Christmas 2016
Season's greetings to you all from a cold, and recently frigid, Portland, Oregon! This year saw several trips across the pond, returning to a “Snomageddon” in December, when Josephine and Richard landed in a snowstorm that brought Portland to a standstill. Fortunately Jennifer saw the impending calamity, and booked a room within striking distance of the airport.
Hard to believe that Richard is now entering his 10th year as IT manager of the Bureau of Development Services at the City of Portland. A good chunk of that time has been trying to replace the City’s aging permitting system. Now one vendor down and still going. But as he often says, “If technology were simple, I’d be out of a job!” Richard had a great 50th birthday touring Portland distilleries by limo with close friends. He continues to learn about the art and science of whisky, which is also known to improve with age!
Jennifer has continued with her speaking, coaching and spiritual studies, and crafting her new vocation helping people to get present to themselves and whatever they are dealing with in their lives. She has enjoyed being house mama for Josephine but is preparing for the next stage in life…”empty nesting!” That means a lot more time to pursue her new career and developing her business goals and vision.
Josephine is now in her senior year (second year of 6th form) and working toward graduation in June. The year started with a trip to Paris for Josephine’s 16th birthday and ended with checking out universities in the UK with her dad. Top of the list currently are Edinburgh and King’s College, London. She is applying to US universities including Yale, Williams, Brown, as we write this letter. It has been a very complicated, confusing, challenging for the whole family navigating the higher education application process in two countries. Josephine has a job as a barista in a local cafe owned by Dario who she met through her music teacher. She has enjoyed learning the art of coffee and community, and relating with customers, their culture and language, including some Russian and Bosnian.
Sadly, we had to say a fond farewell to our adopted Australian Shepherd this year. Richard swears he saw Raleigh out the corner of his eye the other day. So we guess his spirit is still watching over us, and keeping those pesky squirrels at bay. Though Percy seems to have taken over that role extremely well.
Our warmest regards and best wishes for 2017.
Richard, Jennifer & Josephine.
Richard, Jennifer & Josephine.
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