A farewell to 2011 and a welcome to 2012Jan 5, 2012
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Jackson at play
Maddy at play
Jackson on his snowboard
We are now ready to begin our second year of traveling and will have lived in our RV full-time for almost four years. Christmas made us a little wistful when we thought of not being able to host family gatherings in our home (which we still consider ours in our heart). But there is also a sense of relief that our sons and daughters-in-law are now enjoying Christmas in their own homes and are embracing us with a lovely blend of new and old traditions.
On New Year's Eve, we celebrated my sister's youngest grandaughter's birthday (Maya). My mother, at 94, was surrounded by seven of her nine great-grandchildren, who range from four months old to 15 years old. I only wish my dad was here to enjoy these special moments.
Alan and I didn't watch Time Square's coverage at midnight. We actually went to bed at 10:00 pm knowing that 2012 would arrive whether we cheered it in or not. Al still woke up with a bit of a headache...chilled Grey Goose martinis at dinner are delicious, but I think it was the after-dinner sambuca that snuck up on him. He doesn't seem to regret this New Year's indulgence a bit! I'm still only drinking white wine as a precaution against those ulcers and reflux that surfaced during pre-retirement years. I gave up caffeine and a host of other irritants last year. I'm totally fine, especially now that I've also eliminated my work-aholic patterns. I decided that my New Year's resolution will be to maintain all the healthy, good habits that I worked so hard to instill!!
We have a tiny 18" Christmas tree that has sparkled in our RV window during the holiday season, and when I look out at the panorama of the pine trees on the ridge outside our rig, I am at peace.
I've attached some pictures from the holidays. There are more Santa Fe pictures than Columbia pictures...but only because Sofie and Charlie are still very young and are in my arms whenever I visit. I have very little time to grab my camera!
We will now start gearing up for our winter trip south. Alan has been poring over maps and camping websites. The temperatures have plunged this week, and we have struggled to keep warm at night despite flannel blankets and the fact that our RV is fitted with an "Arctic package" of insulation. The warm, southern breezes are definitely calling.
