This half loop of orbit was a very bumpy ride for us. For awhile it seemed to be a metastasized prostate cancer. After paying a gazillion bucks for testing, I am now certified cancer free. Val’s breast cancer was the most aggressive type, but after paying a gazillion bucks, she is on a long term chemo treatment. We both survived.
During June, we babysat our granddogs while Kyna and family went on a dream Alaska cruise! You may have read about it, since their ship hit an iceberg, was seriously damaged, and had to return to the initial port without ever reaching all the events they paid for. They are going to try again this next year, courtesy of the cruise line. Later that summer Mico died of old age. Best dog ever.
Luna, Mico’s protege, is chasing an otter at our local lake. Notice the taut leash. Almost took me swimming.
Then it was off to Baltimore to have fun with friends. Notice Rob and I enjoying the scenery.
Leila wanted to help Val with the unruly hair that replaced here previously long straight hair. Leila’s idea was if you cannot hide it, flaunt it!
This being Florida, September was a great time to be outside. The picture on the left is my view on my morning bike ride to the beach. The right side is the view over my kayak on a paddle down the Hillsborough river. There has to be many rewards to make up for some of Florida’s drawbacks. Like Governor and hurricanes.
Next, my brother Jim and his wife Glena stopped by to visit.
They were gloating that as Hurricane Ian was roaring down on us, they were going to leave the day before it arrived. Then they tested positive for COVID. Glena here with the test results, and the travel information.
On the plus side, I had the chance to drive the Slingshot we rented for Jim and Glena. On the downside, we had to put up the storm shutters for Ian while fighting COVID. Yes, I tell people my brother never gave me anything but COVID. My friends thought it funnier than Jim did.
As you most likely know, Ian turned at the last minute and we were spared the worst. Just some lost branches.
But then I have to take down all the shutters afterwards. My fever was mostly over by that time. I had opposed our Governor and had all my vaccinations and boosters. They worked.
Next up was the Super Hero 5k to raise money for the Guardian ad Litem Organization. I placed 3rd in my age group. Which is less impressive when I realize that the other two old men in my group beat me.
Then Jessica and Hayden came down to Florida to celebrate their wedding with Sunshine State friends and family. She also had an announcement for me. Care to guess what it was?
Yep, she is going to have a baby! Everyone is very excited.
Kyna was the hostess and DJ. As you can see, there are no shy people among the friends. At least they leave the old farts alone to relax.
Leila helping me to make pancakes. She is so good at it, I may be replaced.
Val does not have to worry about me replacing her at Day of the Dead celebrations!
Leila is a great singer as well as piano player. Here she is singing the National Anthem for Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day portrait of my favorite Family.
OK, I have another favorite family. Here we are with Val’s sister and brother (and wife) for an early Christmas celebration.
Whenever Kyna throws a party, I feel compelled to crawl under the sink and fix something. She is always very appreciative.
So I came home from some errands, and through my sunglasses I saw a package on the front porch. I reached down to grab it, and it was furry. Scared us both. Then it appeared to be dead, but as Val reminded me, that is what opossums do for a living.
And we ended our year with our anniversary celebration. We spent 3 days in St. Augustine, then returned to Tampa for the Trans Siberian Orchestra Christmas concert.
We have always had a lot to be thankful for, but this year, even more so. Our friends supported us through tough times, and we can never say thank you enough. Next year will be bumpy, like they all are, but we are not fearful of the ride. We are putting on a seat belt, though.
