WHERE to begin? 2020 has not been the successful launch of the roaring new decade we all hoped for back in January. We’ve been challenged in ways that are still hard to fathom. We’ve been forced to look inward and ask if we are up to the task of modifying our behaviors in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. We appreciate many of life’s simple pleasures, like an ample supply of toilet paper, and wonder if we’ll take all-day breakfast at McDonald’s for granted again if and when it returns. Deb and I join millions of involuntarily separated family members settling for Facetime and Zoom conference connections with our grandchildren. It’s like a post-apocalyptic novel, right down to the killer virus and the egomaniacal president, but, hey, at least my car is getting two weeks to the gallon.
Travel in 2020 included San Francisco in February for a family reunion, Scottsdale in March to see the James Gang, and Delano, Long Lake, Maple Plain and Minneapolis during the rest of the year.
Phil, Molly, and Theo (6) moved to Minnetonka to be closer to Phil’s and Theo’s schools and to have more room for Theo’s sister, due to arrive in early January. Phil teaches fifth grade in St. Louis Park. Theo is in first grade in the Spanish Immersion program at recently renovated Cedar Manor (where I went to kindergarten) when he’s allowed to attend class in person. Molly continues to work remotely for AFS Intercultural Programs. We’re excited that the family lives much closer now and look forward to being able to resume the weekly visits that ended with everything else.
Deb and I celebrated our 40th anniversary in November with, of course, a Zoom party with the “kids” and the Grands. Deb retired completely this year, deciding not to pick up occasional shifts at Hennepin HealthCare once the James Gang returned to Arizona. She continues to be a whirlwind of activity, never slowing down in her roles of grandma, farm manager, ranch hand, gardener, equestrian, homemaker, devoted friend, and loving wife. There are now nine horses to care for on the farm, including the newest addition, Penny Pop Pop, a Halflinger pony acquired for the Grands after Trixie Trot Trot succumbed to old age. There’s also two dogs and five cats. There’s never nothing to do.
I’ve been working remotely 99% of the time since March 17th. We’ve stayed busy at Bridge Law Group and it’s hard to believe that the firm has practiced apart from one another for more than eight months. We all have a wonderful working relationship and manage to stay connected through thrice weekly Zoom conferences. Besides practicing law, I’m celebrating my tenth year on the board of TruStone Financial Credit Union and serving my second term as chairman of the board of the TruStone Financial Foundation. In my spare time, I’m still a photographer.
We look forward to being able to congregate with our friends and family in person before too much longer. We hope and pray that you all stay safe and take solace in your ability to rise to the challenges forced upon us, managing to survive, or thrive, in spite of all the strangeness. Have a joyful, healthy, safe holiday season and save me a hug. I miss them.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year!
Sam & Deb
