TO FRIENDS NEAR AND FAR:
You may not have heard from us last Christmas due to several factors. December 2007 was hectic, to say the least. After selling our home of 45 years we had only two weeks to dispose of accumulated “junk!” Immediately after moving into our motor home and staying in Santa Paula, George's mom, Lena (Yaya,) became very ill and was in the hospital. We returned to Santa Barbara to be with her but on December 29 she joined Papou Nick after missing him so much since his death in 2002.
Helga had hip replacement surgery in late January and then we had the distinct pleasure of living at Extended Stay America off Turnpike Road in Santa Barbara for nine weeks. Because of a hairline fracture that occurred during the surgery, she had to keep all weight off the affected leg, preventing her from climbing the motor home steps. All in all, though, the surgery was a success.
We finally were able to move back into the motor home in the middle of April, staying at Ocean Mesa RV Resort “Camping Santa Barbara Style” which means $$$$$$ and then the Elks Club RV Park ($). On April 21, Helga had a trial revision of her previously implanted pain device which seemed to give her some relief from her constant back pain. She scheduled the final surgery for June 2.
It was time to move to Brookings and we left May 1, meeting the mover at our new house May 5. We spent 3 plus weeks moving in although we didn't have any furniture to speak of. Then it was back to Santa Barbara. In between we had visits from the Hills and Underwoods on the last leg of their road trip and Art Clarke on a vacation run. All of us sitting around a card table eating dinner was an experience, cozy but fun!
Unfortunately the permanent implant surgery was less than successful as Helga continues to be in a lot of pain much of the time. During our visit though, we had a good time with old friends and neighbors as well as dealing with George's mom's estate.
We returned to Brookings in late June where we continued to settle in. We were blessed by visits from granddaughter Zoe and then her dad and mom, Nick and Judy, in July, followed by Stephanie and Erin in August. Even though our visitors had spells of foggy weather, there were some neat beach-and-kite-flying days. Trips to Eugene to pick up Zoe and then Stephanie and Erin gave us the opportunity to do some major furniture shopping as well as visiting George's brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Roberta.
We've continued to get settled, make new friends and get familiar with our new home area. Because of the medical activities and this move we have not been on any extended RV trips the last two years but are hoping to change that in 2009. We are planning on practicing being “Snowbirds” heading out in mid January to San Simeon for our annual camping get together, Santa Barbara for more doctor appointments, the Palm Springs area and Arizona for approximately two months.
Somehow we always stumble into this season, never quite prepared. Though we think of you often throughout the year, Christmas is the perfect time to extend to each of you and those you love our best wishes for Peace, Joy and Good Health now and throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,
George & Helga
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