Rob and Vivien's 2023 Christmas letter

December 2023,
Once again it is time to wish our friends an Happy Christmas, a Joyous New Year, and update you
all on our activities over the last 12 months.

Last Christmas we were once again able to travel to the Philippines to visit Beth and family. It had
been 5 years since our last visit due to the lockdowns and it was good to be there again. We
arrived a day late, having spent the night in Seoul airport due to a late flight and missed
connection. It took another very stressful 6 days before our luggage caught up with us. After
Christmas we went back to stay at La Laguna, a resort on the nearby island of Mindoro. I had
received a snorkel and fins for Christmas and Rob and I accompanied Beth and family on the dive
boat and snorkelled while they were under water. The weather could have been better but we all
enjoyed the break.

I had my second cataract operation in January and it has made a big difference as I now see
colours better and don’t need glasses except, at times, for close work. It certainly made things
easier when we were skiing!

In February we went over to stay with Susan and family until after Easter. Whilst there we spent a
week skiing in La Plagne, visited Doug and Jude in Derbyshire and Fiona and Paul in Skibereen,
but didn't get to Swaledale to see Alex and Jacqueline because they were snowed in when we
were due to go! We had several walks in the Mendips and enjoyed our time with Ben and Alex,
especially helping them get their costumes together for World Book Day. Ben was the Highway
Rat and Alex was Charlie from “Charlie and the Cheesemonster.” (Alex got to wear his pyjamas
and ‘wear’ a homemade space rocket). Whilst there I celebrated my 70th birthday and Paul his
40th.

In May I took the youth group to OneCon in Moncton but gave up leading the youth group after
the summer.

In June we travelled to Newfoundland. Rob was instructing at the Gros Morne Kayak Festival so
we made a holiday of it. We visited our good friends, John and Irma, in CornerBrook and spent 3
days kayaking down Parsons Pond, an inland fiord twisting about 30 kms into the interior with
high cliffs on either side; a trip we had always wanted to do when we lived in Flowers Cove, but
strong winds had always precluded it, this time we managed it, though had a hard paddle back
against the wind on the last day. We found a sandy beach on an island to set up camp and spent
a day kayaking as far as time and wind allowed. We got almost to the end.

Beth had a nasty fall and broke her leg badly in July, just before the start of her school year. This
necessitated a 6 hour operation and a long time non-weight bearing. We gave as much support as
we could over messenger. She wasn’t able to work for some time, though she did what she could
from home, having the staff come to her for meetings etc. After several months she was able to
return to the high school site using her crutches but the stairs at the elementary site were too
unsafe with her reduced mobility. She is now back at work full time, still doing physio and using a
stick.

In August we went to Oasis, the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada rally, in Moncton, with other
friends from church.

Susan, Ben and Alex again came for two weeks in late August. We had no beach as the lake was
very high but still managed to have a good time. We took them on another overnight sea kayak
trip, this time camping on Sacrifice Island where the flies and mosquitos thought Rob was the
sacrifice! Rob also took them, individually, in the canoe down a stretch of white water,
accompanied by Susan in a kayak whilst I did the shuttle. Ben wanted to go on an overnight trip
with just him and grandpa but had to suffice with an evening canoe outing to cook supper on an
island, as weather and time did not cooperate.

We visited Beth again in October. This time we were able to track our luggage using AirTags and,
despite a change of flight, were able to ensure it arrived with us. We all had a short break at a
Wake Boarding resort, which kept Ela and Kiah busy. Beth enjoyed the Lebanese food. Our main
holiday, however, was a week’s guided sea kayak trip around Palawan Island. Rob has put
pictures and a detailed account on pealing.ca. It seemed very luxurious to have the tent put up for
us each night, and all our food cooked, though the Filipino food did not suit my stomach! We
were certainly glad of the canopy on the boat for the shade it gave during the day. It was great
kayaking in warm water, though Rob did more kayaking than I did as I often snorkelled instead!
The coral reefs have an abundance of colourful fish and I never tire of watching them!
Rob has continued with his saxophone and, now that Covid restrictions are lifted, the band has
started up again and they were able to play in several concerts as well as at Remembrance Day,
Rob has also played in church several times.

We had a very dry winter and early spring followed by a lot of heavy rain; this unusual weather
caused 2 major forest fires and heavy flooding. Thankfully we escaped it all. Consequently Rob
has been able to do a lot of white water kayaking as the rivers have stayed high, he found it
strange not to have to wear numerous layers! He continued with his sea kayak guiding but didn’t
do much teaching this year.

I was accredited as a Lay Leader within the CABC and did some pulpit supply over the summer
and autumn. I have again written skits to enhance our Christmas Eve service, which together with
readings and the music our choir director director has chosen, tells the story of Christmas in an
amusing and different way. It should be good if we can all remember our lines - the dress
rehearsal was a bit of a shambles!

Kiah seems to be the only one of our grandchildren with an interest in acting. He auditioned and
got a part in his school play this year and, did a good job. We are still waiting to see the video!
Jedi and Ela have been playing a lot of sports: rugby and soccer for Jedy; basketball and soccer
for Ela. They seem to be good at it and have been to several tournaments within south-east Asia.
They have also had frequent injuries!

Ben and Alex also play football and are in Cubs and Beavers which they thoroughly enjoy. They
are doing well at school and sometimes read to me over messenger before going to sleep -
something I really appreciate!

I think that is all the news! I will attach another sheet with photos.
Have a great Christmas and keep in touch!
Vivien and Rob. (written by Vivien, edited by Rob)