That's probably the first misleading statement on the cards.
The front has four pictures: Ashley tossing a graduation cap in the air; family photo with Santa including Ashley's girlfriend Anna; Don and I in an antique car in Cuba; and Don and I in the foreground with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House behind us. Plus the message: Sending Peace, Love and Cheer and a Happy New Year on the front.
All truths.
The big news this year is Ashley graduated summa cum laude from Muhlenberg College with a double degree in theater and psychology. She is the assistant technical director at Passage Theater in Trenton, and is working deck crew at Bucks County Playhouse. She and Anna celebrated their second anniversary together in May.
Don is enjoying his retirement gig working part time at REI in Mercer Mall. He celebrated his 60th birthday with family and friends by having a beer and ice cream party.
Don and Jacquie had several trips this year. Internationally we travelled to Cuba and Australia. We took road trips to Buffalo, NY to experience the eclipse; Columbus, Ohio to see the Smith family and Heidi; and North Carolina to see Karen and Sam Miller.
Our exchange son, Yoran, returned for a 10-day vacation this summer.
We enjoy catching up with friends and family, seeing shows, and taking day trips.
Glinda Dragon (6) passed away suddenly. Kitty Lucy (12) and Kitty Mimi (5) are doing well.
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All factually true.
All lacking in the full truth.
Add in:
Ashley is still living at home because the rents are horribly expensive and though she is working two jobs, there is no chance of affording a place of her own.
We knew retirees spent a lot of time with doctors. We didn't realize by retiring early that just meant going to doctors earlier. Hurt my foot in September 2023 and spent more of 2024 hobbling and trying to fix it. Don burst a blood vessel in his eye, which necessitated more appointments. Nothing serious, but still tired of seeing doctors and physical therapists.
While I enjoy volunteering (and do more than I listed), I'd really rather have some gig work that gave me freedom to travel, as well as extra money to splurge on trips.
Came home with upset stomachs from Cuba, and a crutch from Australia. The crutch was when Don broke blood vessels in his leg on day four of our three week trip. Learned Australians have excellent health care. The Bali leg was cancelled due to volcanic ash. I spent two days moping about the lack of Bali beaches, and the money spent we would not get back.
Spent more time in airports, airplanes, and urgent care in Australia than we spent seeing the sights. Same with our road trips, except those were more time spent in the car or sleeping than enjoying the sights.
We enjoy spending time with family and friends. I do not enjoy spearheading most of those visits and having to smile and say I understand when the other person cancels on us, when I'd rather say: next time it is on you to schedule.
Even though it has been five years, Mimi and Lucy still do not get along and still hiss at each other. One sleeps upstairs and the other sleeps downstairs.
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Yet the annual card is a way to put a shiny face on our lives. Sent to over 100 people, the list is made up of people from all stages in my life, including people we have not seen in a over a decade and only communicate in this form.
As you read the cards and see the smiling pictures, remember a lot of memories from the past year did not fit on the card or were edited out to keep people happy.
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