Greetings, all!
It has been a year of fun and happiness, along with uncertainty and concern, for us here in California. We did a little traveling, got out of the house a little more often, participated in a few more activities, and moved a little closer to what life was like before the coronavirus changed so many things for everyone.
At the beginning of 2021, we got our first COVID-19 vaccination shots, followed by our second doses in February. (We got our booster shots a couple of months ago, so we are as protected as we can get at the moment.) By June we felt comfortable enough to fly to Texas to visit our son Ben and his wife Lisa. We had not seen them in person in over a year by that time, so our stay with them was a real treat. By the fall, David felt safe enough to audition for a play at Theatre 40, where he has worked before. He was cast, and enjoyed being part of the fully vaccinated and protected production of “As Good as Gold,” a new comedy. The production’s run was cut short by a water leak in the school building where the theater is located, but it was fun while it lasted.
Both Pat and David took a number of online classes over the course of the year; Spanish and literature for Pat, acting and improvisation for David. We both look forward to more classes in the new year.
Early in December, Ben and Lisa came to visit us here in California, and we all went to the two Disneyland parks. That was a great time. As of the writing of this note, we will be flying to Texas in a few days to spend Christmas with Ben and Lisa at their home. We will be back home shortly before 2022 arrives. We are very excited to share the holiday in person with the kids.
With COVID-19 cases increasing right now, we are pausing plans for the new year that involve traveling or large gatherings. We hope that things settle down soon so that we can enjoy life as fully as we would like. Meanwhile we will continue with our online classes, video chats with Ben and Lisa, and other such low-risk activities. Life is as good as you make it, and we intend to make it as good as we can while staying safe and healthy.
We hope that you have a safe and healthy holiday season and New Year!
David and Pat Westbay
