We are really lucky that we’ve been able to spend time this year with many family members and friends in places around the U.S. It’s been really enjoyable and we value our time with you all. Here are a few highlights of the places we’ve been and the friends (human and otherwise) we’ve shared them with.
January in California
With Sallie at Elkhorn SloughWith Gary and Cathy at BaylandsWith Bob, Bernadette, Joe and Chris at Santana RowLeaving the SF Bay fog
Winter in Illinois
Our lifer Common RedpollsBirding in snowIn one of the Winnebago County Nature ReservesWith Dan and Barbara in Rockford
February in Texas
Ocelot art in Quinta Mazatlan, McAllenThe coast at RockportOn the Whooping Crane tour boat “Skimmer”A family of wintering Whooping CranesReddish Egret, White morphGreen HeronWith Nancy, Kim, Ruedi and Ann at Marcello’s in Port Isabel And again at The Painted Marlin in South Padre IslandSunset from South Padre Island
Spring at the KT Ranch
With Carolyn, Bruce and Esme on South Fork, Cave CreekWith Tyler and Leah at The BathtubHiking with Tyler to Ash SpringsWith Paul and Michele in PortalMichele and Paul sharing Pastis, the French specialtyMichele in the outdoor roomWe were lucky that Tyler and Terry could share their birthday celebrations this year!
Spring migration on the Texas coast
Craigen Pond on the Taylor BayouBolivar Peninsula, where nature meets shipping and Galveston commerceBlack Skimmers at Bolivar FlatsWith Karen and Ray in WinnieGreat Egret chick rests below parent with breeding plumesBirding in High Island draws a crowdWhite Ibis at Smith Oaks RookeryLive Oak at Sabine Pass
Summer at the KT Ranch
With Tom and Josie at Rustler ParkCelebrating Ruedi’s 80th birthdayWith Ruedi and Ann along Cave CreekWith Dan and Barbara in Sierra VistaWith Dan and Barbara at the KTCelebrating our anniversary by candlelight
August in California
Wine-tasting with Sallie at Loma Prieta WineryMore wine-tasting, this time at Thomas Fogarty VineyardsOne of our favorite restaurants along Half Moon BayLunch with Sallie at the MiramarCelebrating Kris’ 70th birthdayWith school friends Nancy and Linda, before touring our alma mater, Cupertino High SchoolTina and Ola were in Karen’s 6th grade class as well as high school. Our 50th reunion is the first time she’d seen them since high school graduation.With Elaine and Curtis at Passionfish in MontereyThe Carmel coastMonterey Bay from Pacific GroveHeermann’s GullBoarding the “Pt. Sur Clipper” for our pelagic (ocean birding) trip with Alvaro’s AdventuresOcean, about 30 miles out from MontereyHumpback whale tailBlack-footed AlbatrossThe hills at Joseph Grant County ParkCalifornia ThrasherLos Gatos with Sallie: wine-tasting at Testarossa Winery followed by dinner at Eleven College AvenueEnjoying the renovated back yard at Gary and Cathy’s house – with Sallie, Cathy and Gary
October in Reno/Tahoe
Truckee RiverBirding near Lake TahoeBirding with SallieCelebrating the life of Doug Hoff, with Mark, Sallie, Ron and DoreenWith Sallie and Karol at Doug’s Celebration of LifeBirding with Sallie near TruckeeSallie and Terry watching a dipper from a bridge in the Truckee Meadows Trail System
November in Arizona
Carolyn, Bruce and Esme returned for a second visit!Chiricahua MountainsPhilosophical discussion with Jim“Turkeys in the Desert” Thanksgiving Dinner in PhoenixMexican food with Jim, Pat, Diana and Erik the day after Turkey Day
We were saddened by the loss of five people who connected with us in very different ways. Doug Hoff was married to Karen’s mother’s cousin, but he was more like an uncle and was a supportive adult during her childhood. He and his wife Lee have been cherished members of our family ever since. Al Huber was the father of our sister-in-law Cathy Huber Walz. He’s been part of family gatherings since Cathy and Gary were in college, and always had a strong love of family, the outdoors, and volunteering with groups like Habitat for Humanity. Albert Hopper was the architect who designed our Zither Studios, with creative flair and patience for our many changing ideas. Norman Evanko was the bartender at Chan Chich Lodge in Belize and for years was our go-to person for wonderful drinks, great stories and lasting friendship. David Dunnigan was a collaborator with Karen for many years through the Greater Dallas Planning Council and other Dallas civic initiatives.
Each of these unique people were important to us and made our lives richer. We celebrate them, their lives and their contributions to us and many others!
