2024 Highlights - Better than it seemed day to day LOL

What pops into my mind as a major highlight of the year is all the small visits and time spent with family. Lots of watching swim lessons, some babysitting, little Grandgirl hugs, getting closer to DIL and son, meals together and, yes, even the Grandgirl’s grumpiest times and meltdowns. Hosting our other son and DIL for multiple enjoyable visits. Getting to know now our DILs family better too.

Enjoying our now adult very sweet dog a lot. We weren’t sure getting a puppy was the best idea but it has turned out to be a very good decision and he is a great dog.

Then there is getting over my resistance to freeway driving by my solo road-trip to S Cal to see family and dear friends. The hug from my closest friend when I arrived and catching up in person was so emotional.

Hubby has had a couple of visits here by his best friend and traveled to see him as well.

Deciding the group I had joined here was not for me. Persisting with Pilates sessions.

Going to the city summer festival, a local artist group show, a minor league baseball game, brunch in Sonoma with extended family and the gorgeous drive there.

Our nephew who lives in Taiwan visiting as part of a work trips. Hadn’t spent time with him in many years.

We were in the position to be able to make generous gifts to our sons, DILs and grandgirls.

Getting the heat and AC for the upstairs sorted out with a mini-split heat pump installation. Deciding to switch from a Windows desk top to a Mac laptop - certainly still in transition but I did pull the trigger.

Generally feeling more at ease living here and having nice friendly acquaintances both as neighbors, dog walking encounters, and library.

My biggest “I actually got that done” moment was switching our health insurance to Kaiser Sr. Advantage. It was complicated and required LOTS of frustrating or follow up phone calls due to our particular combo of Federal retiree insurance plus Medicare. Everyone I talked to was nice and tried hard to help but it took a long time to get to the right people. I felt so relieved once it was done and knowing it will be effective January 1st.

Week 52: Saying goodbye to 2023 and being excited for a new year

I am eager to turn towards 2024 and hope you are also looking forward to the possibilities of the coming year! 

Whew - we did so much in 2023. Bought and sold houses both with 30 day escrows. Moved from southern Cal to Northern Cal with a puppy using U-haul after giving away lots of stuff. Gave away lots more after the move. Had all the electrical, plumbing and termite damage identified in the home inspection fixed and also treated for termites. 

Replaced the sump pump and had the furnace hung to avoid further flooding damage. Did an earthquake retrofit and completely re-landscaped the yard front and back including adding new hardscape and trying to improve drainage to avoid future flooding in the crawl space.

We celebrated with and hosted family and friends. Provided some child care and simply enjoyed our grandchildren and the ease of short visits with them, our son and DIL. Found the services and providers we needed. Learned our way around. Found our exercise routines and walked the dog many times a day which helped us meet people. We think we have met some potential good friends. 

Identified a few go to restaurants for take out. Explored a bit. Made an effort to stay connected to the friends and family we left behind and farther flung ones.

We were at once stressed, tired, worried about the amount we were spending and delighted that we had moved to a nice home with nice neighbors and near our younger son and his family. 

We are so ready for an easier year full of joy and connections and less work LOL.

Happy New Year and wishing that you get all you want from 2024!

What went well in 2018?

Yes, I am aware 2018 isn't quite over but in the tradition of thinking about what will be my goals and dreams for the coming year I am first thinking about what went well in 2018! In random, brain dump order here are the first 10 to come to mind.

1. We had lots of lovely time with our family! Definitely something to repeat in the coming year.

2. I made friends and found groups to get involved with. I'm talking about you Somis Thursday Club and Leisure Village Pet Club. Both are letting me use my skills and strengths as well as being fun and welcoming.

3. We went for walks by the ocean regularly. Lovely to be able to drive there in about 20 minutes.

4. I now feel very comfortable driving around and know how to get places easily.

5. Our home functioned well and the neighbors are friendly but not intrusive.

6. Our retirement budget worked!

7. One car living is not only possible but will be continued.

8. We have found some restaurants and a live theater that we enjoy as well as a farmer's market.

9. We have both been healthy and found new exercise venues: Pickleball for Hubby and yoga for me.

10. I continue to enjoy learning about color, style and wardrobe design without spending a lot.

I'm sure there are many more but there are the ones popping out of my head at 6:30 in the morning!

What went well for you this year?