Another year has gone by. As I reflect on 2022, I continually hear Ira’s motto—Keep Moving; No Regrets. From January to December, we rarely stopped. We were skiing, spending time with family, exploring places in the US and abroad, raising money for the National Brain Tumor Society, sharing our experiences at the ASTRO Conference in Texas, and promoting 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die.
We remain grateful for every day. Ira continues to enjoy the things he loves. I am extremely fortunate that my b’sheret has grit and rarely complains. Many glioblastoma patients balk at what needs to be endured. Instead of focusing on Ira’s cancer, we have lived our lives to the fullest in 2022. We plan to continue an active lifestyle for as long as possible.
January
Like so many other years, Ira and I welcomed 2022 skiing at Keystone Resort. We enjoyed our time in the mountains with our cat named Chloe. Our children and their families had other plans. Since we had postponed our second attempt to visit Israel, I used the unexpected time to research and experience several places under consideration for 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die. I was introduced to unfamiliar race cars at the Shelby Museum, and walked up and down the streets of The Hill to see how things had changed over the last few decades. Ira and I also dined at a plethora of noteworthy restaurants. Time was spent outdoors taking winter shots of Boulder landmarks, and hiking whenever possible. After Ira’s diagnosis, I didn’t think it would be possible to complete this project. With Ira’s encouragement, I completed the book several weeks before my March 1st deadline.
Omicron was in full force. We tried to be as safe as possible. We both ended up with mild cases of COVID. Luckily, our immune systems were strong. We did not experience any long term symptoms.
February
Copper Mountain extended a media trip that coincided with Valentine’s Day. It had been decades since we skied at this wonderful place. Blue skies and bright sunshine kept the frigid temperatures at bay. The resort provided guided ski tours so we could maximize our time and explore different parts of the mountain. I have vague recollections of our last time on this mountain. It was before Joshua was born in 1980.
We had a great time tubing one afternoon. I was terrified when we approached the launch area. First time experiences can bring on a bit of anxiety. After a few runs, I was more at ease. Freezing temperatures caused us to end before our session was completed. This ski adventure was recalled in Ski Report: Revisting Copper Mountain
March
Before leaving for our first international pandemic trip, we skied with Aaron and Jordan at Keystone. With some hesitations, we boarded our flight to Lisbon. Prior to the cruise, we enjoyed Lisbon by using a private guide to explore Jewish history. Our immersive cruise was aboard the Azamara Pursuit. While going through the health and safety checks, we learned that it was the ship’s first pandemic sailing. During this cruise we visited, Seville, Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia and Barcelona. For more information about this adventure, read Exploring Seven Cities on a Spanish Immersion Cruise
April
While many people were still afraid to travel, we were thrilled to have traveled to Europe. I organized my images and created my first photo book for the year. We periodically spent time with our grandchildren and were honored to attend Max’s grandparents event at his preschool.
Near the end of the month, we traveled to Chicago to spend time with Ira’s family. Ira’s aging parents are both in their 90s. Aaron’s family joined us for this trip. It was an incredible opportunity for Max and Isabella to spend time with their great grandparents.
May
We headed to Scottsdale, Arizona for a family getaway with Jordan, Kayla, and Aaron and his family. Mornings were spent exploring local trails. To get a respite from the blazing hot afternoon sun, we camped out in shaded areas by the pool. While we only had a handful of nights to explore Scottsdale’s restaurant scene, we found delicious family-friendly cuisine.
Taking the Kids to Scottsdale, Arizona
In mid-May, I was finally able to fulfill Ira’s wish to return to Israel. It was #1 on his bucket list after receiving the glioblastoma diagnosis. Two previous trips had been cancelled. It was an incredible feeling when we walked off the airplane and stepped into Israel.
The entire trip was filled with emotional moments—seeing Ira praying at The Wall, visiting the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, experiencing Gush Etzion, walking through Yad Vashem, learning about life near the borders, strolling through Safed, meeting with Professor Palti, the inventor of the Optune device, and appreciating the beauty of the Negev Desert.
Rarely, is it possible to stand face to face with the person who has helped to extend your life. I will never forget our short meeting with Professor Palti, a recipient of the Israel Award.
By the end of 2022, 12 stories will be published from this trip. Each offers a different perspective. For an overview of these stories, read Incredible Israel.
June
From Asher’s birthday celebration to Bode’s flag football game, to numerous hikes in the High Country, to Father’s Day, we spent time enjoying family and nature. We needed time to rebound after three back to back trips.
July
At the beginning of July, our bags were packed once again. This time the destination was Iceland. For almost two weeks, we would be exploring coastal ports aboard the Silversea Whisper. While it took some adjusting to the medium sized Azamara Pursuit in March, this vessel was even smaller.
Once again, I was happy that Ira could experience another bucket list destination. If you haven’t been to Iceland, I highly recommend you add it to your list of places to see. Check out these two stories–
Incredible Iceland: Explore 8 Coastal Towns
Cruising Iceland with Silversea Cruises
Near the end of the month, Josh’s family secretly returned to the US. It was a welcome surprise since, we no longer have the ability to travel to India. It was great to spend quality time with Josh and Rachael’s children– Avi and Amari.
August
A substantial part of the month was spent in Summit County. We celebrated Ira’s birthday at our mountain home. Ira and I played basketball with our older grandchildren and enjoyed numerous meals together. For the first time ever, we hiked with all of our grandchildren.
They were fascinated by the moose we saw resting in field next to the trail.
At the end of the month, Ira and I were media guests at the Red Mountain Resort. Despite the hot temperatures, we took advantage of the daily morning hikes and a wide range of activities. We expanded our horizons by participating in a trampoline class. Afternoons were spent cooling off at the pool.
Morning Hikes Near Red Mountain Resort
September
My birthday month was filled with a multitude of events— football games, cooler hiking experiences, the National Brain Tumor Society Walk & Run in Denver, and a trip back to Chicago to celebrate the High Holidays at our former synagogue, Beth Shalom in Northbrook and with Ira’s aging parents.
October to December
Right before I started marketing 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die, our family gathered to celebrate Sukkot in our backyard sukkah and also have my belated birthday celebration. I was in Chicago for my birthday.
My successful book launch was at the Boulder Bookstore. It started a whirlwind series of events that lasted until right before Hanukkah. I promoted 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die at bookstores, cafes, restaurants, retail stores, in a CU classroom, and at senior citizen facilities. I tailored my presentations to my audience. Within a two month period, I participated in 20 events. To help shine more attention on Boulder, I revisited several places mentioned in the book and then wrote five stories that were published.
Ira was by my side the entire time. What a miracle! After his diagnosis, I didn’t think it would be possible.
We still found time to be with our grandchildren at Max’s birthday party, travel to San Antonio, Texas to attend an ASTRO conference and enjoyed a brief getaway to Dana Point, California.
I completed my first phase of marketing 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die right before the start of Chanukah. We celebrated the festival in our home with our entire family.
Since we had such a great time the year before cruising in the Caribbean, we chose to book another end of the year sailing. It was the first time we would celebrate both Chanukah and New Year’s Eve aboard a cruise ship. . By agreeing to an itinerary that took us to the Panama Canal, we deviated from our tradition of skiing on January 1. In 2023, we began the New Year aboard Celebrity’s Edge.
May 2023 be the Best Year of Your Life.
BIO
Sandy is an award-winning author and lifestyle and travel journalist. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die, a guidebook offering an easy way to pinpoint your best options in this sunny, high altitude college town. Sandy’s second book, May This Be the Best Year of Your Life highlights her living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. As a licensed Colorado teacher, she taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad. Sandy also taught college-level courses at Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado-Boulder.
To follow Sandra and Ira’s travel adventures, visit TheTravelingBornsteins website.
Connect with Sandra