Like most people I am ready for 2016 to be over. This was the year that took my mom from us at the start of the year, then took my husbands mom at the end of the year. We also said a very sad goodbye to the Nixon family home on Oak Grove Avenue.
But a lot of great things also happened in 2016, so I will give credit to a year that did try to give a little back.
My family gathered for 3 beautiful weddings, my cousin Monique’s in Vermont, my niece Alaina’s in Iowa and my niece Erin’s in Houston.
My nephew Lance finished his chemo and our family gathered from all over the country to celebrate.
Ani Parish came bounding into our lives bringing fun and joy.
I started 2016 in Florida, spent Valentine’s Day in Daytona Beach, I chased a vortex, drove in the mountains through a snowstorm, took a train trip, saw Mount Rushmore, walked through Sturgis during the motorcycle rally, watched in awe as the sun set behind Devils Tower. We drank wine in Napa, rode cable cars up and down the hills of San Francisco. Travelled with my family to New England, saw Nubble Light House and visited Rhode Island for the first time. We did a pub crawl in Portland, and drank beer with my New England cousins Jason, Chris,Lisa and Hilary in San Diego. Celebrated 30 years of marriage to my best friend. My dear friend Deede came to San Antonio, I was able to visit my friend Andrew in Seattle. I met my cousin John Gordon, spent time with cousins I had not seen in years, got to see my nephew Jason play in Austin on Halloween, and finished the year in Los Angelas. All while working full time.
Okay 2016, you certainly had your bad moments, but I will give you credit there were some good times.
2017 please be kind, don’t steal our loved ones away, let’s make this a great year, where we cherish our families and friends and hold ourselves to a higher standard of compassion and kindness towards everyone.
Pink Hat Gypsy 