Blessings

December 18, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,

Guy and I are thinking of you, and wishing that we could share the holidays with you in person, here by our Christmas tree standing in the windows overlooking the fields and forest of our beautiful winter world. The last months have held many challenges for us, as they have for some of you, so it is with special sense of blessing and appreciation that we send our greetings this year.

Fortunately, we have only good news to share. The forced retirement that happened for Guy in 2009 has become an opportunity for both of us to appreciate the other, to have a fuller, richer, more enjoyable life together. My father’s health crisis, which led to our family’s moving our parents from their home to an apartment at the same assisted living complex, with hours of care available and a more supportive and sunny environment, has resulted in his complete recovery. He is immobilized by a much worn-out knee, but he enjoys his days with his beloved Dorothy at his side. He will be ninety- one in July! Dad and Dorothy no longer spend time at their house in Jonesport, but Guy and I love the special place, the sea and the community so much, we go as often as possible.

My own health took a tumble this year, but my outrageous blood pressure has finally stabilized. I am feeling better, with a strong appreciation for the help and guidance of my brother, who provided advice and support. Just last week a wonderful nephrologist offered optimism and alternative medications, so next year, watch out world!

We have our wonderful family to be thankful for, and they are the joy and light of our lives. Guy’s daughter Sandi and her partner Doug live in St. Pete. They visited us in Maine in 2009 with their son Zachary, who is five. At the time our lovable yellow Lab, Jaden, was just a few weeks old. Boy and puppy frolicked through the fields, memories that Guy and I cherish. We hope Sandi and Doug return soon! Sandi and Doug have five children between them. Sandi’s daughter Christina had a beautiful baby boy this year, Aiden, so Guy has a Great Grandson! Her daughter Rachel lives nearby. Guy’s daughter Michelle, her husband Kambiz, and their daughter Shadee, who is four, live in Tampa, where Kambiz is a partner in a Martial Arts School, and Michelle is Chief Deputy Court Administrator for Pinellas County. Michelle’s older daughters, Kimberly and Annette are doing well with Kimberly now in high school and Annette starting Law School in September. Shadee and Zach as well as the older children all enjoy Guy’s frequent visits to Florida. One of the personal goals Guy and I set is to insure that he is able to see his family in Florida more often, now that the “open road” isn’t keeping him away from everyone.

Guy’s youngest daughter, Tracy, and her husband Tony live in Monroe, North Carolina. Tracy stayed there when we left, with her three young children. Her oldest son, Taylor, is now an adult, and lives in Asheville. Her son Alec spends time with Tracy, Tony and their daughter Alice, as do Tony’s two children, Kayla and Peter.

My daughter Pia and her husband David live in Liberty, just fifteen miles from my doorstep, thankfully. They are both artists, but during the past six years most of their creativity energy is lavished on their three beautiful daughters, my treasures, Ruby, Stella, and Ursula (five, three and one).David is a cabinetmaker, and a maker of fine musical instruments, violin, and guitar. You should see them!

As I write this, I wish I could insert pictures, but I am just not that computer savvy, still very much a Luddite! No Facebook for me, thank you. But you will find Guy there for sure!

When Guy spends time in Florida, you can often find him with his sisters, Priscilla and her husband, Kent, and Phyllis. His sister Rose and her husband Frank live in Connecticut, and stay a week at a camp in Maine. We enjoy seeing them when they are here! Guy loves time spent with nephews and nieces and their families, who also live in the St Pete area some of the year. They are all very close, and embrace each other in a big family way. Stephanie and her husband Vic came to visit us this summer, and we enjoyed showing them Maine’s beautiful midcoast, lobster and all, having a wonderful time together. They want us to visit them in Long Island, but it is very hard for us to both get away.

My sisters and brother and I also enjoy our forever special love for each other. David retired a few years ago. He and Sydney sail the Caribbean for much of the year. When they returned to Maine this year, they bought a new house, smaller than their big Victorian where they raised their children. David loves and continues to practice medicine, working at the hospital when he is in Maine. Their daughter Willow and her son Zeb live nearby; daughter Ariel lives in Colorado, and son Sky lives in New York City. My sister Meredy lives in Maine, she is a writer, and directs the University of New Hampshire creative writing program. Two of her sons, Zachary and Ron, live in San Francisco; son Morgan and his wife Elizabeth live in Austin with Meredy’s beloved grandson, John. My sister Carole and her husband Dan live in New Hampshire. Two of their sons, Emerson and Brackett, are in college; their daughter Brittany runs a music store. Their son Dylan married the love of his life, Kristy during a magical wedding in Rye Beach last summer.

I continue working at Maine State Housing Authority, a time well spent providing affordable housing to low income families in Maine--and there are many. January marks my tenth year there and it is no coincidence that I have been out of touch with many of you during that time. My days are full, between family, work, and the farm.

Yes, I still have four horses, and one sweet palomino pony. My beautiful bay Arabian stallion, Czar, will be twenty-seven in March. When she was twenty-six, our favorite mare, Chici, had a filly, Legacy. Legacy will be twenty three in March! Redhaven Kia and Redhaven Rebecca are daughters of Czar, both still teenagers. Lacey, the pony, is a pale blond girl of ten. Lacey loves my granddaughters, who enjoy their visits, feeding Lacey grass or hay. Caring for the horses and their place keeps me balanced, in touch with the rhythm of the natural world, focused on the present. Since he is retired, Guy provides much help with this, and it is a joy for me on those many days when he joins me in the barn, and smiles in the cold as he waters or tosses hay. He has even finally learned their names, and knows their personalities!

Guy has resumed writing, and has a blog that many of you are familiar with, http://guybo-onemansview.blogspot.com/. His talent for both the inside and outside of the computer/technological world remains his primary fascination. His satisfaction sitting there for hours befuddles me, but it is wonderful that he is so proficient and enjoys it so much. Since he retired, Guy has become the primary cook and bottle washer, so that when I return from work at seven only to head out the back door to do evening chores in the barn, our meal is ready when I get up to the house.

Guy and Jaden are quite a team! Jaden keeps prodding Guy to go for walks or to play tug. It is a sight, watching Guy in his bathrobe, tugging on his pipe, walking down through a slightly snowy field with a pudgy yellow Lab placidly strolling beside him, accompanied by our two brother cats, Hobbes Folky and Loki. We are really very, very blessed.

Our old farm holds us gently, warmed by a new Hearthstone woodstove, looking out from a new deck my son-in-law built for us this summer; we both know how lucky we are. We hope that you, too, are enjoying your lives fully, healthfully, and lovingly. We are sending our wishes for all good for you and your loved ones this upcoming year. Stay in touch. We care about you.

Now, a note from “the man”:

I do not have much to add to what my partner-in-life has already said except that I feel very, very blessed. I owe a debt of gratitude to Prozac, which has allowed me to get off the worry-wagon and get on with life. Aside from the pharmaceuticals, I owe much, so very much, to Sandy, my wife. A word to all of you out there who trail me in years: Keep an eye for the white water, for beneath are the rocks. But above all, enjoy the voyage. There is no return trip.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!