No doubt about it ... the year did not start well. Losing too many friends. And, losing in unexpected ways. OK, I got that out of the way.
And, we got out of town. That always helps. The drive to Charleston is very familiar. Back home, Beth got a good snow (she's still waiting, this year.)
The cats kept us entertained. Streaming kept us entertained. Wildlife kept us entertained. [ Is that a leucistic wild turkey? ] Gardening kept us entertained ... well, once the growing season approached. Even the plants / shrubs were fooled this time last year. In the course of a couple days the temps went from 53 to -7. Local apple farmers talk more and more about the inconsistent frosts. Though they can't be doing too bad. According to NC State - "If Henderson County was a state, it would rank No. 8 in the nation for apple production."
Charleston is a good place for Valentine's Day. Though this year it was experiencing a cold wave. Tell that to the young people out on King Street. We wanted to find an oyster roast. Valentine's is probably not the best day for one. Too many in fancy dress.
Mike had an interesting experience. He was out by the wood shed. He heard wood starting to crack. He knew he wasn't under or even too near trees. He looked up anyway. The cracking sound was getting louder. He went further clear of trees, looking around for the source of the sound, which was yet louder. He was sure it wasn't falling on him. When it did hit the ground it was not earth shaking ... but, still impressive. Searching he found that one half of a split tree had fallen. About 18" wide was the trunk that hit the ground, essentially flat. He can definitely say a tree that falls in the forest does make a sound.
Carol's memorial was a moving celebration. Got to meet friends-of-carol that I knew of but hadn't met. How much did they know about me? Who that met Carol wouldn't be her friend? [ Well, I'll say this ... some students tried to cheat. They did not become friends of Carol. ] There certainly were quite a number of her friends gathered on a beautiful April day.
We kept the parkway picnics going. Not the same, of course. The parkway is always uplifting, however.
Speaking of keeping gatherings going ... a big shout-out to all who relit the flame of the Szalonna. There I am. Sitting around a fire. In a clearing. Close to the forest. Roasting bacon. When Yiannis says, "Hey, look up. Those are Starlink satellites."
Speaking of shout-outs, let's give one to the autumn colors around here this year! We drove up into Smoky Mountain National Park. Saw a male elk among his harem. He didn't have a collar. Good for him and maybe the herd is ok without some monitoring.
We hosted visitors in the fall, which got us out sight seeing. If you don't know who those visitors are, you need to come visit, yourself. If you do know, please come back.
Love at the holidays and year round
Beth & Mike