2024 in Review - Preview 2025

Another long spell without posting. 2023 ended with a major goal being achieved: visiting all lower 48 via car. There isn't much in the way of big milestones left to complete. We do stay active, locally.  Golf, walking, day trips. Nothing monumental, but we have fun. 

In 2024 we took short trips to California and northern Arizona, mainly as brief escapes from the desert summer heat. We toured several places we passed on previous trips and “hoped to revisit when we have more time." We have time now. I'm glad we went back when we could fully appreciate the locations.

When we moved here several years ago, we started renovating. It has taken a few years but we finally completed all renovations in 2024 by updating the backyard and garage. We now have space for hosting friends and family. 

We enjoyed family visits in 2024. We like to host neighborhood gatherings, including a breakfast buffet for over fifty neighbors in December and a sit-down Christmas Day potluck dinner for twenty with with great food and lots of laughter. Grateful for the space.

In 2025 we hope to continue taking small trips, especially in the hot summer months. The biggest item on the calendar for me is a final hike of the Grand Canyon. It has been fourteen years since I last hiked down to Phantom Ranch. Papa isn't going on this hike with me, but my oldest grandchild is. This is a long-held dream for me. Lots of encouragement from friends and family is needed to accomplish this feat, but I have faith it will happen.

So, it is time to be accountable. Daily walking is a necessity. Strength and endurance training. I am not a youngster anymore and I don't want to be a burden for my grandson. Here we go! 17 weeks and counting...