VOLUME IV, NUMBER I: 2019 - 2022
THE CATCH-UP EDITION
After three years of benign neglect, the taylorgram returns with its first ever 3-fer edition, covering 2019 through 2021.
2021: Run For The Border
The reopening of the international border between Canada and the United States afforded us the opportunity for a trip home back to Winnipeg in October after two years away. Thanks COVID. We enjoyed getting caught up with family – Elaine’s family has now conveniently organized itself in population centers along the Trans Canada Highway (No. 1) from Portage La Prairie to Carberry to Virden. All the siblings, in-laws, their kids and critters are doing well, each with stories to tell. Back in Winnipeg, the same was true for Paul’s brother Dave and his family, which now includes five grandkids.
Paul stayed in Winnipeg to spend more time with his parents. His mom had just been hospitalized. Paul and his dad visited her daily. As it turned out, it also gave Paul the opportunity to say goodbye to his mom. She died on November 15. We returned to Winnipeg for her funeral, visits with some of her siblings and cousins, more time with dad and making new memories with Dave’s family.
Earlier in the year, we helped with final arrangements for a dear friend, Bob MacLeod, who died at 91. Paul did the eulogy, Elaine curated dozens of photos for a visual tribute set to some of Bob’s favorite tunes. We continue to visit with his widow Nancy who shares Bob’s eternally optimistic and whimsical view of the world.
Professionally, Elaine worked on the third Electronic Health Record (EHR) conversion in her time at Harborview Medical Center and UW Medicine. The third one stood out from the earlier cutovers because it was done almost exclusively over Zoom with almost everybody on the team working from home.
Earlier in the year, we helped with final arrangements for a dear friend, Bob MacLeod, who died at 91. Paul did the eulogy, Elaine curated dozens of photos for a visual tribute set to some of Bob’s favorite tunes. We continue to visit with his widow Nancy who shares Bob’s eternally optimistic and whimsical view of the world.
Professionally, Elaine worked on the third Electronic Health Record (EHR) conversion in her time at Harborview Medical Center and UW Medicine. The third one stood out from the earlier cutovers because it was done almost exclusively over Zoom with almost everybody on the team working from home.
2020: Year One Of The Pandemic
The world got a lot smaller when we all locked down for what was supposed to be two weeks to get in front of what was then known as the 2019 novel coronavirus. Almost two years later, we remain in catch-up mode.
The year had its high points – Elaine’s 60th (complete with a drive-by birthday party), Bob’s 90th birthday and Bob and Nancy’s 65th wedding anniversary. In the hope that things would eventually get back to normal, we poured a new concrete pad between the house and the outdoor kitchen. We then had the whole thing covered by coloured pebble and epoxy mix (Sierra Stone) to give the whole area a finished look. Our hope for 2022 is to get some people over here to spill food and wine on it.
The year also had a low point. Paul suffered a stroke in May, landing him in hospital for six weeks, three of which in ICU and 13 days on a mechanical ventilator. Remarkably – some might say miraculously – he has made an almost full recovery. As one friend in Winnipeg said, “If you didn’t know he had one, you wouldn’t know he had had one.” (There are some minor lingering issues with fatigue and coordination but we are enormously grateful for how good things have turned out.) Elaine has been terrific throughout, striking just the right balance between being wife, friend and nurse.
The year also had a low point. Paul suffered a stroke in May, landing him in hospital for six weeks, three of which in ICU and 13 days on a mechanical ventilator. Remarkably – some might say miraculously – he has made an almost full recovery. As one friend in Winnipeg said, “If you didn’t know he had one, you wouldn’t know he had had one.” (There are some minor lingering issues with fatigue and coordination but we are enormously grateful for how good things have turned out.) Elaine has been terrific throughout, striking just the right balance between being wife, friend and nurse.
2019 – Alaska Or Bust
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It now seems like such a simpler time. Sigh.
After talking about doing it for two decades, we took an Alaskan cruise with Elaine’s sister Suzie and her husband Zeke. It was a marvelous week – great company, amazing views and the discovery of an all-sisters cover band at a local dive bar in Sitka. Holland America did themselves proud. The service was excellent. The band in the on-board B.B. King’s Blues Club was a lot of fun – as was watching Zeke compete in water sports competitions. Paul completed his first 5K on board – not much to watch but he wasn’t the last to finish.
We also traveled back to Winnipeg for a visit. Mom and dad were moving from the longtime Taylor home in Bird’s Hill and Paul had a 37-year high school reunion – dubbed the Freedom 55 party and there were a handful of alum that were retiring and moving offshore.
Back at home that fall, Elaine began babysitting for a young single mother of four who needed childcare as she started a new full-time job. A friendship blossomed such that we will be spending Christmas with her family in their new house. It is another story with a happy ending.
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Professionally, Paul helped lead the reboot of Governing magazine as an online news outlet focused on state and local government. It has a small but mighty team of writers, columnists and editors that do some amazing work – and there are big plans for 2022.
post script
So that catches us up. Here’s hoping not having to another 2-fer or 3-fer again but that assumes having the discipline to get back on an annual schedule. Stay tuned.