12-31-2025 December

Always amazing to me when roses are still blooming in December

When I wrote the Christmas card to share on the blog, I knew that December would be just a tiny part of that story. There was much to share in this busy and full month, and I don’t want to lose track. As is often the case, this blog post is mainly for me, and I won’t be sending out an email or publicizing it. If you happen to still follow the blog via email or RSS, thank you.

I did steal this image from a facebook post about the fog burying the valley

December began as usual, wrapped in fog. For nearly two weeks, the valley stayed gray and heavy, the kind of weather that presses into a headache and slows everything down. With my strong attachment to decorating for most holidays, especially Christmas, I spent a few days pulling out the decorations anyway. 

Mo and I laughed about how uncentered the tree was based on one's point of view

I waited until the very last moment to put up the Christmas tree and gave myself three lazy days to add the ornaments.

Maryruth and Gerald always serve a lovely meal

Early in the month, we gathered with friends. Dinner with Maryruth and Gerald was a surprise treat when Maryruth called and said, “Can you come to dinner tonight? I have a recipe I want to share.” Maryruth loves to cook, and it is always a pleasure to share a meal in her home.

The book was Atmosphere, fiction about the early days of the space shuttle

Our book club continued our annual tradition of a Christmas party at Kristin’s. As always, it was a special day, with Kristin’s home warm and inviting. Her table décor was fantastic and reflected the book we read perfectly. I think most of us enjoyed the book, even though it wasn’t quite what we expected. It was fun to share the Christmas event with daughter Deborah for the first time since she joined the club last month.

Kristin on the left, then Robyn, Jennifer, Connie, Sue, and Deborah

The Sunday after Book Club, Deb treated Mo and me to a wonderful tour of the local Bear Hotel.  Evergreen Bank has a large facility where they store our summer art bears in winter and our beautiful Christmas panels and 8-foot-tall nutcrackers that line the downtown streets at Christmas time.  On this Saturday, it was the annual Christmas Tree Auction, and Deborah wanted us to see the tree that her workplace decorated and donated for the auction.  

Deb, Sue and Mo within the massive redwood trees at the Bear Hotel

It was a lovely visit, and we were so impressed.  I do hope we can get to the Bear Hotel sometime before summer when the bears are in residence.

We skipped the annual downtown tree lighting because of the fog, rain, and darkness. Seeing photos later on Facebook made us quite happy that we didn’t try to attend. The crowds were huge, and the rain was daunting. Later in the week, a rare break in the clouds brought “a bit of sun,” enough to notice and name, before the fog closed in again.

december morning fog

As I wrote in our Christmas card, December also carried a heavy weight with the news of Mo’s brother Dan’s passing, moments that quietly changed the texture of the days that followed as we adjusted to this sad loss.

Another tradition came mid-month as we turned west and spent a few days at Harris Beach State Park, tucked into our familiar site with a view of the ocean. We walked the beach, visited the holiday light show, ate seafood, and slipped easily into the slower rhythm that comes with salt air and tides. 

Christmas time in the MoHo is always fun, rain or shine

Mattie, as always, loved her beach time and climbed the rocks with all the strength and enthusiasm of a young puppy.

sunshine at Harris Beach in December

Mo and Mattie walking the beach in the sun

After the light show, we attempted to get an Irish coffee at the Fat Irish Pub near Harbor, just down the hill from Brookings. It was a bit of a disappointment, with several minutes of being ignored at the bar and then an Irish coffee served without whipped cream and barely lukewarm. We won’t have to try that place again. Our first time having supper at Khun Thai in Brookings was a completely different experience. A spotless restaurant, wonderful service, and fabulous food felt like a small celebration before heading home the next day.

Early morning at Sunset House on Solstice

The solstice arrived with bells rung at dawn, though there is a funny story about that one. I woke up early on what I thought was Solstice, ready to ring the bells and play the Jethro Tull video of Ring Solstice Bells at exactly 7:03 a.m. In the still-dark morning, shrouded in fog, I rang Mo’s antique dinner bell on the back deck, with it echoing all over the neighborhood. Returning to the house and settling into my morning rhythm, I looked at my calendar and, lo and behold, I was a day off on the bell ringing. I laughed a lot at that one. I should have paid more attention to the calendar notice I added last month. The promise that the light would now begin its slow return was worth celebrating, even if it was a day early.

One of Maryruths neighbors on the right with Deb, Sue and Mo admiring the menu

That afternoon, Maryruth and Gerald once again hosted a lovely Holiday party featuring her favorite appetizer recipes.  It is something she loves to do, but as with all of us, as we age, it is getting harder and harder to manage.  Her daughter-in-law, Gloria, was a tremendous help, and I am so glad she and Maryruth and Gerald's son Mike have relocated to Grants Pass to help their parents.  

After Christmas Eve Chowder with Mo, Sue, and Deb

Christmas itself was simple and good. Deb came to share Christmas Eve with our traditional clam chowder, which she proclaimed was the best ever. She spent the night, fulfilling this mama’s love of kids, young or old, sleeping overnight. 

Mattie loved her miniature lambie present after she figured out how to open it

Christmas Day was lovely as well, with an eggs Benedict brunch shared with Matthew later that morning. 

Matthew was very good at pouring Christmas Brunch champagne

We even had some presents under our tree, something that doesn’t always happen since we have eschewed trying to keep up with that particular tradition. But this year was different. Mo and I opened some truly wonderful surprises, including a framed photo Deb had purchased of the three girls at my birthday party last September. 

Sue and Deb on Christmas morning 

Melody and Robert sent us a beautiful basket full of goodies from our local Harry and David's store.  I have sweet memories of visiting Harry and David orchards when I lived with the kids in Medford in the early 70's 

Deanna sent a delightful electronic photo frame with software that lets each family member add photos for me to enjoy as they scroll by on a side table in the living room. I found that even though I can see photos anytime on my computer or phone, the random display of people I love in the background is so calming and lovely.

Christmas Day treated us to some much needed sunshine

December ended the way we like best: traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pork and kraut in the oven, watching New Year’s celebrations roll across the globe, then settling in to welcome the new year quietly from home. A month of fog and friendship, remembering loss and honoring memory, the light returning, a return to Harris Beach, and a quiet holiday.

One more day of sunshine in the bedroom before the January fog sets in again.

We are now readying for our annual trip south, and with the fog still hanging over our valley, our departure date cannot come soon enough. But that will be a new story in a new year, with a bit of hopefulness that our world might get a little less crazy and a little brighter.

 

12-21-2025 A Christmas Letter

MERRY CHRISTMAS

This year, Sue did as promised last year and started making Christmas cards in July, with more than sixty ready to go by mid-November. She fought the gloom of November and December fog with lots of Christmas lights, beginning in mid-November and finishing everything she wanted to do by early December so that we could relax and enjoy the season.

Dan with his sister Sharon (Mo)

December, however, was sadly colored by the passing of Mo’s younger brother Dan, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dan was an amazing person, a wonderful and caring brother who was incredibly generous with his time and energy and helped us so many times over the years. He could do anything and fix anything. He was also a kind and devoted father, husband, and brother, and the world is less bright without him. We miss him deeply.

The Colorado arm of Mo's Family:  From left, Niece Marcie, her husband Jon, Kallie's husband Josh, Baby Colson, Great-Nephew Danny, Great-Niece Kallie, Great-Nephew David, Niece Susan, hidden in the blankie is baby Klein Joseph, Great-Nephew Phillip, Mo's sister Edna, Phillip's wife Amanda, and Susan's guy E.J.

Mo’s extended family continues to grow, with new little ones born to her great-niece Kallie and her husband Josh, and to great-nephew Philip and his wife Amanda in Colorado. Her great-niece Ashli and her husband Evan, living in Illinois, welcomed a baby girl in October. While we enjoyed many extended family visits in 2024, this year we stayed closer to home and shared family life long-distance, through emails, phone calls, and joyful baby announcements.

Two of Sue's grandkids, Axel and Xavier

Sue was able to see two of her grandchildren while visiting Melody in Brownsville, and her grandson Matthew lives just across the street from us, so we enjoy seeing him often. It is especially wonderful knowing he’ll come over at a moment’s notice if something needs fixing.

2024 Christmas of Sue's Great Grandkid, Orion, Tearany, and Theron (new Christmas Jammies Photo will come on Christmas eve)

Sue's grandson Steven with wife Stormi and son Theron

Sue will see her grandson Steven and his wife Stormi, along with her great-grandchildren Orion, Tearany, and Theron, in Washington State next year, when great-grandson Orion graduates from high school. We’ll be traveling north in June for the celebration.

This past year was filled with many of our usual happy pursuits, traveling in the MoHo, camping trips to the mountains, kayaking some of our favorite lakes and rivers, and visiting local wineries for a break from gardening and keeping up with our sweet little acre here in Grants Pass.

A look back at the year

The view of Mt San Jacinto from Catalina Spa and RV Resort

In what has become a winter ritual, we left in January for California and our favorite spot in Desert Hot Springs at Catalina Spa and RV Resort. This year, we were joined by friends Phil and Joanne from Eugene, and Nickie and Jimmy from Nevada City, California. Our days were filled with swimming, hikes, Palm Springs dining, and visits to the Living Desert’s world-class zoo.

Camping with our friends Phil and Joanne in the middle of nowhere

After saying goodbye to Phil and Joanne, we continued south to Tucson to visit Wes and Gayle, then headed east toward Wilcox, Arizona. One of the highlights of our winter travels was spending time at Chiricahua National Monument, a truly spectacular national treasure.

Hiking in the Chiricahua National Monument

We stopped in Wickenburg to visit long-distance friends Mike and Janna, who have a winter home there, and once again enjoyed Janna’s wonderful cooking. Mattie had plenty of doggie playtime with their pup, Kayce, as well.

Mo and Sue on the American Pride with Mt Hood in the distance

Another highlight of the year was Mo’s annual birthday adventure. This time she chose a cruise on the Columbia River. We spent several days aboard the American Pride paddle-wheel riverboat, enjoying views of familiar Oregon landscapes from the water rather than from the highway above. It was a completely different and delightful perspective.

Jeanne enjoyed our back deck in the warm spring sunshine

In April, we were treated to a visit from our friend Jeanne, from Vermont.  It wasn't a long visit, but we had some good times visiting and eating out a bit.  We will be enjoying more time with Jeanne and her husband Alan when they join us for some desert time in winter Southern California in the coming year. 

Deb and Mo kayaking on Lost Creek Lake

In May, we camped at Lost Lake, just an hour from home, with daughter Deborah, celebrating Mother’s Day together with kayaking, hiking, and discovering waterfalls we had somehow missed over the years.

Sue and Mo on Mother's Day

Deb treated us to a wonderful Mother's Day dinner at an iconic restaurant in nearby Shady Cove.

Camping at East Lake in June can be chilly

In June, we returned to East Lake in the Newberry Caldera for a few days of camping in snow, rain, and just a little sunshine. As always, the kayaking was spectacular.

Our great July 4th campsite at Fish Lake

For the Fourth of July, we camped with daughter Deborah at Fish Lake in the Cascades. The weather was gorgeous, the night was silent with no fireworks allowed, and we enjoyed good food, campfires, and another wonderful kayak day on Recreation Creek nearby. On the way home, we stopped to visit friends Jim and Mata Rust in Rocky Point.

The Board Shanty Fire was much too close for comfort

Mid-July brought a bit of a scare when a forest fire came close enough that we were placed under a Level 2 evacuation order for several days. Level 1 is easy; you prepare mentally. Level 3 is easy because it means Go Now. Level 2, however, is the in-between space of wandering around the house, wondering what goes in the motorhome and what stays behind. Thankfully, we were spared further drama, though it was still unsettling.

All three of Sue's daughters seem to have inherited her love of growing flowers

Later in July, we traveled east to Klamath Falls for a magnificent air show, and Sue went north for a few days to visit daughter Melody in Brownsville. 

Sue and Mo happy with the new truck

In late July, we purchased a new-to-us Chevy Colorado pickup and drove to Portland to pick it up, enjoying a lovely early dinner near the airport with Mo’s brother Dan and his wife Chere.

Hiking, campfires, and kayaking are the best parts of visiting Medicine Lake

We ended the summer camping season in August with four incredible days at Medicine Lake, California, one of our favorite places on earth. This time we shared it with daughter Deborah, enjoying time together and watching the moon set over the lake. It was a precious time.

My favorite photo from our 3 days at the Ocean,  from left, Deborah, Mo, Deanna, Sue, and Melody

Another huge highlight of the year was Sue’s 80th birthday celebration at a beautiful beach house in Rockaway Beach on the Oregon coast. Daughters Deborah, Deanna, and Melody joined us for great food, beach walks, and plenty of girl time filled with laughter, conversation, and shared memories. The girls planned this for more than a year, and it was even better than imagined, a memory never to be forgotten.

With the fall color comes the leaf raking season

The rains arrived early this year, beginning in early October. Flowers responded to the cooling air, and the lower pasture turned green nearly six weeks earlier than usual. The rain seemed to revive the trees, and we were treated to absolutely brilliant fall color.

Many of the lower branches of our old fir now gone

By fall, our insurance company decided our area was too high a fire risk and canceled our homeowners' insurance. Finding new coverage and meeting the requirements to obtain it became another challenge. A considerable amount of tree trimming was required, but everything worked out in the end. Someone joked last month that we now have a 200-year-old palm tree instead of a Douglas-fir.

Thursday Thanksgiving from left, Matthew, Katty, Sue, and Mo

Friday Thanksgiving at Deb's from left, Robert, Melody, Sue, and Mo

The cook who made it all happen, Deborah

Deborah hosted Thanksgiving twice this year, once on Thursday for Sue, Mo, grandson Matthew, and his girlfriend Katty, and again on Friday for Sue, Mo, and Melody and Robert, who drove down from Brownsville to spend a few days with us at Sunset House.

Deb, Sue, and Mo at the Bear Hotel

December has been spent decorating both the yard and the house, with Sue happily cooking and baking in the cooler weather. We finally managed a visit with Deborah to the “Bear Hotel,” a Grants Pass venue that houses the art bears when they’re not lining the sidewalks in summer, along with the Christmas light panels and giant nutcrackers that appear in winter.

We also made our annual December trip to Harris Beach, camping and visiting the over-the-top Nature’s Coastal Holiday light show at Azalea Park in Brookings. Despite forecasts of heavy rain, we were lucky enough to enjoy one full day of brilliant sunshine, perfect for walking the beach with Mattie and taking in the lights.

There’s still a bit more to come as the year winds down: a holiday party at friends Maryruth and Gerald’s home, Christmas Eve here with our traditional chowder, and Christmas breakfast with Deborah, Matthew, and Katty.

Mo remains in excellent health, and Sue is doing well too. We are deeply grateful for the love surrounding us. We are sad to lose those we love and recognize that this is part of living into our 80s. Sue now laughs that she can finally say it out loud: “We are in our 80s.”

I will end this Christmas Card with some photos of the member of our family who seems to be a favorite of everyone who reads this blog and most of our friends and relatives.  Mattie is 11 years old now and is only slowing down a little bit.