As this is written, it looks likely we’ll survive 2020.
So many haven’t. It’s beyond counting, almost beyond comprehending. For America, and the world, 2020 has been the worst year of the century. We pray things get better in 2021.
Here we’re having dinner last summer with our friend of nearly 40 years, Michael Pete. His restaurant at the Hyatt Regency downtown was closed and it looks like he’s retiring. This is the closest we’ve come to a restaurant, except to pick up food, since March.
Jenni kept her mind busy with work. She started working from home full time when the pandemic hit. She had to take a pay cut for half the year, but the money came back. She was also offered early retirement and turned it down. When work is done, she reads. And reads and reads and reads.
I worked for InvestorPlace and Kiplinger. I also produced some short stories on my blog, around the pandemic, that may turn into a short book. She’s the money, I’m the chef, the maids come twice a month.
John came home twice from Minnesota, first when the pandemic hit, later when he needed space to write. We were able to spend time together and I learned he’s a brilliant man. As the year ends, he’s still working hard toward his Ph.D.
We are happy Robin came back before the borders closed. She is using her time to deal with her past, organize her things, and figure out her path with Dr. Joan Teach, whose Lullwater School sent her on trips to London, Washington D.C., and Costa Rica.
Travel was kept to a minimum. Michael and I went to the Smoky Mountains in the summer, then Jenni and I did it in the fall. Jenni and Robin drove to Texas for a group baby shower, while I worried. Our plan is to spend Christmas with John in Minnesota, giving Robin some needed space.
We’ll mask up, avoid other people, and try to celebrate survival.
This is not what I envisioned 65 looking like. But here I’m enjoying the end of a 21-mile bike ride with John, at Arabia Mountain Park in Stone Mountain. I thought my body aches were time doing its business Turns out they were the byproduct from 20 years on statins. I changed statins, got some physical therapy, added some CoQ10. The pains are easing, making way for the next pains.
In December I was interviewed for a podcast about the history of technology and suddenly realized how much of my own life is now history. The rise of PCs, the evolution of the Internet, Moore’s Law, the cloud – I’ve seen it all.
It’s been a great career, a wonderful life. I hope to continue for a while more, but I know the reporting career (at least) is nearing the end. Most people, age 66, who not involved in politics are retired. But writers retire to pine boxes.
Unable to fly or even go to a restaurant, we finally had the floors refinished in November. They’re incredible. We need to get some furniture that’s worthy of them. We have two bids out, one with a furniture expert we know, one with an interior decorator. We’ll see what happens.
It’s something to look forward to. And having something to look forward to is the greatest blessing one can have at the end of our pandemic year.
Bring on the future!
