Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. With our Christmas card I included a link to our family photo video as a little something different. With kids spreading their wings and empty nest in full mode I’m toying with a little something different and this is the 2024 version.

If you didn’t get the password link in the Christmas card, text me and I’ll send to you.

We continue to enjoy New Hampshire and all the seasons. There is something quite fascinating to experience the year in quarters, DISTINCTLY marked from one season to the next. It gives the year a lovely rhythm.

Kiddo update:

• Ian and Jacquelyn are doing well and expecting a sweet baby girl by the end of December. We are beyond thrilled; they are going to be precious parents!
• Brendan and his girlfriend Kimberly are entering a new season with career changes and two sweet kitties.
• Abby and her boyfriend Kevin were engaged this summer and entertaining a future move to St. Louis, MO. Time will tell! Wedding date, TBD.
• Sarah graduated from Radiology school this summer and is working full time and hoping to start Nuclear Medicine school Summer 2025.

Hubs is still with MMA and looking forward to the annual NH rendezvous with the boys—and I get to an enjoy a day of shopping with my girlfriend(s)!

I’m still doing CT and supervising the department. It’s a pretty decent gig but if that money tree comes through, I’m out. Heehee

It was a good year:

• We started the year off visiting the kids for a late Christmas and it worked out so well, we’re definitely doing that again! Especially now that we’ll have a new grandbaby to snuggle.
• We skied a lot this winter, with my form improving—still not at Hubs level, but I’m not aspiring to be, I just truly enjoy the beauty of the sport and the winter scenery. We snowshoed on local trails and overlooks enjoying multiple seasons of the mountain.
• The kids came up in the winter, the spring and the summer and we love exploring new places, taking in hockey games, enjoying our hikes and lakes with them and basically scheming to get them up here permanently. One day!
• We were in 98% totality for the Solar Eclipse which basically felt like a big storm cloud went over for a bit. But it was cool to see the moon on the leaves and the ground.
• I joined friends in cheering on their girl at the Boston Marathon, such a fun event.
• Lots of hiking and exploring every chance we get.
• I got to see the Northern Lights in Florida this May, grabbed a beach walk and an airboat ride with friends at sunrise on the St. John’s — lost count of how many gators we saw.
• Hubs and I renewed our vows for our 30th anniversary trip in Stowe, VT and enjoyed a stay at the Trapp Family Lodge. Highly recommend!!!
• We checked off another bucket list item with a Bruins game in Boston. A win and a seriously BOSTON experience. Great day!!
• House projects are winding down. Our previously garish green garage is now New Hampshire Barn Red and much improved—especially against an incredible sunrise! Our upstairs now has a lovely barn door for a little privacy. And our “winter project” is a kitchen reno, starting with painting the cabinets. Hubs is coming along nicely as a crafty and handy guy! My project list is growing as his skills improve!
• Thanksgiving was spent with other misfit friends who are far from family. It snowed like crazy and dinner was delayed due to tough travel times for our friends. But in the end, it was a fun dinner with a yummy citrus brined turkey, homemade cheesecake and all the traditional sides and a fantastic Indian dish from one of our friends.

Now the tree and house are decorated, we have a few parties to enjoy along with our church’s beautiful Sunday vespers and weekly candlelit Mass on Thursdays. It’s a gorgeous way to enjoy Advent, soak up the season and wrap up the year.

Much love to you all and wishing you a wonderful Christmas and holiday season and a healthy and happy New Year ahead!

And now…..the video link (7 min so grab a cuppa and enjoy!) NH 2024