Roll on next year
27 December 2020 | Salt Spring
Jane Poulston | Soggy
Here's to 2021
Rather than send out a Christmas message, we felt a New Year's one was a good idea. We hope that all our friends and family had a good Christmas, even though it was a very different for most of us.
What a year 2020 has been, we are more than ready for 2021. However, on reflection there have been some wonderful moments to the last year, that even Covid could not destroy for us. Our hearts go out to those who were not so fortunate.
We were lucky enough to have a two week trip to Mexico in February. Russell needed some time off and the sunshine was a bonus. It was perfect timing as the house was painted while we were away, so Russell was not needed on site. Our new home took up all of his time and I was busy sorting out the interior design and supporting him whatever way I could. We were busy and so lucky that most suppliers were able to stay open. Our team were fantastic, although we had to slow down when Covid started for safety reasons.
We were amazed when we were able to move into our new home the beginning of June. On time and under budget. Still lots to do, but we are nearly done. We love the place and it has exceeded our expectations.
I spent the summer playing golf, tennis or going for a hike every day. My games really improved and it was a lot of fun. Russell spent most of the time finishing off outstanding jobs, although I did manage to get him on the golf course for a weekly date. He now has a group of friends he plays with every Wednesday as well, so his game is also improving.
Boating was not on top of the list this year and the time we did get out we had to cut short because of the smoke from down south. The fires there were horrendous. It was hard to breath for quite a few days and the visibility getting home was like a thick fog. Thank goodness we have an inside helm station. Roll on next year when we hope to spend a lot more time on Madrona.
We did have a few visits from the kids and friends, when we were told it was safe to do so. So special. Zoom is great, but there is nothing like actually seeing people in person. Luckily we have made a lot of friends on Salt Spring and were able to enjoy time together, distance socialising. Just love our new deck, we never get bored of the view which changes daily.
Both Edwin and Amy are doing well in Vancouver. Amy started a new job just as Covid started, but luckily is able to work remotely. She and her partner Luke live on the top half of a house just off Commercial, a great part of Vancouver. They have a terrific deck with a great view and glorious sunsets. Edwin is still with AquaBus although the company is struggling with the lack of tourists. He is living with a group of friends in a large house in West Vancouver. They have a huge garden and Edwin has taken up gardening big time. Think he could have fed an army with his vegetables and fruits this summer. Sadly we were unable to see them for Christmas, but thankfully they were able to get together.
Apart from moving into our new home, one of the other highlights of this last year is the newest member of our family, Poppy. We waited eleven long months for her. She is gorgeous and has given us so much joy in just the four weeks that we have had her. She is an Australian Labradoodle and should become around 30-40lbs in size.
Our plan was to be in the UK and Europe in Oct/Nov and Oz and NZ this coming Feb/March to visit family and friends. We are hoping that we will be able to make these trips in 2021/2022 and see all our distant friends and family then. We miss you all.
We feel so grateful to have you all in our lives. We feel grateful that we now have a vaccine so we can soon move forward with our lives. We feel grateful to live where we do, among such beauty that we enjoy daily. We feel grateful to be happy, healthy and loved.
Wishing you all the same
With much love
Jane and Russell