Saturday, December 26, 2009

Reflections and Anticipation

It’s been a long time in between posts. I’ve missed being here and plan to get back into a routine of writing and reading. I know there have been lots of things going on with my bloggy friends, and I’m going to do my best to catch up.

Today is the Day after Christmas which to me is like New Year’s Day. I’ve never been one to make resolutions but when I woke this morning I spent some time thinking of the year past and the year to come. I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or whatever it is you celebrate and had the opportunity to enjoy family and friends.

The last two weeks are a blur. Christmas was especially nice this year. The kids and grandkids were with us as usual on Christmas Eve, my favorite day of the year. The grandkids are growing up so fast. Next year at this time Katie will be a freshman in college; where did the time go? We had Christmas dinner with Pam and Geoff and extended family and friends. It was a quiet day. It felt like everyone was winding down from the craziness of Christmas.

Yikes, this is beginning to sound like one of those Christmas letters we all make fun of. Another sign that I’m getting old, I guess.

Adopt-a-Family is over for another year. Our hard work I’m sure brought sighs of relief to more than 1,100 parents and excitement to 2,311 children who received gifts of toys and clothes from generous people they don’t and will never know. For me it’s a satisfying feeling. I can’t say enough how wonderful it is to watch this program come together every year and how much I appreciate the work of the volunteers and donors. I know that almost everyone was affected this year by the economy but you wouldn’t know it from the gifts that streamed in and the mail containing donations of money that will ensure our continuation next year. I’m happy that we can help so many needy families but I’m not happy that they need us at all. People often ask if we helped more this year than last. We did but that’s not our goal. I have said many times, I wish there was no need.

My real estate business has slowed over the last few weeks. Not unusual between Thanksgiving and Christmas but I need to get back into that routine and just get back to work. I feel in my bones that 2010 will be a better year, and I don’t want to miss anything.

We’ve got travel plans to look forward to. Paul, Jr., and Martha are talking about bringing the kids to spend some time with us in May at OBX. This will be the first time any of the kids will be able to join us, and we are really looking forward to that.

In July Paul and I will celebrate his birthday cruising the Danube River in central Europe. It’s a trip I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a long way off but it will be here and gone before we know it. Paul gave me a Lonely Planet book for Christmas about the area of Europe we will be visiting so I’ve got studying to do.

He also gave me a macro lens for my new camera, so be prepared for lots of photos of bugs and flowers this year. I need to find a basic camera class to refresh my memory about f-stops and shutter speeds. It’s been a long time since I’ve shot an SLR. I’ve mostly been using my new Canon Rebel in the auto mode which is a waste of its technology.

I recently came across my grandfather’s journals written in the 70’s and 80’s. I’d like to go through those and find some stories to share. And while Christmas shopping for other people, I bought myself a scanner that transfers slides and 35mm negatives to my computer. Once I learn to use it, I’d like to put all my father’s slides from the 50’s into a format that I can enjoy and share.

This does sound like a list of New Year's resolutions after all. I guess that's okay. Even though New Year's Eve is a few days away, let me be the first to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year!

11 comments:

Badass Geek said...

I'm glad to hear your Christmas went well. It's nice to have the holidays, but it's also nice to be able to relax and just enjoy being still.

Pam said...

I said the same thing to Geoff this morning about today feeling like New Year's Day. Weird! I don't remember feeling this way in years past.

DUTA said...

I liked the following sentence in the passage Adopt a Family: "I'm happy that we can help so many needy families but I'm not happy that they need us at all." Well said.

It seems you have exciting plans for year 2010, such as cruising the Danube river. May all your resolutions come true!

Vodka Logic said...

So glad you had a great Christmas..here's to a wonderful New Year

BONNIE K said...

Same to you. Sounds like you have a busy year planned!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Sounds like things were perfect. I just love Christmas, we had a great one too! All the best in 2010.

Sultan said...

Wishing you a coming year filled with kindness.

Robin said...

Oooh, a macro lens - sweet! Enjoy!

Unknown said...

I cannot wait to see more of your photography.
My parents have the bulk of our vacations in the 50's and 60's on slides, and I know there was once a purchase of some devise to transfer them, but not sure what happened to that.
Please share!!!

Brittany said...

Lots of fabulousness going on!

I just ordered my new camera, and a macro lens is on the top of my list! I'm anxious to see what you capture! :)

Brittany said...

Thank you for celebrating my 100th post with me!

In response to your question, I got the Canon T1i 15MP Rebel (body only, and lenses separately).
I have a BFA in photography, and was a die-hard "analogue" user for many years. This is my first DSLR, after have a digital, high-end/manual point and shoot. I'm super excited!
I'll post all of the nitty gritty details soon.

Hugs!
Britt

 

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