It's been a year of many events, but I think there's an un-reported news story: terrorists have stolen several months. It seems as though it should only be about August, yet here I am writing my Christmas letter, and we've even had a (spotty) snow fall in Seattle. So spotty that had I lived 2 miles (3 km) south, there would not have been any!
The year started for me in Sydney, where it seemed time for a family Christmas. I also appreciated (though hadn't realised when planning) that January 1st 2001 was the centenary of Federation of Australia, the day when Australia became a nation, instead of a group of British colonies. There were a number of festivities arranged, but perhaps the most interesting to me was seeing the reports from the original event, including parts of a movie made by The Salvation Army! It was a wonderful time to catch up with family and friends, even though it was my third trip within a year.
I returned to Seattle in late January, but then mum's health deteriorated. After much effort, Peter and Yvonne (my brother and sister-in-law) found a nursing home where mum spent a couple of months before passing away peacefully just before Easter. So another trip to Sydney, the fourth in 16 months. And this was the trip I was not especially looking forward to, as it meant we would be cleaning out our family home of some 60 years. The actual cleaning was not too painful, but closing the front door for the very last time when returning to Seattle was difficult. Mum, we believe, was the last of the original inhabitants in the street.
Upon returning to Seattle I resumed my part time job, but having trouble becoming motivated, called it quits in mid May. Free of "donating" the most productive hours to my employer, I was able to do the things which I enjoyed - some of which involved computers! I have a network of computes here, and have been fiddling, upgrading and finding new stuff since then. Actually some of it would best be described as catching up with activities that I had not been doing the last year or two.
The last week of June was spent in Boston - my first visit. I was there for a computer conference, but with two free days in the middle, had time to explore Boston. It was very nice, although hot and humid, especially with all the walking I did. And Boston has a subway (or trains) to get around - that is very civilised, especially as the hotel was located at one of the stations!
I also bought a new motorcycle, and have been doing some touring this year, though nowhere near as much as last. Not sure why, but even the motorcycle dealer said people hadn't been riding as much this year. While summer was not as nice as last year, it was quite enjoyable, and even in early October I took a two day ride to eastern Washington, under blue skies and pleasant temperatures, spending the night at Grand Coulee Dam, at one time the biggest concrete structure in the world. It's normally possible to drive across the wall, and take a tour of the power stations. However, due to September 11th, the dam was "closed". What this meant was a traffic cone at the entrance to the top of the wall, with a "Government Employees Only" sign leaning against it! I sure hope anyone planning to attack the dam (and damaging it would not be easy) can read, and obeys road signs!
My other excitement for the year was changing Internet Service Providers. What should have taken a few days lasted 3 months! So if you tried sending email from early August until early November, and nothing happened, that was the story. Click for the agonising details.
I hope this letter finds you all well - it's been a difficult year for a number of friends, with companies going out of business or severely cutting back. My good health continues, and I hope the same is true for you as well.