It’s late December so it must be time for the annual humble-brag. My followers here at pdx-i.net insisted. Both of them.
One thing 2019 was not was boring. It felt full-throttle from start to finish. We managed several home improvement projects inside and out from a new fence, 2 sheds, painted almost every room inside, painted the exterior, several significant landscaping changes, and a garage remodel. So many contractors were in and out it felt like visiting Jackie and Rich’s house. What were we thinking? I think it was “let’s get this over with so we can enjoy the place.” Thankfully things have settled down in large part because we blew through the budget and literally have just enough money left over to buy a couple of Americanos.
May and June were also not boring. We welcomed Emilia Susanne Toner (Millie) and Gwendolyn Lucille Toner (Gwennie) into the world about 6 weeks apart. I’m at a loss for words for how grateful we are that we added 2 new grandchildren who are healthy, happy and well cared for. The pictures tell the story. Their cousins Kaden and Karter keep the family entertained with their observations about school, sports, and life in general. High marks for being very nice young gentleman.
August was not boring. Donna turned 60 and we threw a backyard party for friends, family, and neighbors. Seymour and Smith brought the good times along with the classic rock. We got several compliments about how awesome the music was, but the main thing was the good vibe and Donna got to share her special day with many of you.
Also in August Donna and I met up with my cousin Jim in San Francisco to see the Giants and toured the city over a long weekend. Then off on a train ride to Seattle to see the Mariners as well as attend the annual family reunion at Lake Margaret.
Sadly, the cycle of life took our beloved Verda Ann Toner from us this year. She was a special lady and an extremely talented bridge player. We miss you, Verda.
In spite of some challenging kidney stone episodes in the Spring, Donna continues to not have a middle gear. It’s either full bore or plop. No rest for the weary. She’s still in the heat of the battle at Cambia, and rolls up her sleeves and kicks butt inside and out when she gets home. She’s loving the new yard. I’m not sure the neighbors are so sure because of all the shrubs that got taken out and my constant trailer loads to S&H logging, but she’s got the vision and a plan. Give it 3 years, it will be stunning. Now that we have our arms around the situation a little better with the house and yard, I fully expect some serious activity in the watercolor area plus her metal shop downstairs.
I managed to remain employed throughout the year, but I switched jobs twice. At the tail end of my career, I’ve come to the realization that I don’t like to be bossed around. It’s my new requirement. Don’t boss me around and we’ll be fine. I’m currently contracting with Venmo based out of San Francisco, but most of my peers are in New York City. They are all very young and super smart and I’m, … a contractor.
When I’m not working I try to sneak in guitar lessons, record music and play fantasy baseball. With some success the past couple of years I might humble-brag. Can you say back-to-back championships for the Cogswell Cogs?
Now and again I drop new tunes on my youtube channel. I’m not exactly sure why. I think I have the same two followers there.
Pickles loves her back yard and the critters out there. She likes to pick them up and give them a fling. She’s slowing down a bit which is good because I don’t think I could find her if she wandered off into the woods.
Donna and I are counting down to retirement, currently shooting for May of 2021. We could retire now if we wanted to but we’d have to live in the car and Donna doesn’t want to. We love the new (old) home, really enjoy living by the college and frequently take in activities over there.
We are both doing less Facebook and more Twitter. We’re not sure why because it raises our blood pressure.
Another thing that raises my blood pressure (but in a good way) is the Oregon Ducks. Bring on Wisconson. Why, we should be able to beat them. They don’t even know how to vote!
We hope this missive finds you in good health and surrounded by people that love you.
View from my PDX Window 
Life is good!
What an excellent Christmas letter. Sorry I am just finding it now. I love how you think. My goodness , you really are a “gifted”writer!! A decent ROSE BOWL! ! Hate when we start slow. Too much drama. Sometimes a bit of a nail biter, speaking of blood pressure flare ups. Thank goodness for 2 halves. Ducks kept fighting and remembered to visit the end zone once in awhile. I, like Crystival, had every confidence in Herbert,s abilities and play making decisions. He,s fun to watch how his mind works.It did not even bother me we on!y won by one!! Phew! Was gwenie able to watch from Pasadena? Way to GO DUCKS!!! Champions has a nice ring to it, times 2