We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and eagerly await your tidings from this past year of challenges and hope. Our family is celebrating the relocation of two members who have found a better life in a new location. After enduring a lonely pandemic and physical challenges, Dave's 98-year-old mother Pat moved from her home in Fresno, CA to assisted living near Dave's sister Linda in Chandler, AZ. After a challenging year of struggling for resources and being homeless, Brian has qualified for housing and "wrap around services" with Transitions - Mental Health Association (TMHA) and now lives independently in Atascadero.

We are saddened by the passing of a beloved family member, Lucy, Chris & Danielle's dachshund of 13 years.

Our 5-year-old grandson Grey graduated from pre-school to kindergarten, celebrating his 5th birthday with 2 sets of grandparents and Uncle Brian, as well as a kids' party. Grey has thrived with swim lessons and learning to ride his two-wheeler, while still enjoying tide pooling and playing in the surf in his new wetsuit. Mom Danielle has become a partner in Sidecar, holding down the fort juggling the increased demand for events, while keeping the restaurant/bar open amidst a staff shortage. Meanwhile Dad Chris has taken on a new challenge as member of the Safety Team (playground monitor) at SLO Classical Academy, where Grey is enrolled.

Brian has adjusted to living in a two BR apartment with a housemate who is also a beneficiary of TMHA services and support. He visits us regularly and enjoys time with cat Dinah, as well as nephew Grey and family, and celebrated his 40th in September. In November Brian began a new job as server at a nearby hotel restaurant.

Our first travel, post COVID vaccine, after an April visit with Dave's Mom in Fresno, was to Oregon in May where we stayed at Crater Lake, amidst snow and freezing temperatures, then toured lighthouses, with a stay at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfasr.  

Dave & I spent June and July helping his Mom make the transition to her new home, while getting her old home ready to sell. The house in Fresno sold in September. We are glad to report that Pat has settled into her new home, with help from Dave's sister Linda and friend Dennis, as well as niece/granddaughter Kerrin who insured her comfort with familiar furnishings and attractive decor.  

Six of us celebrated my 75th birthday with a 5-day getaway to Pajaro Dunes on Monterey Bay, a childhood summer favorite for Chris & Brian.

We visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, bicycled around the dunes, and played in the surf. It was such a success that we booked the same unit on the beach for next year


Dave will end his term on the Village Movement California Board and has returned to the Board for SLO Village (www.slovillage.org), but still found time to continue our playdates each Tuesday and Thursday with Grey until his transition to 5 days a week at Kindergarten this fall. We now pick him up after school on Fridays.

I am taking on new responsibilities in 2022 as Board Secretary for our church (United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo), as well as Treasurer on the Board for SLO Village.

We are grateful to be vaccinated (including booster) and able to reconnect with family and friends despite this ongoing pandemic. Wishing you a joyous Christmas and good health, peace, hope & blessings in the New Year.

Love,
Meg & Dave

View more photos here