|
Dear
friends and family,
A quick
recap of a generally good year. We're all in good health thankfully,
excepting (if not accepting) the inevitable signs of aging.
The Congleton
"kids", David and Elizabeth, and our granddaughter
Hazel
visited in April. Although Julie had to work much of the time
they were here, Ian was in school, and Jill still away at college,
we did manage some sightseeing. Hazel got to try out the Atlantic
from our side of the pond, we visited Magic Wings butterfly
arboretum, and we enjoyed the local playscape and town beach.
Hazel will soon turn four and seems quite the grown up lady.
Elizabeth,
Hazel, David, and Julie
Hazel not
quite sure what to make of the Atlantic.
In May,
Jill completed her Massage Therapy program at Morrisville State
College in upstate New York. Subsequently, she passed her boards
and obtained licenses in both NY and CT. While looking for fulltime
employment, she's offering chair massage sessions to staff at
medical offices, starting with the Radiology clinic where her
Aunt Mary works.
Julie sharing
pride in Jill's graduation.
Julie has
had a lot more hours of work as a Vet Tech this year. In addition
to regularly scheduled hours, she's the first person called
to fill in when others are sick or take vacation days. She retains
her passion for gardening, with special interest in her Hosta
garden, but long hours have limited her time for enjoyment.
Although
my consulting work has fallen off with the acquisition of my
best client's company, I remain active as facilitator of the
STEP Consortium. We were hosted this spring by Malcolm Roberts
at the Bank of Montreal's superb training facility in Toronto.
I drove to the meeting and enjoyed a brief photo session at
Niagara Falls after crossing into Canada. Photos here.
Niagara Falls
We vacationed
in New Hampshire again this year, at the lakeside cottage of
Julie's folks.
Ian enjoying
Jill's kayak.
The wildlife
was friendly (and hungry).
This year
saw major improvements outside the house. With Ian's help, I
replaced our split rail fence. And we contracted to have the
driveway repaved, the garage door replaced, and for installation
of new windows and vinyl siding. Wish we'd done this years ago!
17 Caffyn
Drive, dressed in winter white.
Ian
played Varsity soccer for RHAM High School again this year.
Thankfully, no broken bones marred the season. I volunteered
as team photographer. (Season photos here.)
After just a couple of weeks rest, he has started the winter
indoor season with the Northeast United Premier Soccer Club.
His driving exam is scheduled for December 28th. Sure hope he
passes!
Ian playing
Varsity High School soccer
My main photographic
subject remains the Air
Line Trail. In November, I marked six years since I took my
first pictures on the trail. My web site has grown to over 3,000
photos taken in all seasons. News and links to photos taken elsewhere
here.
|
|
 |
|
Green
Heron along the Air Line Trail
|
Summer
sunset
|
Here's wishing
you and yours a warm and loving holiday season, and hoping that
we'll stay in touch this coming year.
Cheers,
from all of us!
|
