Life in the USA – 2025

2025

In January, I kicked off the year with a DIY project. Ursula had long hated the twin-basin kitchen sink that came with the house, so it was time for action. Out with the old, in with the shiny new! What I thought would be reasonably easy turned into more work than expected—but hey, we pulled it off without calling in the plumber. The glue still needed 24 hours to set, but the moral of the story remains timeless: Happy Wife – Happy Life.

Big news reached us on January 17! Ursula’s brother, Wally, finally tied the knot with his sweetheart, Marli. Their story is one for the ages: a teenage fling in Brazil back in 1975, a 40-year break, then a Facebook reunion that rekindled their love for each other. Now, at 76, Wally is selling off his Swiss life to start the second chapter of his life in Araxá, Brazil, with Marli. A real “love conquers all” tale—who needs Hollywood when we’ve got family stories like this?

January 25 – I rolled up my sleeves at White’s Chapel Church for another Rise Against Hunger event. Alongside hundreds of volunteers, we packed food for 30,000 needy families around the world—Burundi, Cambodia, Ghana, Haiti, the list goes on and on. Each bag contained a mix of vitamins, veggies, soy, and rice, allowing a nutritious meal for six. It’s humbling to think how such small bags can carry so much hope.

February 2 was a very special Sunday at the Vietnamese Baptist Church of Fort Worth. Four reasons: Our first-ever service in Vietnamese (thank goodness for translation). The sermon came from my friend and former Rolex colleague, Senior Minister The Q. Dang. The congregation was celebrating Chinese New Year—the Year of the Snake. Afterward, we sampled traditional Vietnamese dishes with the church family. The warm Vietnamese hearts made us feel welcome. Thank you, Thé, for such a memorable day!

On March 1st, we escaped winter for a 6-day beach getaway at Hotel Alisei in Las Terrenas, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Think palm trees, turquoise water, and just enough shade to keep us comfortable all day. It was almost the absolute paradise—none of the hustle and bustle of Punta Cana, just peace, quiet, ocean breezes, and fresh fish!

Las Terrenas itself has quite the history: once an isolated fishing village, then home to African-descended families living off the land and sea. In 1945, a Jewish family bought land and grew it into farmland, later joined by Italians and French settlers. Things really took off after the dirt road to and from Santo Domingo was paved in 2012, cutting the trip to just over two hours. Now Las Terrenas is a lively town of about 40,000, of an international mix of expats who’ve fallen for its charm. We met many Canadians, a family from Colombia, and even a lady from Denton, Texas (small world). (https://youtu.be/TYwQshmwh30)

April 1st – Our “Geezer Group” road-tripped to San Antonio with Mike driving, naturally stopping for BBQ in Lockhart. By early afternoon, we had checked into the historic Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt once recruited his Rough Riders. Drinks at the famous Menger Bar set the mood before a visit to The Alamo, where we met David Crockett (only in a statue).

The evening found us strolling along the Riverwalk and feasting at Mi Tierra Café. Later, we swapped stories and laughs by the hotel pool until 10 PM—living proof that a small group of geezers combined has a ton of knowledge. The next day: breakfast at La Panadería, then the San Antonio Botanical Gardens (wow!) Before wrapping things up, we enjoyed another BBQ feast at the Smoke Shack, joined by Andreas & Nichole. This marked our 22nd Geezer Group outing since 2014—who’s counting? We are! (https://youtu.be/RzCy-wl29sw)

April 15 brought some unwelcome news: my prostate cancer appeared to make an encore appearance. The biopsy results weren’t encouraging at first, but thankfully, the oncology report later came back, suggesting “low risk.” So, fortunately, no radiation will be needed after all—big sigh and relief!

April 17 – Wally officially wrapped up his Swiss chapter. On April 29th, he was off to Brazil to start fresh with his love, Marli. We wish them endless happiness in their new joint adventure!

On May 1st, Ursula turned 76, which we celebrated in a low-key style. I started the day with a homemade card and a fresh rose from our garden. Neighbor Sue surprised her with a lovely gift and a ladies’ lunch invite. Later, we strolled through the elegant Bowie House hotel, admired art, sipped cocktails, and ended the evening with light seafood appetizers in this trendy place in Fort Worth. When we returned home, we found a surprise!—our friends David and Julie had left a beautifully wrapped gift at the door. It was a lovely birthday, making Ursula feel like a queen.

June 5 – Nokomis, Florida – I flew down to help my friend Ernesto Rolo, a fellow watchmaker, whom I have known for 39 years. Over the course of three days, we successfully listed his watch parts on eBay, selling five items. More importantly, I was able to show Ernesto and his wife, Melida, how to keep it going on their own—nothing like mixing friendship, teamwork, and a touch of horology.

Hiking Switzerland – June – After visiting my sister Elisabeth in Säckingen, Germany, we joined our Swiss hiking group in Obwalden for five glorious days in the Alps. We stayed at a convenient hotel on Lake Sarnen, and our friend Peter once again nailed the hike planning. My favorite trek was Mägisalp to Käserstatt—pure mountain bliss with cowbells as background music. (https://youtu.be/9qLt-znBRz4)

July – Budapest River Cruise – Boarding the Excellence Empress felt like stepping into a floating boutique hotel. From Passau to Budapest, we explored Linz, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, and Esztergom. Highlights included medieval streets, grand cathedrals, and picking fresh, ripe apricots straight from the trees at a farm in the nearby hills above Krems.

Evenings brought live music, laughter, and watching the river locks open from the sundeck. Between the food, culture, and comfort onboard, it wasn’t just a cruise—it was an immersion into the very heart of Central Europe. Afterward, we caught up with our friends Kurt and Renata in Winterthur before heading home to Dallas on July 25. (https://youtu.be/_6syFUpPMEw)

On September 15th, I turned 80! Hard to believe I’ve been roaming this planet for so long. Family made it extra special—Andreas & Nichole drove in, Anina & Jeremy flew from California, and Jeremy’s daughter Nina joined too, bringing some youthful sparkle. Postcards poured in from friends worldwide, even Brazil and Australia.

The weather was warm, perfect for multiple pool dips. Ursula masterminded the whole celebration—decor, food, comfort—nobody left hungry. We even squeezed in Swiss Jass for old times’ sake.

Dinner was Sushi at our favorite Southlake spot, with Chef Sean delivering perfection (as always). I cherished the delicious food and the love of my family that surrounded me. If that’s the secret perk of turning 80, I’ll take it. Huge thanks to everyone who made the day unforgettable.

At this stage, I’m rarely stressed, knowing the “slow-go” years are just around the corner. Ursula’s wholesome, made-from-scratch meals are a daily pleasure — delicious, nourishing, and made with love and devotion. My focus has shifted entirely to health and balance — taking my daily vitamins, practicing weekly yoga, engaging in moderate weight training, and going for neighborhood walks keep both body and mind steady. An afternoon nap feels wonderfully restorative, and a glass of wine while spending time at the Mac helps me unwind and savor the moment. I often write and reflect on my life's journey and the things I’ve accomplished. More than ever, I value simple happiness and staying close to family and friends.

Here’s to the next chapter—still young enough for a few more (slower) adventures. 😉

November 12-13 - I traveled with the Geezer Hiking Group to Hamilton Pool, a stunning nature preserve southwest of Austin in the Texas Hill Country. We welcomed two new members on this outing. Kevin, the youngest at 49, was born and raised in Oak Cliff. His wife, Esmeralda, is from El Salvador, and together they have two children. Kevin works as an Office Services Manager. Javier, 67, was born in Mexico and became a U.S. citizen in 1990. Now semi-retired, he concluded his career as a manager with HEB. He’s the proud father of six and grandfather of eleven. Both Kevin and Javier seemed to like it and fit right in. Two of our charter members, Wolf and Robert, both recently lost their wives but were able to join us. Even though it was difficult for them at times, the group’s camaraderie offered much-needed comfort and a sense of healing.

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