Life in the USA - 2024

2024

A Spiritual Encounter – January 4
Early in the year, our neighbor David visited me with a heartfelt message he had received in the middle of the night: “Heinz: To see the kingdom of God, you must be born again.” At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but his sincerity and openness moved me. As he spoke about Jesus and the Holy Spirit, my initial apprehension gave way to a sense of calm and receptiveness. David has often shared how faith transformed his own life, and I deeply respect his conviction and our friendship. I was wondering if this might be the beginning of a new journey for me.

Easter in San Antonio
During Easter break, we spent a week in San Antonio with Andreas, Nichole, and their daughter, Keira. On Easter Sunday, we joined Nichole’s extended family for their annual barbecue and egg hunt—a warm and welcoming Texan tradition. One evening, Andreas hosted us at Conversa Elevated, the new upscale restaurant where he is the Executive Chef. His talent shone in every dish. (https://youtu.be/st24hlDNW_o)

Andreas even managed a few days off, giving him time to help me with projects like repairing the sprinkler system and finishing landscaping in the front yard. For his 42nd birthday, Ursula gifted him a handsome leather jacket that suited him perfectly. I felt proud spending this time with him and his family and lending a helping hand.

Geezer Hikes – March
. We hiked 3.7 miles at McKinney Falls State Park on the first day, followed by 3.5 miles on the scenic trail at Bastrop State Park the next day. Evenings brought BBQ by the hotel pool and lively “planning meetings”—a perfect blend of nature and camaraderie. (https://youtu.be/yCc1F4nN0wI)

April 27 to May 4
 , Ursula and I flew to Cancún for a week at the beautiful Westin Resort & Spa. Our sixth-floor balcony overlooked the turquoise sea, and we spent our days walking sandy beaches, swimming in crystal-clear water, and hopping on the $1 red bus to explore the area. Ursula’s 75th birthday on May 1st was celebrated with a visit to a nearby Mayan archaeological site and a memorable dinner at Navìos Fusion Seafood. (https://youtu.be/l80-p4IYPgM)

On the way home, a delayed flight turned into a blessing: after some duty-free shopping, American Airlines surprised us with a business class upgrade. The trip was nothing short of unforgettable.

California & Lost Coast – June
In June, we visited Anina and Jeremy in Healdsburg, then headed north together along Highway 101 to the remote coastal town of Shelter Cove. Nestled among redwood groves, the beach house overlooked the ocean and lighthouse—truly breathtaking. (https://youtu.be/qhxLws0-3uQ)

We hiked the black-sand beaches, admired cliffs and driftwood, and even watched a seagull devour a starfish. Jeremy braved the cold Pacific waves for some surfing, while we enjoyed coastal hikes through Lost Coast State Park to Bear Harbor Beach. Back in Healdsburg, we shared sushi at Otoro, cozy laptop time with a friendly cat named Franklin, and delicious home-cooked meals—a trip filled with laughter, nature, and warmth—memorable in every way.

Summer Geezer Trip
The Geezers reconvened in Fort Worth, touring the TX Whiskey Ranch distillery before enjoying catfish in Arlington and a visit to Top O’ Hill Terrace, a former gambling den and brothel from the days of Bonnie and Clyde. The day ended at Aubra’s home for another “planning session”—good fun all around. (https://youtu.be/sj5GwLve5tE)

Loss and Healing – July & August
On July 18, I received heartbreaking news: my nephew Daniel passed away at only 43, after a long battle with brain cancer. He was kind, caring, and deeply loved. Friends in Biel honored him with a 90-foot mural, and a Paddle-Out ceremony was planned on Lake Biel. His absence leaves a void we all feel.

Just a month later, on August 21, our dear Swiss friend Hans Schrag passed away suddenly in Vermont after a stroke. I will miss his humor, warmth, and kindness. Two dear souls gone too soon.

Amid this sadness, I found healing in physical therapy for my rotator cuff injury. Six weeks at Therapy Partners of North Texas brought steady improvement, thanks to the professionalism and care of Dr. Sonora Pepper Higgs. Her calm guidance and clear instructions were invaluable. I’ve resolved to maintain a balanced exercise routine in the future.

European Travels – September
We spent nearly all of September in Europe, beginning with hikes in Brandnertal, Austria, then road-tripping through Switzerland and northern Italy. Highlights included Swarovski Kristallwelten in Innsbruck, the village of Zuoz, Ticino’s lakeside charm, bustling Cannobio market, Lago Maggiore, Lake Como, and the stunning Dolomites. We followed the sunshine and sidestepped the rain, creating a journey shaped as much by weather as by whim. (https://youtu.be/XaDE8tQ8V7k)

We also enjoyed time with Ursula’s brother Wally, his partner Marli, and close friends in Switzerland—reconnecting through shared meals, excursions, and laughter—another amazing adventure for the memory books.

Geezers’ 20th Hike – October. Back in Texas, our 20th Geezer outing took us to Longhorn Cavern State Park and Inks Lake. The caves were modest but interesting, though our rapid-fire guide left us spinning. The next day’s six-mile hike was slow-going, with cacti, rocky terrain, and time working against us. A shortcut led us back just in time for lunch at Reverend Jim’s Dam Pub—another trip of fun, friendship, and lighthearted misadventures. (https://youtu.be/VDiejMtEJk8)

Visitors from the Road – December 19–20
In December, we hosted Werner and Karin, world travelers in their Mercedes camper van. With lives lived across Uruguay, Venezuela, Australia, Great Britain, and beyond—not to mention Ironman and marathon achievements—their stories were captivating. They are now bound for Alaska before driving south through the Americas. Our time together was short but inspiring.

The year ended with the family gathered at our home for Christmas. On December 23, we enjoyed dinner at Sushi Sam. Christmas Eve brought our traditional Fondue Chinoise, elevated this year by Chef Andreas’s new wasabi sauce. Secret Santa gifts sparked joy and laughter: I surprised Anina with Bombas slippers, while Nichole gifted me socks and a foot-long toothbrush—perfect for back scratches in the sauna!

The celebration overflowed with warmth, conversation, and togetherness. We are so grateful for health, family, and the blessings of another year.

Looking Ahead
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Another year has come to a close. Though we feel the passage of time, we also recognize how fortunate we are. With gratitude in our hearts, we look forward to a healthy, joyful, and bright 2025 filled with new adventures and treasured moments.

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