Up

Dear Family and Friends,

Allan and I are sitting at anchorage in La Cruz, Mexico, approximately 10 miles from Puerto Vallarta. We have just watched the sun set behind the clouds, turning the sky a brilliant pink and purple.

As we approach Christmas and News Year’s 2001, it is time to take stock of all the things that have happened this year. Allan and I beginning our cruise, the culmination of many years of planning; the friends in Seattle who helped us make the transition out the door; Sandra and Marnee who threw a great going away party; our great Seattle neighbors, Mr. Peter H. and his special help and care, Allan’s and my Boeing friends who have supported our plans, (my organization, all the folks I have worked projects with and Paul S.) especially, Keith, Tina and Steve and huggable Spiro; my sister’s marriage to a wonderful man; Allan’s mother making sure that all of our belongings are being stored safe and sound; the joy of seeing many friends before we left Astoria, the first time and then Portland the second time; meeting Jim and Linda Norval; the special help and counsel we received from Ron and Dana; the absolute beautiful mast by Richard, Allen and Bruce at Spartech, and the Schooner Creek Boat Works Crew for bringing it all together, the hospitality that Sandy and Patricia showed us by making their home open for us; knowing that our dog Riley and our kitty are being spoiled by my wonderful parents; many thanks to Brad, Melinda, Scott, Marisa, Debbie, Todd, Lynn and Dale for the care as we were marooned in PDX, the loving care Dominique and Julia showed us in San Diego; having Sandy meet us for a month of sailing down the Baja; and special thanks to Tom Perham and Laurie Krick who have provided us with an on-going website and domain name; and finally the wonderful people we have met along the way and the realization that we have many more to meet in the future. There are numerous others who have supported us and provided wonderful times, and if we have not mentioned you know that you are in our thoughts. Hugs to you all and we love you.

We also look forward to closing out the year with seeing our dear friends Lyn and Dale and Sandra and Marnee who will be in Barra de Navidad. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad have to postpone their visit until the New Year as Mom contracted a viral infection. Also, thank you to all who have helped make sure that we will get the boat parts we need to continue our journey safely in the new year. We also look forward to seeing Pete Huddelson in Ixtapa in February.

It is as it is every year at this time that we treasure the gift of friends and family and miss not being with you all. Know that each and everyone of our family and friends are in our hearts and minds and Allan and I on Slainte wish you all the best gifts that life can provide, health, happiness and the warmth of the season. We love you all…and know that on December 25th, Allan’s and my gift to each other will be remembering the wonderful times we have had with all our friends and family.

Love, Liz and Allan.

I miss the snow and the hustle and bustle of shopping, and the temperature has not been below 72 for the pass three weeks without any noticeable rain. Maybe if your missing the sun and warmth you’ll let us know. Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year.