Merry Christmas!
Kathy and I hope the holiday season finds you celebrating the close of another fine year. We were fortunate to spend time with family and friends throughout 2023.
We started the year with a winter escape to Bermuda with our good friends, Jane and Paul. We logged many miles walking, exploring the island's historical and natural sites, and enjoying a respite from the Michigan winter. The incredible warmth of the Bermudian people and the fresh seafood dishes, especially the local fish chowder, were a true delight.
Several McBride-side family events brought us together this year. Lynelle's second son, Jacob, and Kate celebrated their wedding at a beautiful venue in New York in June. We took the opportunity to explore the Upper Hudson River Valley and Saratoga areas, where we were captivated by the rich history and scenic beauty.
In July, Aunt Micki, Dad's sister, celebrated her 90th birthday with a surprise party in Grand Blanc, MI. Craig and Lora brought Mom and Dad north for the event, leading to another mini-gathering at our house.
September saw Dee's son, Adam, marry Makenzie in a delightful outdoor wedding and barn reception in Manistee, MI. The family gathered to celebrate, and we seized the chance to kayak and hike in the local nature spots, relishing the tranquility and beauty of Michigan’s outdoors.
October found Kathy and me in the Shenandoah mountains, exploring quaint towns, delving into Civil War history, and hiking. Lynelle and Jim joined us for a weekend, enhancing our enjoyment of the Fall colors and mountain trails.
Summer's activities made the time fly by, but we still found moments to sail on Lotus, enjoying some quiet time on the water. We spent a week onboard during the 4th of July, our evenings in the cockpit enhanced by nightly fireworks along the shore. Michigan's sailing season, though short, is breathtaking.
On the professional front, the clinic continues to flourish. We welcomed a new partner at the start of the year, aiming to gradually shift away from the daily workings of the practice. This change is allowing us more time to pursue other passions. We're also excited about starting our fourth remodeling project this winter, which includes expanding our surgical facility and adding CT scanning capability.
We hope your year was filled with joy and success, and we wish you all the best for 2024.
Warm wishes,
Steve and Kathy