It was tragic that it was the same day as one of Ian’s grandfather’s passing.

2023 had some exciting times too

Ian attended The International, the DOTA2 final competition. It was his first solo trip ever. He made some friends at the event, and he had a came home without a voice. Of course, he bought a shirt for Christian, but he keeps wearing it as pajaamas.

Christian headed to India for a week of work. He doesn’t like the 24 hours of flight time, but he enjoys the people, the culture, and the food. He’ll probably go again in 2024. Works been good to Christian.

Christian joined Brian in Hawaii for his birthday, which put him in hot water as it was the same weekend as Christian and Ian’s first anniversary. Wow, Ian loves Christian enough to forgive this oversight. Clearly, Christian will have to work out Brian’s birthday and Ian’s anniversary needs better. Here’s a photo at the southernmost tip of the United States of America.

We wrapped up the year with a family (Christian, Gabe, and Svenja with spouses and kids) holiday on the Oregon coast. We filled an old house on the beach with smells of food and football watchers. We had a 10# Prime Rib, and we drank for 5 days. Fun times.

2024 has begun [added after the new year]

We had been planning a road trip to pick up a new-to-us German Shepherd. We’ve had our background check complete, and we had our calendars scheduled. We’re heading to the Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles. That’s where Luke was found, and we’re hoping to find another amazing kid. Check back soon for an update.

Snow had been minimal this year. Until the 6th of January. Let it begin! We started to worry about road conditions and motorhome travel. Christian has ordered both Oregon/Nevada required chains and the bigger California chains, just in case. We’re heading out on the 14th on January as long as there aren’t any closed roads. Fingers crossed.