This time last year we were watching Saturn converge with Jupiter and pass it by. We saw the whole show as we had several clear nights in a row. This time of year seems to have the best sunsets ... the planets were icing on the cake. On some nights a family of bats would pass by as the sky darkened. The bats didn't stay long. It may be because of the two cats that now live with us. More on them later.
This time last year we had hope for solutions to the pandemic. The first vaccine had been approved. It would be a couple months before vaccine supply could keep up with demand. We lined up in our cars to drive through our county fair grounds to receive a shot. We had no idea that we would be walking through the county clinic for a booster 6 months later. Covid continues to surprise us. Until everywhere in the world has adequate vax supply, Covid will have the upper hand.
Unlike the year before, we did manage to take a couple short trips while pandemic optimism waxed. First we went to Charleston (actually, to Mt Pleasant.) There we empted a storage unit ... 2 down, 2 to go. Had some good sea food. Drove a rental truck back to NC. The other trip was to Raleigh. Primary reason was to return Toetie & Phil's visit. Seeing how well they fixed up and decorated their new place gives us encouragement. While we were there, we got to see Zack's condo (at the same time Carol & David were visiting.)
Many folks visited us this past year. Let me try to remember all of them. Joey & Steve, Adriana & Satchel, Carol M & David, Carol L & Baxter, Anne & Tom, Becky & Mark, Rudy & Ezra, Elizabeth, Scott & Saro, Toetie & Phil, Karen, Carol D, A BIG Bear. If I forgot anyone I'll blame post-construction fatigue. If you haven't visited yet, we have a wide range of social distancing options available.
Speaking of construction, at this point, one year after a certificate-of-occupancy, I think that we can declare completion. All final grading, walkways, railings and some landscaping are done. There is a pile of oak in the wood shed. We have apples from our "orchard." And, tomatoes from the garden.
As you can tell from this year's card, Beth continues to paint. She takes full advantage of Zoom for painting classes. She tries out various styles and techniques. A gift of poinsettias last Christmas from Joanie inspired the painting which we used this year. Beth likes to paint any flowers which are given to her. If you'd like a painting ... Just sayin'
I did say something about two cats. They are brother and sister. Foxy and Minerva. Their previous owner moved to Brazil in June. Foxy and Minerva are almost identical (which is why Mike has named them June.) Designer cats. Gingers. Will be interesting to see how they like the holiday decorations. They are 3 years old, not kittens, but they have a lot of energy.
So ends a typical day. Beth in the studio. Mike in the office. The cats where they feel like. We all wish you happy/merry holidays and best new year.
Love Beth & Mike