2025 is Closed
This was a fantastic year in so many ways. First, turning 75 was a major milestone. For a long time, I had thought about how I wanted to celebrate, and I really didn’t need to because the family took care of it for me by everyone coming together for several days in Dahlonega. We ate, played, shared stories, and hugged a lot. I don’t know if that will ever happen again with all of us in one place, but it was the best, and I will forever cherish the memories.
Following this, I spent 10 days in Japan. This was a country that I had always wanted to visit and finally had the opportunity. I can’t say enough about the experience. I was in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Nara. Rode the bullet train and took the gondola up to Mt. Fuji. Hiroshima was a very sobering experience, particularly the museum, which contained items that were found after the bomb was dropped (pieces of clothing, shoes, toys, books, glasses, etc.). These were remnants of someone’s life, and a stark reminder of what the quest for power does to innocent people just trying to be happy and go about their own daily business.
In August, I passed my 45th year working for the Federal Government. I started as a GS-4 Check Control Clerk on the Presidio of San Francisco and worked my way up to a GS-15, Division Resource Manager. In 1980, it was just a job to help pay bills. I never anticipated that it would end up being my professional career.
The year ended with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Amazon River. I saw animals in their native habitat, and experienced how people live along the river. Me and “mis botas” – (my boots!) tromped through the jungle, finding poisonous dart frogs, tarantulas, bullet ants, and an anaconda. New Year’s was celebrated at a 5-Star restaurant in Lima, Astrid & Gaston. It was a first-class, over-the-top celebration of Andean culture with cabaret energy. What a night!
I am approaching 2026 with the same gusto. I want it to be filled with family, love, and shared experiences. I don’t have plans just yet, but I know they will materialize. Happy New Year!
