January Recap

 Right Now...

I'm listening to that nagging voice that says "clean up your hen den" before you hit the road.  Yes- that's right- it's about time for me to pack my bags and join my husband for some winter camping.

But first- I should probably get to a good stopping point on the various projects I've started this past month-which includes updating the family blog.   For I have discovered while sorting through my dad's collection of photos- the years start to blur together- as do the stories.   I am most grateful- that I have nearly 20 years of a journal- based right here on our family blog.   

I'm loving that...

Our furnace was able to keep up with the extreme cold

we experienced this past month.

Like folks say- It's perfect stock show weather.

I found my way to the local gym despite the stretch of severe cold weather

and a FitBit that was temporarily out of commission

Shout-out of thanks-to Google for replacing my broken fitbit

Seems they aren't as waterproof as they claim to be.

On to other news worth loving...

my bestie gave me a ride to AAA to pick up

my new ride..

2024 Honda CRV-Ex, affectionally named Wanda

in honor of 

my own fairy godmother-UFK-

who's generosity was a motivator for us to 

make it so- and we now have two cars..

one for when we wander, and one for when I'm home

I'm feeling accomplished..

as I continue to make steady progress on this 

"do I still like to cross-stitch" project.

plans were made and kept to meet up 

with former co-workers for a post-holiday glass of cheer

and with family friends visiting from FL

For it is sometimes tempting to get very cozy and choose to stay home

especially when this sweet thing is the perfect nap buddy..

but instead...

I found myself saying YES to the invitations received...

Until next time..

Set the date..

(visited the John Fielder exhibit at Colorado History Museum)

and make the time..

to cheer on the newest Special Olympics Unified team- Go Crossroads!

to do the things that bring you joy!

December Recap

 RIGHT NOW...

I'm listening to the ping (or is it ding) of texts going off.   Usually the phone is pretty quiet- but I sent out a few Happy New Year texts and the replies are trickling in.  

I figure- it's as good of a time as any to update the blog with my monthly reflection.   

Typically I use this opening prompt to comment on what audio-book I've listened to.  My listening has slowed down now that we are home (Hello- comfy chair, and ability to stream with ease- we just finished binging a rewatch of all six seasons of Downton Abbey) 

However, the one audiobook for this month that stands out the most was Mr. Dickens and His Carol.   It's a historical fiction- imagining what prompted Charles Dickens to pen his classic seasonal tale.    I enjoyed it- and will say- it helped bring some holiday spirit to my walking efforts.  

I'm loving the fact that this past month unfolded even better than I would have guessed or planned...

Heading into Christmas-  I suggested to the family we do a Christmas free of exchanging material gifts.   I could fill this page with a litany of reasons why I suggested this approach- but in the end, it all boiled down to it feels right.   

And oh so right this month has been.   As I stepped away from the need to find the perfect gift for family members, I found myself savoring the holiday season  more than any I can recall in years past.  

So much to love...

Love of live music- led me to enjoy two seasonal concerts-

Featuring seasonal jazz at the PACE Center

and a community choir at Bethany Lutheran Church

featuring area church groups performing classic Christmas Hymns

Love of connecting with friends both near and far...

There were birthdays to be celebrated....

and holiday cards to be sent...

While some see the Christmas card as a chore- I love how it gives me a chance to connect with friends and family- For the local friends- I hand deliver their cards with a bag or two of homemade caramel popcorn.   This year- I ended up making over 7 batches to share with others.  

Love of good food and tasty cocktails

From a Christmas Eve roast

to a late Holiday meal with the Things...

if you went hungry this month at the House of Chang...it was your own fault.

It is also a good explanation for why the number on the scale continue to climb..

and is it even Christmas if you don't have some holiday cheer?

I'm feeling rested..

Seriously- how many people say that on the first day of a new year?   But seriously- my head is clear, my heart is rested.   I have a few projects I would like to tackle- in our ongoing effort to simplify things here at the House of Chang.   My mind is starting to ponder what adventures to take this coming year...but for today...I think I shall just rest some more

Until next time....enjoy the ride...no matter the weather..

Photo credit:  Hubby...ya think I'm leaving my cozy home to ride in the snow?  Think again

November Recap

 Right Now...

I'm listening to nothing.   How is that even possible?   I always seem to have an audio-book or two queued up and ready to hit play.   Oh well...it's time to recap a very busy but oh so memorable November!

I'm loving that  after just shy of 50 nights on the road, we are home.   Don't get me wrong- I really enjoyed my time on the road with Hubby.  

 In fact, I'm willing to admit- I enjoyed the solitude and isolation of the desert more than I would have predicted.   There is something magical about looking out the window before I drift off to sleep and see a sky filled with stars.   Ya just don't get that here in the suburbs with all the light pollution.   Not to mention near perfect weather conditions the entire time!   

When I last updated the blog we were hanging near Kingman AZ and the famed Route 66- and preparing for our next segment of this trip- our California Adventure.

So let's start there...with the drop off of Uma.   With the price of fuel and Bay Area traffic- we decided to put the RV in storage and just take the car.   In the end, we aren't sure we saved much $-However, I enjoyed the "road trip within a road trip" element of just having the car.

First stop was a chilly meet and greet with "the Generals"...of Sequoia National Park and King's Canyon NP.

Sherman is apparently the largest living single stem tree..

With General Grant coming in a close second...

All I know is those were some pretty large trees...

and the chill in the air surely took us by surprise...

From there, we made a bee-line up to the Bay Area as the primary objective was to check in on the folks..

While they are moving a little slower

and still struggle with technology...

she's still got it when it comes to

fixing a fabulous multi-entry lunch every day we were there!

He was  happy to discover "that old suit"

fits Thing 1 perfectly...

and overall seemed happy that we all paid a visit!

In between our daily short visits  with the folks- we also had a chance to 

wander down memory lane- where we had our reception 28 years ago..

we both remembered the large round tables..

but had forgotten the incredible views-

in our defense, it was dark by the time we arrived at the venue back in 1995..

Reconnect with the extended family-while enjoying a 

lovely family lunch al fresco (try and do that in CO in November?!)

We always enjoy taking in the local sites.   As we've been to the Bay Area countless times over the decades- we were pleased to discover some "new to us" attractions...

Rosie and many others who helped on the Homefront during WW2

are honored in this National Historical Park.

We spotted the spotlight- 

now to just find someone who could sponsor us for  an insiders tour...

We learned that it's best not to drive behind that  brand new Target in Emeryville..

and  we found out why there was an RV inside  this aircraft carrier...

We took a little side trip to check in on Big V...

and Thing 1 soon discovered why the Lish Girls loved going to see their grandma..

the adorable Pink Palace on Poplar..

Soon it was time to put Thing 1 back on the plane to CO (he had joined us for part of our time in CA)

And make another bee- line back to the Arizona desert.   

We'd spend a couple nights catching up on chores in Bullhead City...

And would briefly dip our toes into Mexico..

And I mean briefly- not even 20 minutes in- we agreed- let's go home.   

It wasn't a feeling of unsafe, but rather unsettled

 with the constant attention from street vendors trying to gain our attention.  

We would visit the famed Quartzsite Arizona 

And I would stitch  a bit...

Catch a few epic sunsets..

And tour yet another territorial prison 

Before heading to our last planned event on this adventure

- Thanksgiving in Fountain Hills, AZ.

While waiting for the turkey to roast...

We'd go say HI to Elvis...

And learn about the history of the Superstition Mountains.

I'd discover that YES- Espresso Martinis are the 

perfect finish to a fine meal..

We'd enjoy a practice run of feasting...

thanks "auntie" Carol...

And have a chance to sample to "world famous" Rock Springs Pies...

turns out it pairs very well with Bourbon.

I would not let the parade pass me by..

as I enjoyed the "largest Thanksgiving Day Parade" west of the Mississippi..

all I know is that...

There is a reason they call this place Fountain Hills..

Epic in size, and beautifully maintained...

We'd get to know the locals..

There's Sophie-

and Sophie..

This one is not named Sophia- but I've forgotten her name- Penelope perhaps?

Anyways-these furry ones sure have found themselves a pretty cool place to call home..

Wonder what I have to do to get  adopted?

Never mind- we're already family..

Thanks Cousin A for hosting a marvelous Thanksgiving gathering!

It was soon time to head back to Colorado...

With the RV- there is a limit to how much of a bee-line one should safely make..

So we decided to spend a night at this lovely campground..

in Albuquerque New Mexico..

Well, mostly lovely- some campers joined us late the first night- 

let's just say- I would not be a bit  surprised if they show up 

on an episode of Dateline-or other show about unsolved mysteries.. 

there was just something odd about them..

Which the camp host confirmed when I was chatting with him..

he said when he asked what type of RV they were using the guy 

replied "the kind you sleep in?!"  Uff DA

We decided to  take a day to rest before hitting the road for the home stretch..

Where the soothing voice of "Lt. Dan" would help pass the 10 hour drive..

and we would be rewarded for waiting out the storm in ABQ 

with bright sun and dry roads on Raton Pass...

And then it was time to start the process of "re-entry".

I'm feeling festive...

showing my appreciation for having a large enough oven to prepare a feast

 and unlimited water to clean up after said feast...

Until next time...

May you days be merry and bright..

I know mine have been...and I'm confident they will continue to be so..