Closing out '21

Judy. I don’t know why we ever think that coming back to Georgia will be quiet. It never is. It makes me appreciate the long days in Málaga and the two weeks on the ship—the quiet before the storm. Not that I mind too much of it, I’m happy to see friends, get doctor visits out of the way, and get work. 

Finally caught up with Anne and Bill in Florida

After docking in Florida, we were able to visit with friends Doug and Carolyn, and later with Anne and Bill. We are fortunate to see Doug and Carolyn fairly often, but we missed our yearly visit with Anne and Bill in 2020. We shared a couple of outdoor meals and caught up—much needed! 

 When we got to Georgia, we headed north to Clayton and got in a couple of hikes. We also got to spend time with Ted’s former business partner Scott and his wife Anita. We always enjoy them, and were excited to see the renovations on the gorgeous house they bought, as well as take in the new brewery in walking distance. 

Back in Athens, we settled into our little airbnb. (I think we have the best landlords in the world.) With three days to go till Thanksgiving, we divided the cooking jobs with the kids, and had a fantastic few days together, enjoying each other, and watching the cousins play. Callum fell in love with Parker’s scooter. 

Oliver was worn out with cousin games

Callum has the sneer!

 

The next weekend, we were in Hiram, Georgia, celebrating Oliver’s fifth birthday, and later that week, went to the Athens Christmas parade with Caed and Leslie. 

Caed watched Santa arrive

While we were in Málaga, I got a call to audition for a film, and got the role. So a few days after Thanksgiving, I went to Augusta, Georgia, to shoot a few scenes. My “husband” was played by old friend Wilbur, to whom I’d been “married” in two other films. It was a fun shoot, a lovely script, and I had a great scene. (Once it comes out, I’ll tell you what to look for!) 

Me as a rich Texan in the 60's

And my mint green Caddy!

 

Meanwhile, Ted headed to Florida with Caed for the big adventure, and I flew down to meet them a couple of days late. Taking our grandchildren on trips with us is one of our greatest joys, and this was no exception. 

 Of course Omicron variant reared its ugly head about then, so on our return, we began to spend less time with family. Masked and working in the back room, we did return to volunteering at the thrift store. But Omicron was not to be toyed with, and Christmas was just a series of phone calls with the family. Parker tested positive, then Stefan and Sarah, then Leslie. Fortunately, as everyone is vaccinated, the illnesses were short-lived and not too serious. 

Our quiet house at Christmas

As much as we saw of Leslie, Parker, and girlfriend Stella

Ted and I have escaped it, and have been tested several times. Part of me wants to get it and get it over with! However, Ted is going to see his dad in Denver, and we’ll need to test in order to return to Europe, so I don’t want to take too many chances. 

 We’re never big New Year’s Eve celebrants. Too many years of waiting tables that night, I think. So after a day working in the thrift store, we collapsed for a few minutes, then fixed our favorite NYE snack and poured champagne. Made it to 11:45. 

Champagne, smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers. Yum!

I know lots of folks had a rough 2021, but for us, it was pretty wonderful. Here’s hoping 2022 can match it.

Traveling with the eyes of a child

Ted. Judy and I prefer to give our grandchildren experiences, not things. Since 2009, we have enjoyed taking a grandson on a travel adventure every couple of years. First it was Parker (now 19) and more recently it has been Caedmon (age 9). 

Two weeks ago, we hopped in Raymond to head out for a week of adventure in South Florida. Judy and I did several things that we had never done before. More importantly, we let Caed set the pace and agenda and explored like a bunch of 9 year olds. It was memorable for all of us. I’ll just add a few photos that are pretty much self-explanatory.