Nathan’s Christmas 2006 Letter

G’Day!

I sit here in the winter wonderland that is Washington during a cold snap, ready to write the eagerly anticipated;

The Forth Annual Nathan Allan Christmas Letter

What a fantastic and magical year it has been! There is a lot to tell you about, but I will give you the cut-down version!

The biggest highlight on this year’s calendar was my wonderful wedding to Casey. On the third anniversary of our meeting we tied the knot in one of my favorite places, Orcas Island. We held a small weekend long party with 26 people in total. We mixed things up a bit and had a dinner the night before comprising of our favorite dishes, all prepared by the wonderful staff of the Orcas Hotel. We had booked the hotel for the weekend, and it worked out to be a fantastic choice. Our wedding day May 14th was unseasonably sunny and warm, setting records across the region. It was the perfect day! Martin Lund a musician who had stayed at our Inn played at the dinner and then the next morning with Gene Nery at the ceremony. The photo we have used as our Christmas card this year was taken by Des Moines, IA based friend Brian Stevens. He helped make the day memorable. At some point more photos will be available online.

After a short break back at home, we took my parents and sister to Yellowstone. A truly awe-inspiring place! I even met and chatted with Dick Smith and his wife. They as you all do now have an open invitation to come stay at the Inn. We also took a couple of trips to Eastern Washington, visting Grand Coulee Dam and Casey’s Grandpa. We also went down the Columbia River Gorge with my family on their way home.

The Inn is progressing well. We got the shed raised and fixed, thanks to our friend Brian. However I roofed it myself with help from Casey. We laid a bamboo floor in the newly completed office and living room. We also finally got the roof redone, and after a small legal battle overpaid the contractor. We have plans nearly in place to extend our area, adding on two bedrooms for future kids or visitors. We also have plans in progress for building a carriage house for paying guests. Any day now we are going to start fitting out the attic space as a day spa. All things that should make this place even more appealing!

My lawyers convinced me this year to lay Sausage to rest for good. It wasn’t worth the stress, time and money it was costing me. I am better putting my efforts to something else. It is simply upsetting that so many people have lost something that was so great and groundbreaking.

Back to nicer things! Out of the blue Karissa offered to have Hayden come and stay for the summer. So for six weeks she came and stayed at the Inn. We went on trips, to the various zoos and camping. It was a blast! Hopefully it becomes a regular thing but I won’t get my hopes up.

After Hayden left Casey and I had a solid 5 months of Inn business without a break. Great for the bank balance but a little stressful and tiring. So we finally decided in October to go back to Puerto Vallarta for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Villa Premiere, a boutique hotel in downtown with an onsite day spa. It was so relaxing and we had a great time. We even drank Tequila in Tequila!

In September my good friend Eric Bass died, it was unexpected and a terrible loss. He was a really great man. This news led to some serious thinking about simplifying life, so it can be enjoyed and less stressful. So Casey sold her condo and I am selling my duplex. We will put the money in to improvements here. No more landlord duties.

Now all of my time and effort can be put in to things close to home. My marriage, the Inn, my little online ventures and other things I enjoy. I have even found time to start reading fiction books again!

To sum things up, life is good! It has never been better. I really think it will stay that way now. I just need to loose 30 pounds! If all goes to plan Casey and I hope to go to Australia at some point during 2007. Unlike this past year we will make it happen this time.

So to each and every one of you that are forever stuck on my Christmas List, have a safe and happy holiday season (no matter what version you celebrate!). May all your dreams and wishes for 2007 be granted!

With Best Wishes,

Nathan