Annual Reflections

Happy Hanukkah, Fabulous Festivus, Super Solstice, Cheerful Christmas, Kool Kwanza,

Mele Kalikimaka (and Happy New Year: Year of the Dragon: Jan. 23rd)...

‘Tis the season to be jolly-n-gay and to think about what has been, or still can be. We hope that you are spending time with those you love in places that enhance your joy. I customarily send out cards with letters/blurbs, but this year thought I'd use this new (for me) medium. Many of us have had a year of change: some losing family and/or cherished ones, some in & out of care facilities, and others adding to their families & relationships. They say that losses/bad things come in 3's; if so, I can name 3 for this year: Maureen Helene (Shapiro) Thompson from Burbank HS, Mike Taylor roomie in college (Denver daze), & Rick Foster (paternal cousin; Golden, CO). Some of us have "the blues" this time of year, but being thankful for the good things we have (like winter solstice) never goes out-of-season. A positive change in Santa Fe came when Randy Crutcher & Karin Lubin relocated here earlier this year. Randy was a house-mate & travel compadre extraordinaire back in the Humboldt State portion of this trip, and now we're hitting partners trying to get tennis balls back over the net when our schedules coincide. They seem to be enjoying the area as much as we are as Randy writes: "feels like we won the lottery to be in such beauty and comfort. It’s perfect for us!"               http://quantumleapcoaching.org/



 We continued our northern New Mexico activities of work (Meme @ Office of the State Engineer/Water Rights; me (tennis refing & heritage resource volunteering) and play (climbing, tennis, yoga). In addition we took a dive trip to Isla Marisol, Belize in February and Meme joined me the last 10-days of my 2-months of work at Petra Archaeological Park, in Jordan during “Arab Spring.” We got in a couple of dives at the Red Sea, and floated in the Dead one too. I went back for October; many new special friends this year.

On the home front we continued with “home improvements” this year: new doors, windows & stucco (we’re no longer that darker brownish home, became the light brown [beige] one). The Hot Springs spa turned 17 and took a 1-week rest this month while we got a new pump: so good to be back in “hot water” again. Lucy (the Bull Terrier) turned 3, and she continues to entertain… though she is hesitant to get started on her walks, she picks up after we hit the green-belt and is absolutely true to her breed at pulling when the ground is covered with snow (we’re expecting the 5^th snow of the month tomorrow).

Justin moved to Chicago in August (hoping to further theatre endeavors; not sure what he pursuing, but from his periodic need for funds we're pretty sure he is NOT dealing drugs or guns). He came home for the holidays in time to watch Lucy while Meme & I went over to visit my mom for her 87^th B-day last week. It has been a challenging year for mom, but she is back living at home with great assistance from sister-in-residence Laura, and sister-near-by Chris. Pilgrimage to a ballgame during "The Season" took us to San Diego/Pacific Beach (and me to Phoenix a couple of times to check-in with family).

Los Tres Amigos @ work, Wadi Mousa

2012 looks like it’ll be another year of change (of course that is a constant we can always count on). In addition to more college & USTA tennis umping, I’ve got SiteWatch steward orientations to again present, + a special heritage resource investigations training scheduled (Feb.), and a potential return to Petra (spring). I hope the year brings you health, strength, prosperity, peace & happiness.

“Happy Trails” to all, “Inshallah” (God willing).

Thinking about some of the family & friends (current & former) that we’ve lost this year I find myself singing this ol’ song by The Association: “Cherish” (“…and I do…”)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6-mOvl7WlE