A New Year

It's been a good year.  It's been a tough year, too.  Moving from my "home" school of 16 years (thanks, low enrollment) to a new school, new grade level, and new Principal.  But change is good, and I'm really believing it this year.   

I traveled to the East Coast (sorry, Jed) with the human love of my life.

We saw the sights of New England and even New York City.

Acadia National Park was gorgeous.  

Need I say more?

And then there was the food.  I liked the onion rings a whole lot better than the fried clams.  And give me a good ol' ribeye over lobster any day!

Going to the Twin Towers Memorial site was truly a highlight of the trip.  The hardest part of the visit was seeing how many dogs were used in the initial phases of rescue and recovery. It made me cry …

I even got to introduce A. to the Chelsea Market.  Lots of fun -- and sensory overload!

There was family to meet and a wedding to attend.  It was hot.  But I got to see fireflies.  And dance with my sweetheart.

Just before the heat and humidity finally got to me we went home.  But lots of memories of a wonderful non-trailer vacation.

The year didn't end there.  We took several trips in the trailer, enjoying time with friends.  But I realized that those I wanted to spend time with were already with me and I didn't need anyone else to have fun with.

And then there was -- and still is -- school.  Leaving my work home of 16 years was traumatic, to say the least.

And on to sixth grade!  Who knew how much I was going to enjoy them?  But I do, and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn with them.

We even had a couple of brush fires outside our back door.  I'm waiting for the cancellation notice on my homeowner's insurance now … sigh.

The home front has benefitted from some sprucing up, too.  New master bathroom, paint all over, and some improvements in the backyard.  Makes being home so enjoyable!

And throughout the year was my constant companion, Jed.  Apart from the trip back East, every other trip was taken with him.  I wouldn't want it any other way.

2014 promises to be full of adventure and new experiences.  But most of all ... Life with Jed.