2021
I can only think of one adjective for 2021… Eventful!
I was considering not sending another volume of the Collins Courier this year, but I have to show off my two darling grandchildren; Jack and Imogen. It is so fun to be with them even when we FaceTime. Love observing their individual personalities.
For the first time, we did not celebrate Thanksgiving at our house as we all gathered at Derek and Erin’s house.
This summer here in Marblehead was one of the busiest seasons I have ever witnessed in regards to tourism. I think people just wanted to get out and enjoy the sunshine and water here on Lake Erie. Fortunately, there are many restaurants in the area that have outdoor seating. I was able to return to my book clubs, church, and gathering with friends sans masks.
The Navarre family reunion finally took place in July and even though it was a little smaller, it was so great to share so many memories of growing up in Toledo.
In September, Mike and I went on a road trip with Chris and our Boxer, Jackson, to visit Jim and Sarah who moved from out west and settled in West Virginia. They are about a 6-hour drive from where we live in Ohio. Glad they are just a little closer to us now so we can drive instead of flying to see them.
This past October I attended an alumni celebration at the University of Detroit, now known as the University of Detroit Mercy. This was the first time I had set foot on this campus in 50 years. I met up with my friend Sharon and drove to the campus where we met Jane and her husband, Jim, who also were alumni. We had a lot of catching up to do. It was wonderful reminiscing about our time at UD (1967 to 1971)!
Derek is still working for Netflix, remotely. On February 16th, Jack Pearson Collins came into the world. It is hard to believe that he will be one year old this coming February! Erin is going to start her clinicals for nursing in January at Cleveland State University.
On June 15th, Imogen Brady Collins was born and she is almost exactly 4 months younger than Jack. Finally, a baby girl in the family!! Ryan recently accepted a new job at GuidePoint Security, doing cyber security consulting, and will be starting in January. Annie is back working part-time, and remotely, with her counseling practice. They bought their first home in Powell, Ohio (which is close to Columbus). Both Ryan and Derek rely on Mike’s expertise when it comes to anything having to do with landscaping.
Chris is now an uncle for the first time and likes holding his new nephew and niece. Recently, he started a new part time here in Marblehead. He was able to attend his first pro football game with Derek at the Cleveland Browns stadium. Unfortunately, they lost! Will we ever see them in the Super Bowl?!!
We wish you all the best in 2022!