Where does the time go?  Getting ready to put this holiday news update together, I realize how time flies.  But according to Einstein, time and space are relative so I will relate what has been going on since you last heard from us.

We moved into a new home in a 55+ community.  We really love it here. We still go up to Vermont in the summer.  The biggest change in Vermont is that this year we installed Starlink, so now we finally have high speed internet there.   In Florida we are taking advantage of the amenities the community offers; Donna bikes and swims regularly and John is about to start a walking program.  So, in our new home we have plenty of space. John has an office; Donna has an art studio, and we have a spa area with sauna and hot tub. 

In 2021 Donna had a crushed vertebra, frozen shoulder and in November a fall that landed her in the ER trauma unit with a fracture to the orbital floor of the right eye.  John was wonderful taking care of her despite dealing with his own aches and pains.  Fortunately, we connected with some new doctors that were able to get relief from his neuropathic pains.  Donna had surgery in early 2022 for the orbital floor repair which went well and continues to slowly heal. 

Thinking it might be safe to cruise again, we went on a Cunard cruise of New England and Nova Scotia in July.  It was wonderful but despite all the precautions and being fully vaccinated, we both got Covid right after we finished the cruise.  Down for the count for about a week and then fatigue and brain fog for about a month.  We are back to wearing masks in crowded spaces.

And it gets better if you have an odd sense of humor.  John got a tough stomach bug that had us concerned.  Donna’s turn to take care of John.  As he was getting dehydrated, we went to the ER or tried to.  On the way there, a deer jumped in front of the car.  We were OK; the car and deer did not fair well.  While on the side of the highway John lies down in front of the car to assess the damage.  As it happened, an ambulance was coming in the other direction, and saw a guy lying on the ground in front of a smashed car.  They pull a U turn and come up behind us.  So, they gave John a ride to the ER.  Got to love Vermont, this would not happen in Florida. Since the car was towed away, friends came to our rescue to pick us up from the ER when he was rehydrated and released.

The rest of the story was a real cluster F&*) #!  The car could not be repaired right away, so we went back to Florida.  When we came back to ger it, only then do they tell us it is totaled.    So now we have a new car.  And we are hoping for a new year with less adventure.   

This year we both lost weight, Donna intentionally and John from the persistent stomach bug.  So, we are trying to eat well and stay active.  That should keep us busy and hopefully away from ER visits.  As evidence that life is returning to normal, Donna did this painting of the 100-foot Christmas tree in Delray Beach.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

With all our love,

John & Donna