Blimey — another year nearly gone. The eternal question of where does the time go? remains unanswered, unless we stare up at the sky long enough for life to stand still and remind us how tiny we are in this universe. It’s been another year of adventure, privilege, joy, and the occasional bump — all part of the ride.
Richard started a new job this year: Vice President, Medical Affairs, Research and Education at North York General Hospital. What this really means is that he now has a regular salary, benefits, and even pays into a pension fund. No more night shifts, though he does still spend the odd day in the operating room to keep his “making-people-sleep” skills sharp. You could say he practises that regularly in conversation too. There are plenty of long days of meetings, but I haven’t seen him this energized about work in ages — it’s wonderful.
Alistair continues to be fully invested — some might say mildly addicted — to all things running. Toronto Harriers, the club he’s been building for several years, is thriving, with the added bonus that many of our social events now revolve around running. You can get a snapshot of our year in this video I was persuaded to narrate. I am certainly no David Attenborough, but you’ll get the idea! As you’ll see, we have plenty of talent that isn’t limited to running — including a writer and a videographer.
This past winter we finally used the new cottage — and had no idea just how much we’d love it. The quiet, the snow-covered landscape, the frozen lakes… it was all magical. We snowshoed most weekends, followed by a sauna and a glass of wine by a roaring fire, making every weekend feel like a mini-vacation. Standing on the frozen lake for the first time, surveying our own little winter wonderland, felt beautifully surreal.
In June we took a week in Madrid and northern Spain — our first vacation alone in many years. And yes, we still talk to each other. The Picos de Europa wasn’t on our radar, but we’re so grateful to have found it. The scenery and trails, which we ran and walked daily, were truly enchanting.
Summer brought friends and family to the cottage most weekends, including visitors from overseas. With them, we explored local attractions we’d shamefully ignored for years — the kind of nearby gems that make you wonder why you never bothered sooner.
Our final trip of the year was to South Africa, playing tour guides for four close friends who had never been to the continent. A few days in Kruger National Park, magical Cape Town, and its surroundings earned us what we believe is at least an A– in tour guiding. Richard has posted photos from the trip on his website, if you fancy a peek.
Without wishing our lives away, we have so much to look forward to. We’re extremely fortunate, and hope that in the coming years we’ll spend more time with the family and friends scattered across the globe. Richard is hoping to retire in about 5 years time — at which point you may see more of us than you ever wished for.
We hope you have a wonderful time over the holiday season — yes, that’s the politically correct way to say it here. I can hear your groan already. So: Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to you! However you celebrate, may it be joyful, fun, and full of good company.
Lots of love, and all the very best for 2026,
Alistair and Richard