2015 was a good year for us. Sibylle’s piano studio continues to flourish, and I am settling into my new system administration role at Kansas State University. We traveled to Pennsylvania in July so that I could attend a week long cello camp for adult beginners and we bought a new car. Sibylle continues to grow and shape the new flower beds and kitchen garden. Except for a cold around Thanksgiving we’ve both been healthy all year.

In January we traveled to Kansas City with Jonathan and one of his friends to see the symphony perform. The new performance hall is stunning and we have enjoyed all of the concerts we’ve seen there.

In April I ordered an Apple Watch, and then spent several weeks anxiously awaiting its arrival. I am thrilled with the watch; making very good use of its fitness tracking abilities. At the end of 2014 I had bought a treadmill desk for my office at work and I have walked 3 hours a day at work ever since. Between a daily walking regime and eating reasonably sized portions I have lost 23 pounds so far this year.

In June I attended cello camp here in town, hosted by my teacher. It’s three half days and it’s something I have done every year for 5 years now.

Sibylle’s studio performed two public recitals at Meadowlark Hills retirement community  in July.

At the end of July we traveled to Bryn Mawr College just outside Philadelphia so that I could attend a week long cello camp called Cellospeak for adult beginners. Both Sibylle and I found the week fascinating and very rewarding. In addition to daily lessons and group sessions there were recitals every evening by both faculty and students. Some of the student performances were outstanding, and the faculty performances were out of this world. We are looking forward to returning next year.

In September I bought a MINI Cooper S – a car I have dreamed about owning for years. The car was actually ordered the day before we flew to Bryn Mawr in July, but delivery happened September 10th. It’s a 6-speed done up in Volcanic Orange with a black roof. I love the car and use any excuse I can find to drive it.

For the third time I participated in the Gold Orchestra, which gives me ensemble play experience. This November marks the 6th anniversary of starting cello lessons.

Sibylle’s students continue to do well at both local and state competitions. In addition to teaching, she is also busy preparing to accompany two violin students on a recorded submission to the ASTACAP audition in January.

We wish our friends and family Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and a Joyous, Prosperous and Healthy New Year 2016!

Sibylle and Mark