2021
a year in review
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In 2021...
In 2021...
We counted down again for 2021 at Jeff's parents' house watching the worst Las Vegas countdown special I've ever seen--perhaps an artifact of Covid and the lack of good entertainment being broadcast. Either way it was still good to be with family, as unbeknownst to us, this could be the last new year with parents in California.
The gift of mushrooms from Annie and Kevin.
Throughout the month of January, Nina tended to our mushrooms that we received as a Christmas gift from Jeff's sister. February, once again a month of celebration with the nephews' and Nina's birthday together.
Cole's Birthday Celebration!
Cade trying out his VR birthday gift.
Breaking the mold...
Breaking the mold...
A bit tired of cooking at home to avoid Valentine's Day crowds, we put our tradition to the wind and Jeff instead surprised Nina with an off-the-beaten-path hike with views of the Golden Gate. On the way back home, he found another secret spot in Tiburon with views of the Golden Gate and popped a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck rosé sauvage.
Nina and Jeff with some pink juice for Valentine's Day
In March, we found an opportunity to help at the Alameda County Food Bank. Beyond a donation, we felt some hands on help would be rewarding.
Nina working hard at the food bank
Shaun and Chris also invited us up to their cabin in Tahoe, where Jeff and Chris got a day on the slopes!
Getting Ready to make Thai food!
A day of fresh powder!
Let's Get the H*ll Out of Dodge, But Be Sure to Come Visit
Let's Get the H*ll Out of Dodge, But Be Sure to Come Visit
At the end of April, Jeff joined his parents for the last meal at their house before the movers came. It was difficult for him as he found comfort knowing his parents were always there.
Jeff's Mom Cooking her Last Dinner in CA
Before making a beeline to Texas, Jeff's parents then took a road trip down the coast of California. We were invited to meet them along the way in Santa Barbara. On the way down, we stopped in Paso Robles to see a light installation.
Jeff, Mom, Hayzee and Dad (left to right) in Santa Barbara
Waiting for tacos in Santa Barbara before saying goodbye
We were both very thankful to stay with Jeff's parents at their Airbnb and to dine about town. It was a very special birthday for Jeff given bittersweet circumstances of his family's departure.
"In summer, the song sings itself." - William Carlos Williams
"In summer, the song sings itself." - William Carlos Williams
After Santa Barbara, the trip continued down to La Jolla for a few days and along the way we stopped to meet up with friends and family in LA.
Ramen with Bryan and Steph
Steph's Homemade Pizza and Wine from Ojai
Lunch with Nina's Cousin and His Wife
A Night of Entertainment With Vamsi and Friends
Celebrating Independence Day in Austin, Texas
Jeff then flew out to visit his family in Texas for the 4th of July. Later that month, back in California, we met with friends for an old fashioned drive-in movie and some whitewater rafting.
Drive-in Tailgate Party Before Black Window
Whitewater Rafting
Belated Honeymoon Wine and Dine Voyage
Belated Honeymoon Wine and Dine Voyage
As cases of Covid subsided, we decided to finally pull the trigger on our continually delayed honeymoon trip. Originally planned for hiking in Patagonia and then later a road trip around Iceland, the idea finally matured into something romantic we knew we would both enjoy very much... food and beverage... voila!
From Paris clockwise, blue line by car and green is by train
Après dessert course on the patio at Têtedoie, Lyon
Nina picking out a bottle in Reims
Procuring Wine in Chablis
Last night (in Paris)
Biking in Burgundy
Wine Tasting in Chablis
Dinner with Nina's cousin in Paris
Memorable Dishes from our Honeymoon
Memorable Dishes from our Honeymoon
FaceTime with Family in Thailand
FaceTime with Family in Thailand
Mom's sense of humor
Everyone loves coconut water!
It's serious business wearing Mom's WFH headset
Home Sweet Home... Someday.
Home Sweet Home... Someday.
After six months of house hunting in the craziness of escalating home prices, we finally found ourselves a home with good bones in a great neighborhood. Luckily, we have an architect in the family and a guy who likes projects :) Nina is drawing up a storm and Jeff has already started sweating pipes and working the the yard. That said, we are taking our time with this one as we explore the options.
Our first house in Rockridge.
Site survey
Jeff plumbing a new garage utility sink
Holidays - Our New Normal
Holidays - Our New Normal
Family photo - courtesy of Kevin's watch
For the first time we didn't have Jeff's parents here for Thanksgiving. Jeff made a spatchcock turkey and we hosted our neighbors for dinner. After Thanksgiving, we joined our friends for Jamón.
In December, we flew into Austin for our first Christmas in Texas. While it wasn't like previous years, we felt very fortunate to be with family.
Cade meets Mom's appetizers
Jamón Ibérico at Tony's
2021 -- Another year of social distancing and making the best of it. This time with a little more confidence to navigate the climate. Both of us going back to the office once or twice a week and getting used to traveling with masks, following local guidelines on safety and enjoying the company of others where possible.
In hindsight, the pandemic has been less in focus given other things going on in our lives. This has been a year of significant change with Jeff's family adjusting to a place they call home and for us planning a new home as well.
Now both of us have long distance families and will need to work hard to bridge the gaps in geography where we can. Even more now we value our friendships and limited interactions with family.
Thank you for being a part of our lives! Keep safe and healthy! Happy New Year!
Nina + Jeff
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