Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from
John & Eleanor Coulthard
December, 2008
(Click on a picture to see a larger version - use the back key to return to this page).

We hope this newsletter finds you well and planning for a happy holiday ahead.

Our year was full of the unexpected; Eleanor didn't expect to go to Egypt or New York. We didn't expect to get a garage built. We didn't expect to have engine problems.

We got away from the cold in January by participating in a choir trip to a warm climate - this time Jamaica Mon! We seem to be addicted to singing and continue to feed our musical appetite by singing with the local Galiano Choir, Coro Galiano.

Eleanor got one of her long time wishes fulfilled this spring when her brother Johnny oversaw the construction of a garage and art studio. A dry car to climb into during the wet season plus a large space to paint in. Cute isn't it!


We started the sailing season in May with a trip to the annual Catalina Rendezvous. There we met our sister ship "My Girl" (also a Catalina 34) skippered by Dave. We met Dave and Lynn last last year in Desolation Sound and have since passed many happy hours together. In the photo we are performing a winning 60's song at the talent contest.

As we were sailing north we diverted to Comox this summer to help Kathy and Doug out with some babysitting. The unexpected passing of Doug's father this summer was a very difficult time for them. While we were there we enjoyed the Comox musicfest with them. After we left Comox we were plagued by a debilitating engine problem that restricted us from running the engine more than a fast idle. However, the problem led to an exhilarating overnight 26 hour run home to Whaler Bay in a beautiful north west wind. 

Earlier in the year Eleanor took an adventuresome tour to Egypt. She especially enjoyed the cruise down the Nile and a hike up Mt. Sinai, as well as two camel rides. In the fall she experienced two fun filled weeks in Rhode Island and New York.

We both went to Edmonton this fall to a surprise 70th birthday party for John's sister Dean. John was raised in Edmonton and hadn't been there in 15 years. It was a great nostalgic journey for him.

August brought the Annual Galiano Tennis tournament, organized by Eleanor's brother John, a visit from Eleanor's father Jack and friend Kathy, and some great fishing.

 And look at Eleanor's Dad. He enjoyed his 99th birthday this fall, Still playing the harmonica and enjoying life. What a guy!

We are both still busy volunteering, Eleanor on the Health Care Society Board, and John at the Library and Recycling Centre.
Eleanor is just putting the Christmas Cake in the oven and is mixing in best wishes for all.  As you can see we are still alive and well and enjoying our life on Galiano. This year we will be going to Comox to spend Christmas with Kathy, Doug and their two girls Michaela and Maile. Our son Michael with Christy and children Tyler and Jessica will be joining us. It will be wonderful to be with our extended family.

We are grateful for all our blessings and wish you and yours good health and happiness in the year to come.

Cheers.

John & Eleanor


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Dec. 2/08