Bruce and Patricia MacCormack Family News

2013 - A Roller Coaster Year..... from the high points of our wonderful cruise, (see below) to concerning health issues with Bruce, it has been quite a bumpy year. In July Bruce had a fainting spell in our driveway and was hospitalized for four days with numerous tests. The diagnosis was termed 'sinus bradycardia', a very slow heart rate causing lack of oxygen to the brain, hence the fainting. After a month on a heart monitor he is now back to regular duties while doctors maintain an eye on his status. Patricia keeps her usual healthy regime of walking, aerobics and golf, playing in the Ladies' group every wednesday and indoor golf simulation training in the winter months. Aside from that we have had an enjoyable late summer. The picture here is early evening on our north upper deck; a tranquil time for a glass of sauvignon blanc and a relaxing chance to listen to JS Bach on the patio speakers.

At Home - Whatcom Symphony Orchestra We participated in a fundraising event earlier this year for the WSO by inviting a number of guests for a formal dinner and to meet with one of the four contestants for the open position of Conductor. Added to the pleasure was the piano recital by Katie, the Symphony's pianist who regaled us with some beautiful solo pieces while the evening's culinary experts, Patricia and Gail as well as sommeliers Bruce and Martin ensured that our guests enjoyed it all.

Travels - Panama Canal Cruise
This was a memorable and wonderful twenty two day experience with some fascinating ports of call. You can see many more photos here

"Windhover" gets a full re-paint
Our Ranger 20 Sailboat was given more than a Spring Clean this year. The hull was completely repainted and anti-foul applied, the topside buffed up and a new jib furler installed. Northwest Rigging did a great job of checking all the rigging for us and we replaced the teak handrails on the deck. County Council changed the rules about two cycle engines on Lake Whatcom because of water quality concerns since the lake provides all the water supplies for Bellingham residents. So that meant an upgrade to a six hp four cylinder new outboard as well. Overall quite an expensive but productive investment which we look forward to enjoying in future years.

and yet more renovations....this time our kitchen, dining room and great room bar area, as well as our lower level entertainment area and main bar. 115 square feet of granite in total installed on the main floor and all new counter tops in the family room. Of course in addition, all new sinks, faucets and other accoutrements necessary to make these changes look as nice as possible.

This is always a special time to remind our family members and dear friends how much we cherish them. From England to Canada, France to Australia and New Zealand and of course, here in the United States, those relationships have endured the years. Time passes by all too quickly and this medium at least serves as a means to keep in touch with you all, especially those who we don't get to see that often. We wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful year ahead and would love to hear from you whenever you get the chance: email Patricia, email Bruce
Love and best wishes,

Patricia and Bruce

To post a message in our Guest Book, click here ~ Family News - click here for 2012 news