20/20 Hindsight
In My Bloodstream: Lisinopril, Amlodopine, Omeprazole, Tamsulosin
On The Stereo: Memories: Maroon 5
I am back from our vacation. Kathy has started back to work this past Monday, and I am back to work, as well.
So, how did the year 2019 bid its farewell? For us, a blend of sadness, frustration, and joy. You know of the passing of some family and friends. They all will live in my heart, for as long as I remain on this planet. Some left peacefully and some unwillingly. But all have moved on to a better place, whether they believed that or not. I know it to be true.
Kath was informed, as the year closed, that the Florida State Department of Education, does not believe that her BA from the University of Toronto is genuine. They believe it to be a junior college certificate. She was frustrated and felt beaten, but she recovered, gave herself a shake, and is fighting back. Utterly unbelievable.
We joined Rose and David, and their sons, for a pre-Christmas visit in Naples. Rose has not been well, and it was her wish that we all get together. Despite a continuing rain that would not give up, we stayed indoors, played games, and simply talked. I thank them for their generosity and love. And I know Rose will win her battles, yet to come.
Rose and her good looking boys.
Kath, her brother Dave, and Brian.
We flew to Raleigh on Dec. 24th. Our plane was scheduled for departure at 10am, and we were set to leave at 7. Kathy thought she should phone and ensure that the flight was on time. There was a delay, and the new time would be at 11:30. We settled in for a second cup of coffee and an extra hour at home.
This was our greeting when we first arrived at the airport.
As we were checking our bag, the message screen lit up.
Our flight was delayed again. Hopefully, according to the agent, it would leave at 3pm. She suggested changing our flight, to go through Atlanta, and leave there around 5:30. Our plane was still on the ground, somewhere, and one of the crew had yet to sign in. She was not at all confident that our plane would ever arrive. We declined the offer.
We were to be there for dinner, and we were becoming a little despondent. It was beginning to look like we were not going to make this trip, as planned. We discussed getting our bag back and driving there, as is our normal practice. We would not make dinner, but would be there for Christmas morning.
Airport lunch at PF Chang's
We finally got notice that our plane was on its way, and we could expect to be in Raleigh around 7. We knew that Kristin would hold dinner for us, but we were concerned for the kids, who typically eat earlier.
We arrived, finally, and from that point, it all went splendidly. Doug picked us up at the airport, giving us both, a strong, loving hug. He was truly glad to see us, as we were, to be with him. A short drive, and we were at the Tyson's, our "Home" for the holidays. It could not have been better.
Kath had made me, reluctantly, carry the plentiful leftovers from our lunch, all the way to Raleigh. The refrigerator was already overflowing, and understandably, our sweet and sour chicken and spicy beef were jettisoned to the trash. Good plan.
Although the galloping croup, started with Kristin, and moved to the boys, over the few days we were their guests. They all battled through and despite high temperatures and cough, we all had the best of times. Lots of terrific food, games, Lego building, and adult beverages. It was the best. Thanks to the Tysons.
All the boys (and Charlie Bucket, the dog) Christmas morning
The boys and their new zip-line.
We returned home for some quiet time together. We needed some down time. I cannot speak for my bride, but I loved being with her and having her to myself, for this past week. We did have the Hannas for New Year, and the Matsons stopped by for a lunch on their way back to Fort Myers.
A New Year's Toast
Friends that are near to us, most certainly. My bride and I talked every day about those other dear friends, who were kept from us by distance. You were, and continue to be, sorely missed.
20/20 (2020 ) vision
I used to absolutely hate New Year's eve. That began the year my father died. I had lived in a funk for too long, and the end of that year put me in a state of depression. I missed him. I was angered that he had gone. And every year after that, for far too many years, I returned to that same mental state. on December 31st. Death, and its cloak, darkened my mood, and brought me sad memories that I could never shake.
After we were married, and had our children, New Year's changed for me. Our age was such, that we were in the middle of young friends, babies and careers on the rise. Optimism. New Year's Eve was a time to party. To celebrate. And we did. For many years.
This year, despite our losses of friends and family, I am looking forward, with hope, to a most wonderful new year.
I am glad to be back with you all. My friends. The near and the dear ones.
I thank you for your love, and wish you prosperity and happiness this year. And most especially, love and peace.
Hope you listen to my song.
Sincerely.
On The Stereo: Memories: Maroon 5
I am back from our vacation. Kathy has started back to work this past Monday, and I am back to work, as well.
So, how did the year 2019 bid its farewell? For us, a blend of sadness, frustration, and joy. You know of the passing of some family and friends. They all will live in my heart, for as long as I remain on this planet. Some left peacefully and some unwillingly. But all have moved on to a better place, whether they believed that or not. I know it to be true.
Kath was informed, as the year closed, that the Florida State Department of Education, does not believe that her BA from the University of Toronto is genuine. They believe it to be a junior college certificate. She was frustrated and felt beaten, but she recovered, gave herself a shake, and is fighting back. Utterly unbelievable.
We joined Rose and David, and their sons, for a pre-Christmas visit in Naples. Rose has not been well, and it was her wish that we all get together. Despite a continuing rain that would not give up, we stayed indoors, played games, and simply talked. I thank them for their generosity and love. And I know Rose will win her battles, yet to come.
Rose and her good looking boys.
Kath, her brother Dave, and Brian.
We flew to Raleigh on Dec. 24th. Our plane was scheduled for departure at 10am, and we were set to leave at 7. Kathy thought she should phone and ensure that the flight was on time. There was a delay, and the new time would be at 11:30. We settled in for a second cup of coffee and an extra hour at home.
This was our greeting when we first arrived at the airport.
As we were checking our bag, the message screen lit up.
Our flight was delayed again. Hopefully, according to the agent, it would leave at 3pm. She suggested changing our flight, to go through Atlanta, and leave there around 5:30. Our plane was still on the ground, somewhere, and one of the crew had yet to sign in. She was not at all confident that our plane would ever arrive. We declined the offer.
We were to be there for dinner, and we were becoming a little despondent. It was beginning to look like we were not going to make this trip, as planned. We discussed getting our bag back and driving there, as is our normal practice. We would not make dinner, but would be there for Christmas morning.
Airport lunch at PF Chang's
We finally got notice that our plane was on its way, and we could expect to be in Raleigh around 7. We knew that Kristin would hold dinner for us, but we were concerned for the kids, who typically eat earlier.
We arrived, finally, and from that point, it all went splendidly. Doug picked us up at the airport, giving us both, a strong, loving hug. He was truly glad to see us, as we were, to be with him. A short drive, and we were at the Tyson's, our "Home" for the holidays. It could not have been better.
Kath had made me, reluctantly, carry the plentiful leftovers from our lunch, all the way to Raleigh. The refrigerator was already overflowing, and understandably, our sweet and sour chicken and spicy beef were jettisoned to the trash. Good plan.
Although the galloping croup, started with Kristin, and moved to the boys, over the few days we were their guests. They all battled through and despite high temperatures and cough, we all had the best of times. Lots of terrific food, games, Lego building, and adult beverages. It was the best. Thanks to the Tysons.
All the boys (and Charlie Bucket, the dog) Christmas morning
The boys and their new zip-line.
We returned home for some quiet time together. We needed some down time. I cannot speak for my bride, but I loved being with her and having her to myself, for this past week. We did have the Hannas for New Year, and the Matsons stopped by for a lunch on their way back to Fort Myers.
Friends that are near to us, most certainly. My bride and I talked every day about those other dear friends, who were kept from us by distance. You were, and continue to be, sorely missed.
20/20 (2020 ) vision
I used to absolutely hate New Year's eve. That began the year my father died. I had lived in a funk for too long, and the end of that year put me in a state of depression. I missed him. I was angered that he had gone. And every year after that, for far too many years, I returned to that same mental state. on December 31st. Death, and its cloak, darkened my mood, and brought me sad memories that I could never shake.
After we were married, and had our children, New Year's changed for me. Our age was such, that we were in the middle of young friends, babies and careers on the rise. Optimism. New Year's Eve was a time to party. To celebrate. And we did. For many years.
This year, despite our losses of friends and family, I am looking forward, with hope, to a most wonderful new year.
I am glad to be back with you all. My friends. The near and the dear ones.
I thank you for your love, and wish you prosperity and happiness this year. And most especially, love and peace.
Hope you listen to my song.
Sincerely.
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