If you’ll notice, I update this block far less often than I used to. It’s not intentional it’s just that other things seem to get in the way. But we’ve had several notable changes this past year so I thought a brief recap is in order.

New church

Perhaps the most important change this year is we finally found a church we like and have formally become members. We have been attending Big Valley Grace Community Church for the past 7 years or so. And in all that time we never really felt like we belonged. We started going because it had a great program for Scott called Mustard Seeds. Also, Angela had started performing with their praise team. But the church is too big and as such had some problems with their staff due to lack of oversight. We did join some small groups but still never felt connected. The size, staffing changes, and lack of connection is what prompted us to seek out and find Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church. They are descended from the Dutch Reformed Church. It reminds us both very much of the churches we grew up in and everyone was so welcoming. After attending for 7 months or so we took a membership class and was accepted into their membership.

Uncertainty at work

It’s actually been a little more than a year since our new Chief Information Officer started as head of the department I am in at the hospital. Due to some management style differences my immediate supervisor has left to work elsewhere. This has cause a lot of stress in my life as she was my backup at work. That being said she caused a lot of stress at work herself so her departure is a mixed blessing.

More camping

We actually got to do more camping this year as opposed to last year when we did get to go camping at all. Places we went included:

• Red Hills Fly-In
• Ham Radio Field Day at Barret Cove at Lake McClure
• Lance owners rally at Shingletown/Mt Lassen
• Camping by our secret lake (LDS)
• Jackson Rancheria (twice)

And while it didn’t count as camping we took a two-night trip to San Luis Obispo and stayed at Le Petit Soleil near downtown.

More flying

I entered into a agreement with a friend from the airport that allows me to fly his plane and pay him $30/hour dry (meaning I buy my own fuel). This has been wonderful as he is a devout Christian and we regularly pray for each other. It the same make and model as the very first airplane I ever owned; an Aeronca 7AC Champion.

49ers Game

We were able to score some seats in a private box at Levi Stadium for a 49er’s game. It was a fun family outing. Especially since the 49er’s won (naturally)

New Truck

As a result of our drive up to the Shingletown KOA from a camping trip this past September Cristy realized that we really needed a more powerful truck. The ladies at the rally also helped convince her. So in December we bought our 2023 Ram 3500 short bed truck with a Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel motor. We have used it to tow our travel trailer and love how it performs. We bought the truck with an eye to the future and a larger, heavier 5th wheel a few years down the road.

2024 will be a year of change for us; change in the job, change in the political climate. It will also be a year of preparation. I am down to the last 2 full years of work and while we have been preparing for my retirement for many years, those preparations must continue. Events at work and monetary and political events in our country are going to come to a head this year. We’re buckled up and belted in. We have made the best preparations possible. We have put our full faith and trust in Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father who, by the power of His Holy Spirit will guide and protect us throughout the coming year.