I haven't written a Christmas letter in many years however somehow a reflection this year on 2022 seems appropriate. Coming out of our Covid cocoon throughout the year provided for several local travel excursions and visits again with family. Winter centered on recovering from a Nephrectomy in January necessary to remove a renal cancer. Julie was able to maintain her fitness activities in-between accompanying me to Doctors visits and renovating a bathroom to boot! I have been so blessed with a wonderful family, a supportive and loving wife and a beautiful place to live, pause, recoup and reflect.
Right before the new year Julie and I decided to celebrate Christmas at the Homestead in Hot Springs Virginia. The decorations were wonderful.
A rare heavy Winter storm hit us in January knocking out power for five days. It was time to bring out the camping skills with a camp stove on the porch, lanterns, gas fireplace and all the afghans. Hitting right before surgery and Julie's bout with Covid was a challenge but we managed to handle the crisis well.
We lost many trees on the back of our property. I caught a photo of this fellow surveying the damage.
A winter season of basketball at the Richmond YMCA enabled Julie and I to see a few of Liam's basketball games. His Dad was the coach and in his first try with basketball he brought the team to the finals. It touched my heart to see another generation involved in YMCA sports.
Fifteen years of marriage - celebrated in March - Happy to have each other.
March also brought a special visit from my niece Heidi, husband Tim and my sister Elaine. The weather was lousy but it didn't stop us from exploring our area and researching some interesting family history.
Late March brought the delivery of our new pontoon boat. We had waited 18 months to receive it due to Covid supply chain delays. It came at a great time to perk up this old fellow and prepare him for the upcoming season.
The Kadiri's came for a cruise on the new boat.
In Mid-April Scott and Family came to visit and Julie led them on a walk through the Blue Ridge Tunnel. A tunnel walk on a rainy day deserved a follow-up lunch at the Blue Mountain Brewery.
We kicked off Spring with a trip to Chincoteague Island with our good friends Nancy and Jim. I declared Chincoteague Oysters the best I've ever had....and I do speak from experience!
Black Skimmers on the Virginia Shore
I may have been slowed up a bit this year but the birds and opportunities to photograph persisted. This lovely Scarlett Tanager was a first sighting for me.
Late Spring brought a long wished for trip to the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Yes - It is almost heaven as John Denver sang and the Appalachian Spring was glorious. A few days stay at the Canaan Valley state park was a pleasant surprise with excellent accomodations.
June began my favorite season of all - Family visits. Allison, Annalise and Audrey kicked it off with a train ride and visit to try out the new Pontoon boat.
The Pennsylvania Kaslusky's arrived in July, just in time for some Chesapeake blue crabs and a messy party on the patio. Who doesn't like smacking crabs with a mallet ?
The Estrella family from Miami Florida arrived in August for more fishing and water fun.
One night together with the Estrellas we experienced one of the most spectacular sunsets of the year. A gift to top off a lovely visit.
Later in August included a trip to Connecticut to see Evan Graduate from High School. What an inspiring moment to participate in this moving ceremony.
Early September included a wonderful surprise. These four "Kids" showed up for a "reunion" weekend. Though Julie and I have visited individually with them they had not been together as a group in 10 years. Lots of laughs and late night memories shared on the porch. Jennifer exclaimed "we have to have a hike" so off to Pleasant Grove for a family tradition...I stayed back and shot photos of birds. Julie joined in and led the way.
Jennifer (a chip off the old block) had T-shirts made saying "Reunion in Slow Motion", a reference to the new pontoon boat experience, a country western song and I suspect a slowing down of this raucous group.
Late September our friends Bob & Sandy invited us to spend a week in North Myrtle Beach, SC at their "time-share". After a morning of bird photography at the preserve we began following the news regarding a developing hurricane off the coast heading straight for South Carolina. Unfortunately we had to cut our visit short and we all high-tailed it out of there just in time to miss the Hurricane. We came away with this nice shot of a Snowy Egret who looked like he was busy stocking up for the storm.
The Fall brought in the football season for Liam and his Quioccasin Middle School team in Richmond. "Nana" and "Pop" became cheerleaders and sports photographers. With a school name like that the crowd shouts "Go Q".
Later in the Fall, Julie and I managed to catch the peak of colors at the YMCA Blue Ridge Conference center near Ashville NC.
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A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2023
to all our Friends and Family. Last year certainly reminded us to enjoy every moment and treasure the many blessings that abound.
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