Happy Holidays!

With Goofy

Season’s Greetings, Everyone!

What a long, strange year it’s been, filled with much happiness and sorrow, too. We said good-bye to my mom, who passed away in July after suffering a major stroke almost two years before. We miss her dearly. 

My beautiful Mom, in her younger years

We also lost our 14-year-old cat Beanie, who, we’re convinced, died of a broken heart following the sudden death of his brother Cecil last year.

But there’s also good news. We paid-off the house—yay! Can retirement be far behind? (Well, not for another two years, at least.) Plus we got two new kittens, Jack and Bobby, who keep life exciting. Thanks, Karen and Eric!

The boys

Here’s what else happened in 2014:

Lots of (some might say, too much) travel for fun and/or work: trips to Palm Springs (Modernism Week), Tempe, AZ (baseball spring training and visit to the aircraft boneyard in Pima), Las Vegas (American Library Association conference in June—gag!), San Francisco, Sacramento (Cindy’s work), and the central coast. Our biggest—and most fun—trips, though, were a Disney cruise to Alaska (absolutely wonderful) and a weekend getaway to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. No wonder we’re so tired!

Our continuing passions include: mid-century fashion and L.A. architecture, especially renovated movie palaces—we’re now members of the L.A. Historic Theatre Foundation; movies, in general (attended this year’s L.A. FilmFest); the Beatles (participated in two great album-listening parties at the Grammy Museum); and, of course, all things Disney.

Not a lot of plays this year, but did go to several excellent concerts: the Eagles, who reopened the truly fabulous Fabulous Forum in Inglewood; Steely Dan; Neil Young, solo at the Dolby Theatre (absolutely amazing!); and Fleetwood Mac. We also continued our mini-season subscription to the Hollywood Bowl and enjoyed this year’s Grease sing-along. 

We have much to be grateful for: the continuing love and support of our family, friends and neighbors. We also love our boys, Jack and Bobby, who are a constant joy (when they’re not being monsters!), and are happy for the recent rain that has rejuvenated our gardens. And finally, we are grateful to be employed in jobs that we love.

May your holidays and new year be filled with love and happiness!