My last post was just few days before starting a new job. A lot has happened since then, and I haven't felt like writing.
After failing noticably over the summer, Grandad developed a urinary tract infection in early September and was in the hospital and nursing facilities for 3 weeks before he passed away at age 88. (I posted pictures and his obituary separately.) I'm glad that you guys saw him at a July 4th party at Aunt Julie and Mark's house - when he was weak, but managed ok on a lovely day with the entire family. Below is a grandchild picture from that summer day. As you know, he lost core strength and mobility, plus developed some dementia, over the past 2-3 years. We are blessed that he had little pain and handled the Parkinson's symptoms with as much grace as I think anyone can. Thanks to you both for spending a couple days in Wyncote & Philadelphia last month to celebrate his life. The memorial service at Old Swedes was lovely and so sad. It's hard to say goodbye; I will never forget the burial of his ashes with his red stole around the urn. I know you will miss him too. Rob, I'm happy that you have Grandad's watch. Overall, I'm relieved for Grandad that he is free from his earthly body. I firmly believe is reunited with Uncle Dick, GrandNana and Great Grandad, feeling well and spending time outdoors.
In mid-November, Steve had surgery to repair 3 hernias. The surgery seems to have been a success, thankfully! It was certainly painful and still limiting, but Steve is glad to have gotten this behind him now rather than when he's older. It has been a hectic, tiring year for him at AllOne Health.
I've been working at MetLife for 7 months now; thinking about it now, this seems like an accomplishment. My transition has been stressful - adjusting to a new company, team, boss, and job responsibilities with so much learn. If possible (which it may not be), I'd suggest that you avoid significant career changes late in your working lives.
Alex, you are wrapping up a super demanding, exhausting year at James Hardie Industries, which aquired AZEK early this summer. One of your HR colleagues transferred to another plant, and it then took more than 6 months to replace her. The bad news is that you worked excessive hours during most of 2025, including some business trips. On the other hand, you learned new stuff and are just starting a 2-week Christmas / New Year's vacation. Plus your kitty Luna and her now quite-large kitten Ajax are both doing well.
Rob, I'm grateful that you joined me for a final trip to Webster in late May. Over a busy weekend, we spent time at 14 Hill Street with Jon Dodge to go through family photos, etc. We brought back an antique lawyer's bookcase and, fortunately, Steve's truck with all its parts (which another family staying at our Connecticut hotel could not say, since shortly before we checked out they discovered that all 4 wheels had been stolen from their sedan overnight). I had another sad day about 2 weeks ago when the Webster property - a lovely lot with a duplex built by your great, great, great grandparents Andrew Walker and Mary Ellen Tester Walker - was sold. Many wonderful memories of visits with Edie and Jon, who are your honorary grandparents. You and Oren are back from Syracuse now and it seems likely you will not return to ESF, which is a disappointment - but there will be other opportunities to pursue. In the meantime, Oren is getting reacquainted with Stosh (a sensitive, cranky kitty) and having fun playing with Grimm.
I expect we'll have a quiet Christmas this year, followed by a Kerr (Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob's family) and Rivers get-together at the Harvey's Lake Grotto and some time at Lake Jean cabins. Grammie has been doing ok and will be spending Christmas with Aunt Di and Uncle Lawrence at Rickett Glen. Both Grandad and Steve's brother Joe will be missing from family gatherings this year. Here's a picture of our real Christmas tree taken last week, complete with Stosh.
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