There are also more pictures from the 2020s in the Travel and Dani posts.
When Dani and Trish got married in 2019, they wanted a place of their own. So we sold the Wabash condo and bought two condos in Boys Town, a mile or two north. Dani and Trish had the first floor, and Linda and I had the second floor. Unfortunately, right after we got the condo set up, the pandemic started, and we were stuck in Orlando for more than a year. Fortunately, Dani had some friends who had gotten stranded internationally during the pandemic and needed a place to live. So they were able to stay in our condo for the entire pandemic. Afterwards, we had some great times in the condo enjoying Christmas with Dani and Trish and Trish’s family. But then in 2023, Dani and Trish decided to move to Vancouver, so we sold both condos. Linda and I rent an apartment in Vancouver now, and are trying to move there permanently.
by Loren Barrows, December, 2024
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the office,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse-ice.
The Binloops were stocked in the warehouse with care,
In hopes that the Sales Team would make them disappear;
The Engineers were nestled all snug in their chairs,
While dozens of support tickets rang in their ears.
And Alexis in the Quality Room with Scott having his back,
Had just built some RideAmps and packed them in wrap.
When out in the lot there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from our chairs to see what was the matter!
Away to the windows we flew like a drone,
Rolled up the big shades, and pulled out our phones.
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear?
Not another car crash but a man we revere.
In a fast silver Tesla, and cat hair on his sleeve,
We knew in a moment it had to be Steve.
More rapid than RevBs his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called us by name:
Now! Hunter, Liana, Adam, Aaron, Alan, Gabe, Bailey, Loren, and Shelby,
On! Corey, On Scott, on Hector, the Mikes, the Alexs, the Devins, and Dmitri;
To the top of the roof! To the top of the wall!
Casemates and Wine Woot! I’ve got plenty of wine for all!”
So up to the Tiki Bar the Alcorn team flew,
With empty wine glasses- and one of Martin’s corkscrews.
And then in a twinkling, we heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of somebody’s boots.
As we drew in our head, and were turning around,
When down the roof stairs Jim came with a bound.
He was dressed in beach gear but wasn’t wearing any pants,
His clothes were all sandy and he asked about his plants.
A case of beer was packed all up in his sack,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes – how they twinkled! his dimples how merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth opened up to tell jokes,
A little off-color and offending some folks.
They weren’t very good but still made us all laugh,
Then he scooped up his pack and turned to our staff.
Are you learning every day and having some fun?
Are you taking care of Hunter like I asked everyone?
Then a wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave us to know we had nothing to dread.
He spoke no more words but went straight to his work,
And he gave us all bacon; then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger all up in his nose
He gave Steve a nod and they both struck a pose.
Let’s get outta here Steve don’t ya know we’re retired?
It’s a miracle I worked here so long and never got fired.
Look around at this team we’ve left it in good hands,
Come hang out with me I’ve got all sorts of plans!
They sprung to their feet, to our team gave a wave,
And away they both went, off to go misbehave:
But we heard them exclaim, ere they drove out of sight-
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Our annual Christmas letters, available as PDF downloads:
