Missoula Musings: January 2021

As we come to the close of 2020, it's certainly been a year for all of us like no other. It has been a year that had some sadness and stress but also some opportunities to do things we haven’t done before! I feel blessed to have had Ron and Ike, Kathie, Bethany and Freddie as a part of our “pod” We’ve had opportunities for lots of “togetherness” time.

Ron had 3 coronary stents in February which gave him a new lease on life! We’ve enjoyed hiking, boating, camping, gardening, and caring for the grandkids. He resigned from his position as an autism consultant in September- 10 years was good. With the pandemic and health issues, it just was no longer a good fit. He volunteers at church doing yard work and a major landscaping project this year.

Nancy released 45 pounds in 2020 for a total of 60 pounds since starting Weight Loss God’s Way journey in July of 2019. I’ve enjoyed quilting, gardening and volunteering at the church to help keep people connected during these trying times. I also am passionate about the Family Promise ministry both in our church and in the city, helping to raise 8 million dollars last year for a new Family Housing Center!

My weight release has given me increased energy and ability to hike mountains and see places we’ve never seen in the Missoula area. Some of my favorites were the bitterroots on the North Hills, Holland Lake Falls and so many more. It's unbelievable how many places Ron and I walked, hiked and explored with grandkids and kids. We even dusted off our 40 year old tandem and added a tag-along bike for granddaughter Bethany! Enjoy a video with highlights of these places!

Erik had another surgery in March. In June he decided to leave the Border Patrol for health reasons and is looking for new opportunities. We have enjoyed seeing him a little more since then! He’s become quite the cook and bread maker too! His sourdough is amazing!

Ike continues to work with Diversified Plastics and volunteering at the church and raising his two wonderful children.

Kathie- continues to work for the Forest Service as a civil engineer. She will be moving to work for the Bureau of Land Management in January. She and I bought a long art quilting machine and she’s becoming quite proficient at it!

Bethany started Kindergarten- remote school with Nana 3 days a week. Learning to read! Learning to quilt with Nana and Mama and build a bench and a couple of birdhouses with Papa

Freddie is a ball of fire- very much a 2 year old! Always on the go. He attends daycare 2 days a week and Nana and Papa three days Talking up a storm and is potty trained!

Liz has a new position as a Lecturer of Criminology at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, about 30 miles from Boston. She continues to work on her dissertation, hoping to finish it and graduate with her doctorate in May.

Chris was fortunate enough to be able to keep his position as an Attorney in the Louisiana Department of Revenue’s Litigation Division.. He works remotely from Andover with periodic trips back to Baton Rouge as needed.

Overall, life has been good this year, in spite of COVID. We’ve been offered many more opportunities that we probably never would have explored. May the new year bring even more opportunities to all of you. In closing, here is a video that summarizes our year!