2015: Reflection

Here I am again, at the beginning of the new year, expecting to go back to work on Monday, January 4.  Again, as usual, the holidays got away from me (maybe a bit more than usual) and I'm posting this as a substitute for a normal Christmas card, for those who care.  It's also nice to reflect on the things that made me thankful most last year.  Here are some highlights:

We began last year with the family at home, celebrating a just-completed kitchen remodel.

We've enjoyed this remodel ever since, especially since it brings to an end all the major things we had to do on the house.  Now, we've got a resort backyard and a remodel of the interior that's done in all major aspects.

During the summer, I had the special opportunity to hang with Beth at the Cascade Classic, based in Bend, OR, in which she competed.  I helped with driving, fetching, and some lifting, but it was great to just be with her for a few days before driving down to pick up Steve in San Francisco, and down to Redondo Beach to see Nate and Tana, a few days before her (Tana's) delivery (oops, spoiler alert!).

Oh, just as a footnote, on our way back we stopped at Crater lake.  Very scenic.

OK, the big thing--I'M A GRANDFATHER!  (I've even got the Grandfather t-shirt--looks like the Godfather poster)

Otherwise, work continues to be a process of change, and I remain very busy.  Grand Canyon University is not recognizable as the small failing school of 10 years ago--we now have 15,000 students on campus, and several new buildings going up as I write.

So, many things to be thankful for, including my purchase of a new bicycle:  titanium, with top-of-the-line componentry.  It has certainly energized me to exercise more, though I did not reach my stated goal of "160 by 60."  (That is, be down to 160 pounds by age 60, which I turned in October.)  I'm also thankful for the continuing trip tradition with Richard and Maxie:  we've transitioned to static camping at trailheads and doing day hikes from there.  This last year was the Eastern Superstitions, near Globe.  We camped at the Miles Ranch trailhead, and fanned out on the several trails that left from that point, over three days.

Our fall has been taken up with trips to California to see the grandbaby; we've just gotten back from Redondo Beach over Christmas, where 4-month-old Emma has enthralled the grandparents with enjoying reading and singing!

This is definitely a year to count blessings:  new life, continuing happiness with those we love, the place we live (both small-scale--home, and large-scale--the state and country).