The Last Hike of 2015

Posted late, because cotton candy was far more important.

Me and my six-year old buddy on NYE.

My last hike was on New Year's Eve, a quick jaunt to the top of Thumb Butte with my strapping 6'3" Lad.

He's the Bestest Boy Ever.

It was supposed fast-20 minutes up, 25 minutes down.  It took me 55.

Resting.

I had an unexpected nine-day break from work when my pink eye flared with a vengeance the two days I was supposed to work between my Christmas and New Year's breaks.  Rest I did those days, barely getting out of bed on the 30th, miserable with an allergic reaction.  I had the chance to reflect on the holidays; they weren't bad as I had anticipated.  I'm learning that what I stress about is rarely the real thing to stress about.  

Because how can one stress with Toratuga Rum Cake on hand?

 

Hmmm...no wonder my jeans got tight.

Time with my children.  The oldest will be twenty in just days, and Christmas mornings with the three of them will soon be a rare thing of the past.

They all said it was their favorite Christmas.

Bowl games unexpectedly filled my calendar over the new year; a Fiesta Bowl ticket dropped in my lap less than 24hrs before game time.

I wore a Michigan shirt.  To Ohio State v. Notre Dame:)

The Cactus bowl was the next day, and that was even more fun:

Lad was to my right:). Cassidy & Gavan the Wildcat joined us.  Unfortunately, Sparky let us down.

Two games, two losses.

Then the Symphony.

I loved it.  Parry did not.

That night the Packers lost to the Vikings.  0-3.

The new year is a reset button.  A time for do overs.  My excitement grows as I ponder the days ahead...planning and dreaming for the first time in ages.

My planned route across the US this summer.  In a Porsche, no less.

My future is only limited by my imagination...and I know few with an imagination as grand as mine.

I'm taking painting classes!!

You see, I'm determined that the best is yet to be.

Happy New Year :)