2011 in Review

We like being retired. Nowhere to go, nothing to do, nothing -- that is -- but watching time fly faster and faster as we stay so busy we can't imagine we ever had time to go to work.

Following up on old business, Jim has fully recovered from his coral snake bite. The fang marks are still visible on his finger, but the burning sensations ended back in August.

Liz has been busy volunteering one or more days per week at a local elementary school. She has a 3rd grade class this year, but the same teacher as before. Liz says that about half of the kids probably don't speak English at home, and she feels that her efforts will make a difference in their lives. At home, Liz spends time sewing (making things to give away), working in her garden, playing with the cat, and taking care of Jim. Liz made a big personal change this year: donating her long hair to Locks of Love (wigs for cancer kids). Dad says she looks 10 years younger now.

Jim was busy too. He spent much of the winter and spring hiking alone and with friends, riding mountain bikes, visiting interesting places, and writing about them on the website. Jim worked two contract jobs this year: a database project for the National Park Service, and helping a guy write a book about Red Rock Canyon.

All summer, at least while we were home, we volunteered every Saturday for the Fish and Wildlife Service identifying and counting dragonflies on our four local wildlife refuges. We worked with a small team and had a good time; we expect to do it again next year.

We took three big trips this year. In July, we took two weeks and traveled to Colorado to visit Liz's brother and his wife at their family cabin. We had a nice time visiting with them in a scenic and relaxing situation, and learned a bit about southern Colorado. During the trip, we camped at Navajo National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park (very cool bugs!), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and several US Forest Service areas.

In August, we took 8 days and flew to Portland, Oregon, where me met Jim's brother and his family for a 3-day back-packing trip along the Metolius River. The hike was fun, the three kids had a great time. A large, nearby wildfire added smoke and a bit of wilderness uncertainty to the trip. We also had time to spend a few days with Dad and Joe before and after the hike.

In October, we took 10 days and flew to Ecuador on an eco-tour. Our group of 15 spent 2 nights in the Andes Mountains above Quito (the capital), then 4 nights on a yacht in the Galapagos Islands, and finally 3 more nights in the Andes. We spent most of our time in wild places looking for plants, birds, and other creatures. For biologists, it was a real treat to see Darwin's Finches on the islands. We saw 7 of the 13 species of finches, including large-beaked Large Ground Finches and small-beaked Warbler Finches. We also saw Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sea Lions (main photo above), seabirds, and too many boobies to count. We also saw 3 pairs and 1 young Lava Gull, among the rarest of bird species.

In November, Jim drove north into the snow and ice to visit his mother at Silver Falls State Park for a week, and then to Portland to visit Dad and Joe for another week. He had a good time visiting, but he said it was nice to get home to Liz and Mocha.

Family News 2011

Bill and Karen LaRue continue in Albuquerque, living near her mother and their daughter. Bill enjoys retirement, and Karen finally joined him there. Lorena is taking classes at the local college.

Mom Boone continues traveling, visiting friends and family around the country, and she just finished her 9th season as a state park volunteer. We expect her in Las Vegas for about 2 months next spring when she will be recovering from knee surgery.

Dad Boone and Joe are well in Portland. Dad tends his yard, tutors 5th grade math, and volunteers for outdoor causes, while Joe hikes the neighborhood and fixes grand dinners.

Cathy Boone remains in Austin. She and Peter teach at UT and engage in overseas research. Josh is a college freshman this year.

Bill Boone continues in Dallas. He says his maintenance manager position at American Airlines is secure despite the AMR bankruptcy. Maria works in the neighborhood elementary school, and the kids keep winning high school swimming competitions.

John Boone remains in Portland. John does part-time work for their old company, Lori is becoming a great singer, and the three kids are growing up. Ashley, the oldest, goes to high school next year.

Mocha Cat started sitting on our laps this winter, but will she continue in summer? She likes to go out and watch birds, but never tries to catch them.