From Karen and Jim

Another year, mostly great with some trying issues. In January, Karen' mom, Agnes, finally decided she would move from her house in Littleton into an independent living apartment. That lasted three weeks - then into assisted living. By August, Agnes had declined so much (mostly mentally) that she had to move to a memory-assisted living apartment. The good news - she's in a terrific place now and they take great care of her. The bad...all the emotional issues that Karen and her sister had to deal with, as well as selling Agnes' house and getting rid of tons of stuff.

Also in January - we had debated for months what to do about Raider's limp - he had a torn tendon in a front shoulder. We found an amazing surgeon/vet in Denver - Raider had arthroscopic surgery in late January. The post-op instructions were, "Keep Him Quiet" - so one of us was with him 24/7 and Jim even slept on a mattress on the living room floor with Raider for many weeks. BUT surgery was huge success!

Luckily work was very busy earlier in 2009. It started easing up in May and we began our summer sojourns, off to fish, row, and ride around Colorado. Karen works from our trailer, even has a desk and internet access. We made 9 trips with all our gear this year.

Raider in his hobbles after arthroscopic surgery on a torn tendon in his shoulder. Just try keeping a Lab settled down for 3 months! Off to Florida in April, finally! Fishing for bass and bluegill is fun with a flyrod! Couldn't resist this sign....isn't Florida great?
Jim loves driving boats, here on the Withlacochee in Florida A typical campspot - all our stuff. We're ready for almost anything, and have the mobile office inside. Raider was all healed up and ready to ride by May.
The views from a great riding area near Buena Vista - there are even beaver ponds filled with cutthroat! Jim and Raider show off their oaring skills near Gunnison. Jim and Raider relaxing on the river.
There are so many cool places near Moab. We ate our lunch in this arch after riding 13 miles to get there. A neat cave, near Moab - filled with sand from erosion. Raider loved running up and sliding down. Carlsbad Caverns - went there in Nov. Jim found a favorite feature (look carefully).
Other stuff:
  • Karen judged at the Int'l Science Fair in Reno
  • Karen and colleague, Al Marlowe completed another fishing cd, 8 Fishing Maps for Colorado Rivers
  • Jim's running most of TroutGear.com
  • Karen was selected to be on the Colorado State Trails Committee, representing the 6th Cong District
  • We got thru the year without any accidents!
  • We did a fair bit of volunteer work, esp. for Trout Unlimited
  • Jim's son, Brandon (28), graduated with his BA from U. Vic in Canada!
  • In October, Jim helped his mom, Edna, move from her house into an apartment in Kelowna BC. The house sold fast!
Yep - a video of Raider riding on Jim's Rokon (motorcycle)

We lost Poco this year. He died in April just short of his 21st birthday. Tough for Karen and she wants a new kitty, but Jim says it has to be a travelling cat!

Karen with her mom in one of the apartments. Agnes is ok and receiving great care.

We travelled to Bellingham WA for Jim's Uncle's (Roy,) 90th birthday. Here they are with Jim's mom, Edna (94 and still going strong!)

Thanks to everyone for being our friends and sharing our lives with us. This year has shown us even more about the importance of  family and friends. We wish the best for you and yours during the holidays and for 2010.

And Happy 2010!

- Jim, Karen, & Raider

Karen Christopherson and Jim Thompson
26961 Hilltop Road
Evergreen CO 80439 USA
303-674-0252
Jim email: jftjim@aol.com  Cell: 303-594-1672
Karen email: chinookgeo@aol.com