2024 - Fires, Flights, and even Fancy

Chez Strauss could tell stories of this past year! Mostly tame ones, with the hosting of multiple guests over the months, the replacement of the upper balcony in a month long saga, and the drama of not one but two (count 'em, TWO) fires in the river valley nearby. Apparently our survival instincts are not so strong as to overwhelm a good sleep, as the first time we were only awoken by the firetruck and crew arriving on the scene.

Calmer and far more welcome were the visits of Alex, Andrew's sister, to complete practicums for her nursing program in hospitals in the city. When not working hard to ensure top marks, Alex proved to be a challenge for Andrew in classic video games (something Mary has yet to accomplish). Her funny stories brightened up the household and she spoiled the cats with extra love.

While guests mostly came to us, we did make it out for some exceptional aurora viewing in the spring as well as a visit to Jasper. Visiting midweek meant beautiful private hikes.

Mary was diagnosed with dermatomyositis and has been trialing different medications to help manage it. Unfortunately sun and heat are triggers, so Mary's new UV safe wardrobe is slowing her transition to complete vampire. Canada Day involved a long wait in the ER until an ultrasound revealed it was time to part ways with an angry appendix. Andrew sent video of the dappled view of the fireworks--scaring the cats--before Mary was wheeled into the ward to await a morning removal. 

BBQ sourdough Hawaiin

While the timing was luckily good professionally for Mary, we had agreed to turn the office into a guest room for a couple weeks starting the day after the surgery! Andrew was incredibly patient and took on all hosting and care duties with the enthusiasm of a chef keen to cook for more people (at least until the heat wave made the oven off limits). Sadly new symptoms flared in July/ August during the heat and smoke and it took a while to tame them, so the scheduled plan to hike the Burgess Shale at Yoho National Park was cancelled (for 2024 anyways). 

Andrew's work conference took him to Las Vegas in late August, contrary to the Geneva Convention. 

Trying to stay safe while many drop safety measures is hard. Fortunately there is a thriving community protecting themselves and their families from COVID and other diseases. Mary was perhaps most saddened by her appendix removal for having to miss some of the private bookings at the nearby outdoor pool. Over the year multiple dress rehearsals were attended at the Winspear (plus one at the Jubilee for the Nutcracker) as well as a Christmas gathering at Fort Edmonton.  

Happily not cancelled was mum and Bob visiting and attending the symphony in the park with us. We were also thrilled to attend a surprise wedding in a friend's backyard.

Mary made it to Montana to visit her uncle who has hopefully beaten cancer a second time. He graciously showed off the beauty of the surrounding area, with golden larches alighting the mountains. Mum and Bob drove across the border again for a happily hospital-free visit with John and Gina.

Visiting loved ones who are not taking precautions has become easier. We took the priviliged step of purchasing a Pluslife to be able to achieve PCR level testing of visitors at home. A small Friendsgiving and then a Taskmaster party (Andrew as the Taskmaster) were safely held unmasked, both full of laughter and absurdity. Andrew received multiple poems to his moustache, only to shave it off shortly afterwards (soup season).

Andrew's folks moved back to Edmonton after a few decades away, and will be joining us for Christmas dinner. We are hoping Mary's mum recovers soon to visit! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Chez McStrauss! May your bellies and Pokedexes be full.

don't listen to the maniacs, they were fed!

Bonus pictures:

balcony views are a real treat!