2018
Merry Christmas! Although if this volume of the Collins Courier is late then I hope you all had a great Christmas. My reasons for the possibility of sending this out later than usual are many. Please bear with me!!
I did not work in Lakeside this year as promised and I told people that this summer was going to be the “Summer of Barb”. That did not pan out as I thought. Let me start with our 75-pound boxer, Jackson. I thought I would be just taking these long walks everyday but he had different plans. He likes to stop about every 30 seconds and sniff things! Mike increased his working in Lakeside and so Jackson’s care fell to me. As a side note, I no longer recycle plastic bags. They have taken on a whole new purpose for me! For those who have never had a dog (this is my first time to be an owner), just email me if you don’t understand about the bags.
Now to Mike, for a few years, he has had pain in his left hip and we knew it was arthritic. Well this summer it got worse and on Nov. 5th he had a total left hip replacement. It is now over a month of recovery and he improves little by little each day and hopefully has transferred from a walker to a cane by the time you read this. So now responsibility to Jackson totally belongs to me. Are you feeling sorry for me yet?!!
Chris sold his house and moved back with us at the end of September. We are waiting to hear about the closing date anytime now. Move in will probably take place in early January. So, another male to take care of! At least he can basically take care of himself, unlike Jackson, but the increased laundry and cooking have taken some getting used to.
OK, now I know you really feel sorry for me! Yes, I know this is only temporary. Chris will move out, Mike will get better and take over some more of Jackson’s care. Well maybe all of it! I told him that he should stay home and I would welcome going back to work in Lakeside as I love to meet and talk to people. I am thinking perhaps working at the shuffleboard court! Haha!!
In 2019, I am again planning the “Summer of Barb”. Since my two college roommates and I turn 70 we have a trip planned to travel down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Coronado. I would love to rent a VW Bug for this trip. Not so sure that is an option but looking into it. Also, finally applied and received our passports and hope to travel to some far-off places with our sons. Plans are in the works for a get together with the Navarre cousins (my mom’s side of the family) and If I am counting right that could be 24. We all grew up in the Toledo area and have such fond memories of having so many of cousins to play with. When we moved to Marblehead when I was 10, we always had wonderful family reunions with them.
This has been a different year with unexpected changes and this newsletter reflects that. Stay tuned, it can only get better. I am counting on that.