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Once again, Pat and I extend our warmest greetings as we approach this Christmas celebration. We are looking forward to Christmas here in Anacortes with our ever growing extended family and with Carla, Eric and Irene. |
| Pat spent most of the year
continuing her homecare nursing of a six year old girl, but it was clear
that Pat's orthopedic limitations were making it ever harder for her to do
the physical duties required of a nurse. In September, after 41 years as a
pediatric nurse, Pat notified Social Security that it was time to start
sending the checks.
To celebrate, we took a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Eric and Carla joined us (Irene could not take time off), and we had a fabulous, relaxing time. My big trip was to Taiwan in April, where I joined in the celebration of the new library at my high school alma matter, Morrison Christian Academy. Sam and Debryn hosted me in their comfortable home and they helped me to catch up on some serious eating of street food and in enjoying the beautiful, rugged mountains that form the central spine of the island. This is our sixth year in Anacortes. The traditions are familiar now: the Tulip Festival, the 4th of July Parade, the various street fairs, the big motorcycle ride-in, and the boat parade at Christmas. We have enjoyed being able to have friends and family join us in some of these occasions. |
Don and Pat leaving Long Beach on Carnival Splendor. |
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Street food in Taiwan. |
| Carla had an intensely busy
year, continuing her laboratory research on cerebral inflammation while
completing her thesis for a Master's Degree in Molecular Biology. In
April, we had the fun of attending her thesis presentation and
subsequently her graduation. In October, while presenting her work at a
conference in Chicago, some researchers from Genentech Corporation heard
her. She was invited to a multi-day interview, with the
result that Carla started her new job as a staff researcher with Genentech
just a few days ago.
Carla still lives in San Francisco, and despite the frustrations of big city living, she finds it to her liking. Her new job is an easy commute, allowing her to stay where she is. |
Carla defending her Master's Thesis. |
| Irene and Eric continue to
enjoy living in Sunnyvale, CA, the heart of Silicon Valley, sharing the
home of their cat, Molly.
Irene has been working as a Financial Analyst for the past year at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. She was selected for the finance leadership development program, which keeps life interesting by transferring her to different finance departments every year. She's also been having fun with her bowling team and has even managed to break her high score of 60. Eric has been doing litigation cost analysis at Litinomics Company, providing damages assessment for various corporations that are involved in patent infringement lawsuits. After his 12 hour days, in his free time, Eric studied for and managed to pass level II of the Certified Financial Analysis Exam. He hopes to finish up this three year ordeal next year. As this is written, Eric got the good news that he has been accepted into the MBA program at the University of Chicago. This begins in August. |
Irene and Eric |
| Dick and Flo (Dad and Mom,) continue to be a
source of love, encouragement and wisdom to their extended family here in
Anacortes. Despite plenty of good reasons for them to focus
inwardly,
they have remained engaged in their family, friends and those in the
community who have needs. We will not soon forget the Christian
example that they have given us as a part of their daily walk with the
Lord.
The one place that Dad never wanted to live was in a rest home. Two months ago, a fractured vertebrae took away his mobility and he is in a rehabilitation center, while Mom continues to live independently at home. Even this hardship they have accepted with grace, and we all try to pitch in a bit to ease the logistics for them. Last week, to break the routine, we took chopsticks, hot sauce, large orders of Chinese soup noodles and orange chicken to share with Dad. It's one of his favorite meals. |
Mom and Dad (Flo and Dick Webster) |
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The New Year is upon us, and whether you are starting out from the mountain top or from the valley, we pray the Lord's guidance and peace in your life. With Love, Don and Pat Webster |
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Don's email: websterdr@yahoo.co Pat's email: patwebrn@yahoo.com Carla's email: cwebster77@gmail.com Eric's email: erkwebster@hotmail.com Flo Webster email: flowebsterca@yahoo.com |
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