Some Years are Like That -- A Year-End Wrap

Happy New Year to you! It's a good time to look back, especially since I'm not that keen on looking forward! Some years are more stellar than others. This one definitely had its highs. But it had its lows, too. We'll start with the "highs," and one of them was spending time with these two!

And one terrific high of the year was our trip to England. I'm doing loads of posts on that, as you know (archiving them on the menu tab at the top of the page here). They'll continue well into 2025 -- my form of escapism and hopefully, yours too! 

Also on the travel list this year were trips to Stratford (Ontario), Toledo, Ohio (to view the eclipse), and another to Minneapolis. (More on that below.)

We spent some good times at the lake, including two weeks of art camp with friend Kate. We also saw lots of family and friends. Cousins came to the lake, too, and that's always fun. When we were kids, we spent every summer together, so those times now are like "coming home."

Our special guests were fun too! 

Spending summers at the lake is something I treasure, something I have enjoyed since I was a child, and times enjoyed by my mom since she, too, was a child. There is nothing lovelier than sitting on the porch, watching one of our beautiful sunsets, on a warm summer night. Oh, I love those long days and can't wait for them to begin again!

I completed my family history book and distributed it to the cousins. This was a massive project, taking about six years with research and writing and I was thrilled with the final outcome.

The grands continue to grow, this year celebrating their sixth and seventh birthdays. We enjoyed partying with them and other good times!

 

Rick hosted another house concert, this time for his guitar teacher. It's joyful, bringing music to our friends in his home. The next one is scheduled for later this month -- January 12. If you are in the mid-Michigan area and would enjoy a lovely afternoon of harp, followed by tasty snacks and wine, let me know. (No charge, but donations to the musician are always appreciated.)

 

As for the downside, I've dealt with four MRSA infections, which means pretty yucky medicine, but hey -- you do what it takes. And then there was the cataract surgery, which could go in either the good or bad pile! It took awhile for my eyes to resettle after but all's well now.

We did have final farewells to a number of people, both friends and family. That trip to Minneapolis brought the Oberle family together to celebrate the life of Rick's Aunt Beth. She was a big part in his life and an inspiring woman who will be missed. Here's Rick with Beth and with three of his brothers in Minneapolis.

 

In addition to Beth, there were several other final farewells that made an impact on our lives. Rick, especially, mourned his friend George Christiansen, aka George the Cyclist, a magnificent blogger and travel writer and one of his cycling inspirations. Former colleagues and friends have also moved onto a new place in the universe. They will be missed.

And we continue to especially miss Charlie the Dog. Kevin brought Charlie into our lives back about twelve years ago. He was the puppy that should have died within days of his arrival in our lives from the Parvo virus. But good vet care and a lot of love kept him with us and he was a wonderful dog and friend.

 

We brought back an uninvited guest from Minneapolis. Bedbugs. All's well now, thanks to a good bugman and more trips to the laundromat than I can count. It was a good opportunity to downsize.

So, too, was the mold issue back last winter. That was a super-downsizing event and one that was both pretty massive and expensive. But sometimes things have to get really bad before they get better! There are still a few things that need to be carted up from the basement but right now, all is pretty well settled. 

 

We watched our national and international events worsen day by day and I'm quite certain that is bound to continue into the new year. The situation around the world is none too cheery, either, which is why I have two words of the year -- "Survive" and "Escape." By "survive," In both cases, I mean to survive and escape in all possible ways, physical and mental.

I know that these national and world situations, along with the challenges of living with a chronic disease, contribute to periods of emotional darkness. But I also know that I am far from the only person in the world to be contending with such things. Many of you blog friends live with such challenges daily and I am continually inspired by how you face up to those challenges, do what you can to make things better, and continue to lead rich and full lives. 

I am grateful that you share the tough times as well as the good, for together we learn and grow. It has been a tough year for many in blogland and I admire your fortitude and send all good wishes for the new year. Meanwhile. . . 

Keep looking up! 

Sharing with:   Friday Face Off