Well, wasn't that a year? 12 months seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye!
As I think about the past year, all I can think is that life is good. I know that sounds a bit cliche for a New Year's Eve blog post but it is a true sentiment.
Countries travelled this year : 6 including an epic road trip from Honduras to Canada. We watched a total eclipse over a sacred ruin in Mexico, we got stuck in hotel without power or internet in Mexico (Cartel Hotel is a story for another day), stayed at a Finca (farm) in Guatemala, went birding on an Island in Belize via golf cart, rode a chicken bus through Belize, drove for miles over the bayou in Louisiana, toured Washington and most recently we have been touring Dominican Republic.
We arrived in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic the end of November. Roatan, albeit beautiful, had started losing her charm for us and we decided since we were snowbirding, adventure called. It has been a good choice for us.
Stephan immediately found an ideal dive shop and they are a great group. This was our first dive family BBQ at Guido and Firo's. Most of the crew are from Germany or DR and it's a very welcoming vibe. He is really enjoying his dive time here. We will be here until the end of March and looking forward to seeing Simon and Bridgitte in February. The weather is warm and the coffee is excellent, by excellent I mean maybe even better than Honduras. I have definitely become a coffee snob. Thankfully Floyd's in Jemseg does a great job.
OH CANADA : Our arrival was a bit earlier than usual this Spring. We arrived back in May and I have to say, after 21 days and several thousand kilometres, I was more than happy to see our RV and lake view. I had flown back and forth a couple times over the winter. Once for dad's 70th birthday, don't ask me how he can be 70 and I am only like 30.... but I was there for it. The second time was for the arrival of our sweet grandson.
We were blessed with 3 grandchildren between September and March. Casey (Kassidy & Dan's son), was born in March, while August and Ivy (Jared & Holly's girls) celebrated their 1st birthday in September. I have no words for how much we love those little turkeys.
Jared & Holly, Kassidy & Dan are all doing well. They are doing exceptional jobs as parents and as providers for their families. Simon and Bridgitte are working hard, forging their pathways forward in their careers. Bridgitte graduated from UNB this year and Simon is doing some really interesting work providing mental health treatment. We are so proud of each of them.
While in Canada we purchased the most beautiful chunk of property, that we have called The Windy Hill....... We have a vision for the property and Steph really worked hard on the 120 acres this year. The rewards served Jared well, when he harvested a beautiful 6 point buck at the end of hunting season.
We are in the midst of final details for our next project, a small retirement home on the hill. The view encompasses the Saint John River across the Grand Lake. It is currently a "hurry up and wait" project, but we will be happy to see it take shape.
Life at the lake was mellow this summer. I enjoyed my gardening and the harvest was excellent. I did realize I forgot to plant my garlic before we left but I will chalk that up to being unaccustomed to late fall weather and old age. My photography hobby was very busy this year. I captured some beautiful moments and of course am honoured to have done so. I spent time volunteering, eating sushi, playing music trivia, kayaking, road tripping, touring vineyards and having coffee with friends. Reconnecting with a childhood best friend was a highlight for me this year. Time passes, but if they are truly your people, time and miles don't matter.
I recognize how very blessed I am to have the circle of people that I do in my life.
If you were following along on the Great Bird Count Competition of 2024, between us, Simon/Bridgitte & Claude/Lise , the results are in....... we kicked butt! It was close though and I have a feeling we are in for it this year. It was a serious competition but so much fun.
Our health is good, despite me having a struggle with anxiety for awhile. Ladies, why are we not talking about menopause? (Another song for another day). All is well in our world, our families/friends are healthy, we are happy and continue to look forward to upcoming adventures.
I am not much for making cringy New Year's Resolutions. Am I going to eat cake, um yes. Will I walk 10,000 steps every day and eat salad for lunch, doubtful. Are these knees of mine going to allow me to run 10k anymore, definitely not.
I have decided to embrace the opportunity to do things I love. That includes reading books, doing yoga, walking, making memories and just being brave with my life.
If you have read this far, holy crap, you had no plans tonight either. Just kidding, there is something to be said for sitting in your comfort zone and enjoying it. I am glad you stopped by to spend a few minutes reading my rhetoric.
If you are celebrating with your circle, cheers.
A positive and peaceful 2025 to each of you.
Chapter 2024 is almost done but the story continues.
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