Sticking with the “Christmasy” red and green of the Sticks on Fire plant in the yard for the family photo.
The insert photo also gives a hint of one element of family news. Julia and Sam moved to Arlington, Va., this year, along with the dog, Tarski. Sam was reassigned to the DC office of Leidos. Dillon was just visiting them. He still lives in Ypsilanti, Mich., working in Ann Arbor for the National Center for Manufacturing Excellence.
Also of note is the attire of the two groups. Dillon and Julia, at least, in winter gear, while the SoCal contingent basks in warm sun in early December.
We also have extremes, of course. A new record high temperature at the house came in early September. In fact, it’s the highest temperature I’ve knowingly experienced. Previous record was 111, in the desert, but in early evening. The freezing mark is less common than triple digits, but has happened a few times in recent mornings, when I get to walk Baxter outside.
Appropriate time, I guess, to show recent photos of Baxter and Cinderella.
We’re getting to know other animals, as well. I had mentioned last year starting as a volunteer at a local therapeutic horse-riding program. Adeline turned 12 early this year, becoming eligible to be a volunteer at REINS. And this summer, she joined me on our Tuesday morning shifts. Addy’s favorite horse is Bam-Bam, maybe because they have similar hairstyles.
Still start the year as a volunteer at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and I will be hole captain at 3 South again next month. It’s a Wednesday-Saturday tournament now because of changes in the NFL playoff schedule and its long-term future is uncertain. Hey, so’s mine.
Annual trip to Boston/Cape included a new element, visiting Julia and Sam beforehand. Staying with friends in adjacent Alexandria, my room was on the fourth floor of their townhouse. Julia’s apartment is a fourth-floor walkup. I set personal records for flights climbed. Their place is very close to the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Otherwise, the trip centered on the BC-Michigan State football game, which I didn’t attend. Last year, I reported on how unpleasant it had been to go to the BC-Army game at West Point in the pouring rain. Same weather this time in Chestnut Hill, and I was among the contingent that chose to view the game on TV in a dry, warm living room.
Did get to visit friends on the Cape, at BC, and in the Boston area. And, for the third year in a row, my rental car was a pickup! I reserve a inexpensive, small vehicle, but have had the opportunity to drive a pickup at no extra charge. This one was my first Ford 150.
You can see much more about that trip here.
We also got a Tesla this year! Not the car, the PowerWall, a battery that stores power from our solar panels and distributes it when needed. I have a Power Purchase Agreement, meaning I “rent” the solar panels from a local company. The agreement is for 20 years and the rent never goes up. After five years, we can buy it if we wish. The fee also covers the cost of replacing half the shingles because the 50-year-old original set was not adequate and, even with that, we expect utility charges to be less than half our average monthly charge over the previous year.
My term as president of the Anza-Borrego Foundation comes to an end in January. I will remain on the board and hope to play a meaningful role in other ways.
Addy entered junior high school this fall and becomes a teenager officially in January, while Alice hits double digits in July. Meredith and Winter continue at the North County Boys & Girls Club and Charlie’s Foreign Auto, respectively.
Happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, and happy New Year to you and your family. May your hopes come alive in 2025!