John Baker: I ended my "paid employment" 16 years ago, but 15 of those years was working 25 hours a week as photographer for three non-profits, including the Flagship Niagara League. It was very fulfilling to see my work in print - best time of my life. With COVID it all ended. We have all had a "year off". My hope for all of you is that, when things open up, you will remember those active years of our retirement and go back to supporting the issues and organizations you devoted so much time to then. Don't let a good club die!
Tim Fuller: I continue to teach at Colorado College, and to write. In addition to publishing I recently gave a lecture to a major university in Brazil on Zoom (in better times I would have visited São Paulo, Brazil). I have now lectured in nine foreign countries counting Brazil and nearly fifty colleges and universities. I am serving on the board of a classical charter school in Colorado Springs where several of my former students teach. My wife of fifty five years, Kalah, died in 2018. I have been adjusting more or less successfully to living on my own.
Dan Holland: This dreadful pandemic has certainly put a crimp in our plans to explore this lovely part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fortunately, it has given me much time to indulge my compulsion for writing. I have composed and posted a poem on Facebook every day since March 15, 2020. In addition, I have completed the rewrite of my seventh full-length novel, and have composed lyrics for several songs for the Wilson-Holland musical collaboration. Sometimes you just need to turn the tables on adversity.
Robert Hoge: We are surviving. My wife and I completed a voyage around South America last year, arriving in Ottawa from Santiago just as the lock downs took effect. Since then we have relaxed at home, reading, walking and making an effort to keep eating and alcohol consumption within reasonable limits. It is very frustrating not being able to travel. My son and his family drove from Montreal on Sunday for the afternoon. It is the first time seeing our grandsons in almost a year. However, Canada is doing a reasonable job of addressing the virus, and we are optimistic about the future. Best wishes.
Nicholas Long: This is more of a reflection than a personal update. Honestly, there is little to update: Canceled plans to go to Washington D.C. and Virginia at the end of March 2020. Struggling with some vendors to recover deposits and payments made the previous November for accommodations, etc.; getting used to wearing masks whenever we leave the house; appreciating "senior hour" at local grocery stores. You all know the drill!
My reflection is centered on a deeper appreciation of my lot in life compared to the millions in the USA and billions around the world who are suffering true deprivation and extreme suffering, with no real end in sight. Even with several flavors of vaccines available, the uncertainty of their effectiveness in providing protection from emerging variants creates yet more anxiety and stress.
So, as I am settling into a few hours of escape in Walter Isaacson's latest book, The Code Breaker, about Jennifer Doudna, the reality of those who are truly suffering hovers very close to the surface. My awareness of being among the fortunate few is like a bright, annoying light, and my thoughts return to prayerful empathy for those not so blessed as my family and I have been.
David Brown: Barbara and I are very thankful to be well, fully vaccinated and starting to resume our old way of life in Louisville and South Florida. There is not much news to report other than we hope a scheduled August visit to Scandinavia and the Norway fjords will not be derailed. But we will take what is given. My best to all, and here’s hoping that a 2022 reunion will give us a chance to be together.
Hutch Hodgson: Pam and I have used our RV to seek different locations in our home away from home. She still runs several companies virtually so with today’s technology, she is able to accomplish her duties while I putter with cooking and making sure the ocean is still making waves. Heading for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach next week.
John (Fox) Symons: Wife Susan and I relocated from our home of 40 years in Chevy Chase, MD, to the Knollwood Military Officers Retirement Home in northwest Washington, DC in March, 2020 - one day before the Coronavirus “shut us down" for the past year. Needless to say it's been a "quiet" year. Several of we ''K - '61ers'' are looking forward to our return to the Hill for a Class Reunion - hopefully in the spring of 2022 if not before!
