Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Adios 2013

It's been another fun year, more or less. Mom's 2 heart attacks were not so fun, but she keeps her sense of humor so they have provided us with some laughs. Our various trips were great, and having company (niece Lindsey, Jon-Erik) kept us entertained.

Tom shared his Cebu New Year's Eve fireworks displays with me via Skype - that was amazing! We marvel at the opportunities modern technology keeps offering. It was possible to view the Dubai fireworks show live online - incredible! We have a cruise planned in November that will end up there; I'm looking forward to seeing that city in person. Anyone we've talked to who has been there just raves about it.

Best wishes to everyone for a productive and enjoyable new year!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

December

Obviously working from home hasn't increased my posting activity! The new job is coming along - it's been a long time since I've been the "newbie" anywhere, and it does take some time to get projects up and running. But I've done some great traveling already, and become familiar with a few issues so I can contribute to favorable resolutions. A challenging learning curve but I'm enjoying all the new opportunities.

Tom was in the Philippines when their recent typhoon arrived, but the hotel was well prepared and he didn't suffer problems reported on the news. He's decided to stay in the country; he and a friend leased a condo for the winter. This gives him the chance to travel around the island of Cebu from a home location. We visit on Skype frequently (except during brownouts, which seem to occur intermittently!) although the time difference causes a bit of confusion - he's already on tomorrow while I'm just finishing up today.

Jon-Erik has decided to start on a Master's in Public Administration at Portland State University, since his job search didn't result in any offers. A lack of experience was the biggest obstacle, I'd say. He's in Bozeman for Christmas, then begins class in January. Tom and I will visit him in March - we just happened upon a great hotel deal and jumped on it.

Pam's Mom experienced 2 heart attacks this fall but is doing fine: cardio rehab sessions a few times a week, and no housework, doctor's orders! Family got together and hired a cleaning service for them, which they are thrilled with! We're relieved she's doing so well.

Let's see if I can really improve the frequency of posts in the new year!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Changes!

Another six months have passed...I need to be a little more dedicated to this blog!

Tom and Pam took a cruise in May: New York to London on Oceania. It was a great trip, although the weather was decidedly spring-like: cool, rainy days in Nova Scotia and 3 days of thick fog while crossing the Atlantic. Cork and Dublin were fun, and we played trivia with some neat people. We added a few extra days in London, enjoying performances of Billy Elliott and Wicked.

After that cool weather trip, we took a trip to Las Vegas in July with Jon-Erik. We stayed at the Monte Carlo, and Jon-Erik scored a gorgeous corner suite at Paris. It was fun exploring the city with Jon-Erik, who has made several trips there and new some great places to see.

Pam has moved on to a new position: Statewide Consulting Librarian with the Montana State Library. It was sad to leave Bozeman Public after 16 years but this opportunity came along and couldn't be ignored. This will involve a lot of travel but also the chance to visit new places in the state.

Jamie is crocheting up a storm and selling her creations, mostly on Facebook. She has made beard hats and other cool items. We formed Triple H Crafters so Mom and I can also have a place to sell items.

Tom heads back to warmer climates soon, traveling to Thailand, Singapore and other Asian destinations before going to Mexico and Texas. He completed his new shower project so we have a great new shower downstairs! The rest of that new bathroom will be finished next year.

Now that I will be working from home maybe I'll have a chance to post updates a little more often!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

2013 - a quarter past?

I was informed recently that 6 months have passed since the Wedding (the newlyweds mentioned they'd realized it was their 6-month anniversary!). So why no posts? Have we been busy? Not really...Tom stayed in Montana until almost Thanksgiving. Jamie had her hip replacement surgery December 31 and is recovering nicely. Friends and I made 43 scarves (knitted or crocheted) for the local Special Olympics athletes in February.
     Now it's Spring! Daylight lasts longer, snow is disappearing - just waiting for a robin. We had a nest off the front porch last year, and I'm hoping someone will move back to that location this year. Turkeys pass through the yard on a regular basis (the cracked corn I toss out probably has something to do with this).
     Cruising is in our futures. Tom and I will cross the Atlantic, stopping in Canada and Ireland before landing in London. Jon-Erik and Tom will cruise New England - a graduation gift as Jon-Erik will be a new librarian by then! I'd like to see him find a job, but if he doesn't find something he'll begin another master's in the fall.
    Once Tom returns he'll get started on a few projects (new decks, a few windows, the yard, of course!). We'd like to get some little trips in too. I attended a conference in Butte and would like to go back for a weekend to explore more. So maybe we'll have a bit more news!