New Year's Eve.
Saying goodbye to 2017, all and all...and despite Trump...a good year. This post a bit late (and we missed Virtual New Year's Together in Paris) because Loretta gave us (Sharon and Judy and I) the gift of her GI BUG this year...sigh...
Anyway...started last year touring Virtual Cuba...which was amazing! Seriously, I could live there!
Among all things Cuban..also learned to make Cuban Coffee, Tostado, Ropa Vieja, and Flan.
And finished the painting of my Cuban Beach.
Watched Superbowl LI and another Patriots win. Brady has 5 rings now.
Started Virtual Alaska in February with bears, and glaciers, and paydirt to pan
Tried my hand at panning for gold.
and even managed to find a little...
Captured a winter Alaskan scene to paint.
Tried fresh wild caught salmon grilled with dill sauce for the very first time!
In March it became a two-tuxedo household with the addition of The Diva: Miss Shelby
April saw the beginning of Virtual Hawaii as well as the beginning of The Grands REAL softball and baseball season. I began my transition to a wheelchair for the longer jaunts.
Makes life so much easier.
I tried Macadamia Nuts for the very first time!
I learned to make Kalua Pork and Roast Pineapple and even tried Poi.
I also learned to make (and tried) Loco Moko.
I watch volcanic eruptions and attempted (albeit clumsily) to capture it on canvas.
And I also lost my fuzzy little Zen-Master of 15 years...Tucker-Cat.
Spent April,May and June enjoying all that Virtual Hawaii has to offer and just when July (and the real summer heat arrived) started Virtual Sicily.
Played in my plants and herbs. Learned many traditional Sicilian Dishes and prepared several Traditional Sicilian meals for friends and family.
Fell in love with the Saracean Olive Groves...and attempted to paint one of the 900 year old Olive Trees.
Sat in the hot summer sun enjoying olives (both green,ripe,and stuffed with feta) chunks of Parmesan cheese, and a little vino.
Enjoy a visit by our Middle son (Lennon) in June (up from Florida)
Watched the Games of Thrones Season Finale...only to find that it will be another year before they release the very last of it....withdrawal...
I also managed the first draft of my fiction novella: The Plan, and will start edits and rewrites in January.
And,as it always does, time marched on...I am 57 now.
The MRI in March showed quite a bit of growth...and definitely over mid-line now...but adapting and adjusting to the inconvenient changes and life goes on.
James turned 30, Lennon 29, Chris 28.
The Grands ticked off another year as well.
Preston is 15
Kaylee is 12
Emma is 11
Hannah is 10
Jazzie is 8
Brenden is 7
Aiden turned 3
and my honorary Great-
Granddaughter- Amelia Rose is not only 3
...but now has a brother...my honorary great-grandson
Brantley Ryan
(3 months)
Chris and Lennon ended out the year with new 2017 Blue (and Red) Toyota Corollas.
James and Nicole got a new family member in the form of Lilly
We had our Family Thanksgiving together this year...with the addition of Tina's mom and sister and niece.
And, at least some of The Grands!
And Tina passed her EMT course and is now a licensed EMT!
Chris passed his A+ Certification and is working on Networking Plus now!
Enjoyed a few missed spot Virtual Day Trips to Antelope Canyons...Pictured Rocks, South Padre Island, and Christmas in Central Park and NYC.
Did the usual monthly Mall-Rat with friends...and have enjoyed several visits with John since our re-connection including our recent Christmas visit.I cannot believe you hunted down J. Evelyn's and WENT there
(Greenfield) to get me the chocolate I like!
Better than Godiva...this stuff.
Even got the whole Shelburn Gang back together this year for a brunch at Almost Home...which was wonderful!
It is STILL a Wonderful World.
And we are Blessed.
More Anon...
