I just discovered it’s been over a year since I posted anything. Yikes – and Sorry. Please forgive any typos or if it’s not up to my previous works – I REALLY need to get back into this!
Christmas 2022 is now behind us and 2023 is right around the corner. I for one am happy to see 2022 come to a close. Too many ups and downs (yes, I realize that’s life).
Ok now for the update!
Travel:
First up – an amazing road trip adventure to Arizona in April for our Anniversary (8 married and 10 together!). This was two weeks post Covid too. We started our road trip from home with an overnight stop in Yakima at the Y Hotel (cute, boutique type). From there we made it to Twin Falls, ID which was very pretty! We really only had time for a quick trip to Shoshone Falls – which was beautiful, sleep then back at it the next morning! Our next stop was Zion. All I can say is WOW. Fell in love with Zion. If you’ve never been, go (I’ll say the same thing about a couple other stops on our trip too). From Zion it was a fairly quick drive to Page, AZ where we visited Horseshoe Bend (GORGEOUS) and then Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon was….mystical. Spiritual. Amazing. Definitely one of those “if you’ve never been…go” places. The next day we headed to the Grand Canyon – amazingly enough, I’d never been. It is Majestic. We walked the upper ridge (sadly not enough time to do a full hike) We spent our Anniversary night camping at the Mather Campground surrounded by Elk! We woke up in the middle of the night to the sounds of twigs snapping very close to our tent. Once Chris realized it was elk, I felt better. For our last two nights, we stayed in Sedona. Eclectic, artsy, beautiful little town. We hiked about 6 miles through Red Rock; met a beautiful diamondback on the trail; saw a ton of plant life and birds.
The week was a marathon of driving, hiking and fun and every single minute was fantastic! Oh – minus the gigantic rock that smashed the windshield…..but even that was an adventure!
In July I did another road trip with a girlfriend. To Arizona. Helping her Move. Yes. The face of the sun in the middle of July. But it was so fun! We discovered that yes, brothels still do exist in Nevada. No, we did NOT venture to one. Just googled it. There were a lot of laughs along the way and we got her there and (partially) moved in – in 113 degree heat! Would I do it again? Yes.
The summer was hard. We bought Paddleboards but only got to go out twice because I ended up in an ankle brace and a wrist brace – unable to walk for long periods or workout like I like to. The weather, while hot, was extremely smoky from wildfires and not suitable for anyone to be outside. And then (you’ll forgive this part as I’m crying writing this), our beloved dog, Indy, started declining. We tried everything we could but on Sept 26, 2022 we had to make the call. We had an in-home vet come to help. She was amazing and so gentle. I’m so grateful to Chris and Rico – I couldn’t get through it without them. Indy was my Heart Dog. Just writing this out I have tears streaming down my face. I miss our Indy. WE miss him. Every. Damn. Day. My little adventure dog. If you ever met him, you know.
In October I took a long weekend and went to Phoenix to visit the friend I helped move. We decided to hit a local fall festival – turns out the Hallmark Channel has ruined us. We expected booths with homemade goodies and handmade decorations and crafts and fun fall games. Yeah….not so much. We definitely had some good laughs over it though!
Thanksgiving rolled around and after the family feasts, Chris and I left for Mexico (I know, you’re so surprised). We went to Huatulco, Oaxaca and it was nothing short of AMAZING. Hands down one of my all time favorite places. And some of the best food I’ve ever had in Mexico outside Mazatlan. The week was beyond perfect. The weather, gorgeous ocean, amazing people (locals and tourists alike), food and sights. It’s a hidden gem. Oh and on the way down there, we had to overnight in Dallas (someplace I’d never been) and the only thing I wanted was a steak. I mean, what else are you going to have in Dallas?
And now we’re to Christmas. It was chaotic and fun – filled with family and I got to meet my cousin’s sweet baby girl (not at Christmas per se but close enough)! Just like my other cousin’s girls, it was love at first sight.
Oh JEEZ (BAD GRANDMA!!) – speaking of babies…best news…grandbaby number 2 (boy) will be here in May 2022!!! Louis will be a big brother!!
2023 has big things coming. Travel, work, more travel, grandbaby #2 (can’t wait to meet him!!), and who knows what else 2023 the Universe has in store.
May your 2023 bring you joy, health and dreams that come true.