Christmas 2018

December 2018

David, Gary and Mom at MaryAnn's

It has been two years years since we have written a Christmas newsletter. Not because we have forgotten you, but there has been a lot of water which has run under our bridge.

Gary’s mother died this past August. She was 95 years old, having suffered a stroke a month before which she did not recover from. She left us many memories, some tangible, others will live on as long as we do. Much of what Gary is can be traced back to his parents-love of outdoors, math and organizational skills, and sense of discovery. (He could have used a bit more of his father’s mechanical and woodworking skills though.)

Delilah Lookout

What else has happened in the past two years you might be asking? We continue to volunteer in our fire lookout. Last year, on September 12^th, we spotted our first fire from Delilah lookout. This was in the area where the Rough Fire burnt three years ago. Still within an hour there was 30 acres burnt. Really exciting and educational watching the big tankers come in and drop the retardant to check the advance of the fire. As an added bonus, last May, we were able to walk up, to where the fire burnt. We gained a greater appreciation for the fire fighters in or area and how strong they are to walk, fully loaded up steep hills. Both last season and in 2017 we were able to be in our lookouts over ten days each year. We cannot wait until May rolls around when we can go back up into the tower.

Lawrence, Andrea, Sherri, and Gary

In 2017, Gary was not able to backpack and Sherri only minimally. During the summer, he turned pretty weak. But after changing his medicines, he improved enough to go on the Skyline to the Sea trail in December. Then we all took a three day trip with Andrea along the Ohlone Trail in the East Bay Area. We also did a four day trip with Andrea and Lawrence in Southern Yosemite to Chain Lakes. The last half of the year, we were able to spend restorative time in “our” fire lookout.

Sherri at the JFK Library

Church in Old Sturbridge

In October we were able to get away and go to Boston. Why Boston? Why not? We enjoy being in places of history and seeing where moving events have happened. We got a whole load of that there. We walked the Black Heritage Trail and then the Freedom Trail-mileage not impressive, but very dense with historical places-Bunker Hill, Old State House, Old African Meeting House and the list goes on for 30+ place where we stopped. We also got to do a side trip to see Gary’s Connecticut cousin Bob and his wife Diane. Such blessings. We suspect there will be other trips back east.

Andrea, Gary, Steven-the Graduate, Sherri, and Rachel

 

Biking-Rachel, Steven, Andrea, Gary and Sherri

One of the pleasures we have is being able to be with our daughters and son. Such as when Sherri does her bike rides or we our half marathons or hiking or any other time. Our hearts sing with joy to hear from them. You may want to know what is going on with the “kids”. Andrea is taking a little time off from teaching after a rough year. She is working with a food bank as a coordinator. Steven has graduated from Fresno State with a BS in Computer Science and now is looking for a job. While Rachel is down south working for a company where she assist start ups with their accounting. Note: Lawrence is pictures with Andrea and Edrees is with Rachel.

Sherri and Gary in San Francisco

We continue our 30+ years with our house church-a small group Bible study. This is where we feel the warmth of love. Then there is our church’s book group, still going strong after18 years and 175 books. While we were not able to go on many hikes this year, we still love tramping with the Central Valley Hiking Group. We hope they will see us more next year. The classes and a book group with OSHER Lifelong Learning at Fresno State has enriched our lives. We are taught by college level teachers, but without the mid-terms, homework and grades. This is what learning should look like-learning for enjoyment and well-being. 

 

You have probably read enough by now. St Paul would end his letters with a deep thought. We cannot claim that our thoughts have as much depth as his, but what we would like to leave you with is: I would like you wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Sherri, Rachel, Gary, Edrees, Steven, Andrea, Lawrence and David after Mom's Memorial Service

If you want to read more about our adventures, see:

• More pictures, with color, and an electronic version of our Christmas letter:

http://gary-summer.blogspot.com/2018/12/Christmas-2018.html

• Trails and stuff: http://gary-summer.blogspot.com/
• Gary's Book Blog: http://garys-books.blogspot.com/ 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Gary, Andrea, and Steven-Half Marathon California Classic

  
  

  

  Ohlone Trail-Andrea, Gary, and Sherri

  
  

  

  Sherri, Edrees, Rachel and Gary

  
  

  

  At Steven's Graduation-Gary, Steven, Sherri

  
  

  

  Gary and Sherri at Muir Grove

  
  

  

  Hard Day of Hiking-Gary and Sherri

  
  

  

  Steven and his Grandmother

  
  

  

  Davis Fire-Sept 12, 2017

  
  

  

  Large Tanker Plane at Davis Fire

  
  

  

  Delilah Lookoout

  
  

  

  Massachusetts New State House

  
  

  

  Flag at JFK Library