Ok, so here it is. My memory is becoming a bit suspect, but with the help of many, I've come up with a summary of what we have been up to these last twelve months. 2021, for all its problems, disasters, and disappointments, is still, we believe here in Carlisle, much better than 2020. On the heels of Trump’s failed coup attempt, the start of the Biden-Harris administration brought us great psychic relief and some hope, as did the role out of the COVID vaccines. In late January, Dickinson tentatively welcomed back some students, and Asun and I did our best to make a unique, “hybrid” semester seem, if not normal, at least palatable and somewhat productive. We survived it. Most of our energy was directed at just getting by and staying free of the virus. Consequently, the winter and spring were kind of a blur. Lots of work and little fun. Nonetheless, in February (or March?), we did have a wonderful weekend visit with Colby and Daniela in Winthrop, and Meng was able to join us, which made it that much more fun. In March I ran the Two Rivers Marathon in Lackawaxen, PA. Unfortunately, it ended prematurely and rather badly: in Mile 24 I became completely dehydrated and my calves balled up, seemingly permanently. I had to be assisted by medical personnel. Quite mortifying. On the other hand, a month later, Andrew ran his first marathon quite successfully, always a big accomplishment! I accompanied him for the second half. In May, I had a great time running the Potomac River Marathon in DC. No serious cramping! We got to visit with Amanda, Grant and family the night before the race, and even got to see Thea!
Most thankfully, late May brought a welcome visit from Alma, Amadeo, Miles and Mateo! Not long after arriving in Carlisle, Amadeo ran an ultramarathon in Endless Mountains State Park. That's no joke! Amadeo had to deal with lots of technical climbing and thousands and thousands of feet of elevation gain. We had a great visit with Jay and Karen Ohlsten on the way back to Carlisle! And then it was on to Little Compton, where we were so happy to be together with our big, wonderful extended family! A truly splendid two weeks! Shortly after returning to Carlisle, Cristina kind of tricked us into a canine adoption. But it couldn't have turned out better. We love Tronco, the kindest, sweetest doggie imaginable! He loves having two places to hang out. In August, Asun & Cristina went off to Spain for Cristina's dissertation research and time with Cristi, Javi, June, tía Isita, and friends. Spiritual renewal for Asun! But the big excitement in August was Daniela and Colby announcing their engagement! We are so, so happy. We love Colby; he and Daniela are an amazing couple!
In October, Andrew got a big promotion at Maven Clinic, where he has been working for over a year now! He is a Staff Software Engineer and oversees a big team of engineers that make telemedicine possible. Also in October, Amadeo ran an amazing marathon in Chicago! (Ohhh, just missed his Boston Qualifying time by 30 seconds!) And then, ohhhh, ISABEL POPP joined us on October 29th!! Wow! What a date for this family-Amy, Savannah, Isabel!!! She is the most incredible, beautiful, little bundle of joy! We are happy beyond description for Cristina and Andrew. (Family: you can get a link from Andrew for a password protected site where there will be lots of photos on the little wonder.) In November, I ran my fourth marathon of the year and my fastest yet. Harrisburg! (Ohhh, and like Amadeo, I just missed my Boston Qualifying time! By 11 seconds!) Thanksgiving was wonderful. Everyone home for the first time in some years! Most recently, Alma announced she will soon be starting a new job with Wayfair. She and Amadeo have already bought a house in Brookline. An eventful year. Above all, we are so grateful for the love and support we get from all of you!!! Gracias!! For 2022 we hope for more travel, more time with family and friends!
In more or less chronological order, here are some images from the past year:
