2015 was, as Dickens penned, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times". Well, it wasn't really the worst but there were some sad, challenging times. As they say, first the bad news...
Two of my dearest friends, John and Evie Ross passed within six months of each other. We had been friends for over 38 years. I miss them everyday. (see previous posts about Evelyn)
Our big, sweet, golden retriever Pearl died peacefully in her sleep . She hadn't been super healthy for the past year, but within four days she stopped eating and drinking and went to sleep under the Puakenikeni tree, never to wake again. We buried her with a pearl necklace around her neck and her "Duck Dynasty Phil" stuffed duck tucked in next to her. She has a grave in the banana patch since bananas were one of her favorite foods.
We have endured a State of Hawaii Tax audit since the beginning of 2015. I'll tell you how it turns out later...it's STILL going on. Grrrr.
It was a horrendous year for fires in California. This carries more agony than the average California native as the mother of a CalFire firefighter. My 20 year old son saw more devastation and injury this year than any man should ever see. That's his mother's opinion, but since it's my blog I can say anything I want.
My daughter suffered a ruptured disk and had back surgery. Did I ever mention that parenthood doesn't stop when they turn 18?
Now for the good news - if you haven't given up on this dreary post yet...
We completed our kitchen remodel and are absolutely thrilled with the result. (The remodel itself could have been listed in the "bad news" category, but that was already long enough).
We went on a 28 day trip the the Eastern and Western Mediterranean which was truly a trip of a lifetime. Visited 8 countries and experienced so much. It was fabulous!
Enjoyed the visits of our youngest son. Looking forward to our daughter coming in a couple of weeks and our other son soon afterward.
We are blessed with comfort, good health and the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I've got to let this post go now. No more edits, no more additions. This is it.
We have endured a State of Hawaii Tax audit since the beginning of 2015. I'll tell you how it turns out later...it's STILL going on. Grrrr.
It was a horrendous year for fires in California. This carries more agony than the average California native as the mother of a CalFire firefighter. My 20 year old son saw more devastation and injury this year than any man should ever see. That's his mother's opinion, but since it's my blog I can say anything I want.
My daughter suffered a ruptured disk and had back surgery. Did I ever mention that parenthood doesn't stop when they turn 18?
Now for the good news - if you haven't given up on this dreary post yet...
We completed our kitchen remodel and are absolutely thrilled with the result. (The remodel itself could have been listed in the "bad news" category, but that was already long enough).
We went on a 28 day trip the the Eastern and Western Mediterranean which was truly a trip of a lifetime. Visited 8 countries and experienced so much. It was fabulous!
Enjoyed the visits of our youngest son. Looking forward to our daughter coming in a couple of weeks and our other son soon afterward.
We are blessed with comfort, good health and the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I've got to let this post go now. No more edits, no more additions. This is it.
