Long Hollow

 

"…it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."

~ Charles Dickens

If ever there was a year of ups and downs, it was 2023.

We lost too many loved ones, and yet also experienced amazing new adventures and made memories to treasure forever.

David was Tom's best friend. He was his roommate and the Best Man at our wedding, and an amazing dancer. He took some of the first photos of us together that are still the best. His passing in January came as a surprise. But I'm grateful he gave us a goodbye call days before, which gave me the chance to tell him how much he meant to me. A priceless gift. 

 

 

 

Paul and Vanita were one of my favorite couples in our church – – always joyful, with just the right spark of mischief in their eyes. They had suffered a fair share of health issues over the past few years – only to be expected in your 80's and 90's, though. 

A few years ago they asked me to come by for a visit. They told me that when one of them passed, they wanted to sell the house, and they wanted me to list it for them. I agreed to do it, but told them  "Let's not be in a hurry."

Thank goodness it wasn't until January that Paul's health went downhill. I was able to visit him in their house and promised him I would do a good job selling the house. 

Vanita moved into an assisted living community in a neighboring town. My friend Karen and I visited and Vanita gave us a tour. I really didn't think that would be the last time I saw her – Karen and I were planning our next trip when I got news that Vanita had passed. 

 

Before March ended, we said goodbye to my wonderful mother-in-law. She had been battling health issues but was still able to live at home, thanks to the help of one of her sons and his wife who lived nearby, and also because each of her other 8 sons took turns staying with her for two or three weeks at a time.

What a testament to this amazing woman! 

 

In April we gathered with Tom's brothers and their families to honor her and her legacy. 

 

But there were also some joyful moments scattered throughout the year.

In January, the grandsons came over for a campout. It made me so happy when they started playing Candyland with me. My favorite!

 

In February, we experienced an ice storm. I enjoyed walking with Belle and my camera, capturing the magic that ice can wield on a landscape. 

I flew to Anaheim for our annual Keller Williams Realty "Family Reunion" convention. 

 

And we had fun with grandkids. My oldest grandson took the first photo. He is a natural!

In March,  I enjoyed visits with my daughter, son-in-law and my grandpuppies. They love to run and play with Belle and be country dogs for a little while.  

 

I welcomed the first bluebonnets and enjoyed the wonder of their beauty with my grandsons. 

 

In April, I celebrated my 64th birthday.

 

I took several trips to Houston visiting my sister, and on one of them, I stopped on the way to visit my friends/past clients in their antique store in Paige, Texas. (Broadway Paul's – you should go check it out!) I'm happy I help them move on to this dream by selling their house in Lago Vista!

At our KW market center awards ceremony that month, I found out I was #2 Individual Agent in our office for the previous year!

 

And we had more fun with grandkids. A campout, a small fire and S'Mores! And Monster Jam! 

In May, I had another visit with my sister. Some long time friends also paid her a visit, which meant to much to both of us. 

 

I enjoyed lunch with my awesome assistant and my transaction manager – a way overdo thank you to them!

 

I have been a Steve Martin and Martin Short fan for decades, so I couldn't pass up buying tickets to see them in person. No photos allowed during the show – this is the best I could do to capture the memory. 

 

We celebrated Tom's birthday at a new (to us) restaurant in Georgetown, TX with my daughter and son-in-law. 

 

And we also celebrated my granddaughter's 1st birthday! Growing too fast!

 

It is rare to get a still photo of my grandpuppies. These turned out so good! 

 

It is hard for me to believe it now, but our pond was full of water in May of 2023. The boys enjoyed canoeing. 

 

That was just a year and a half ago! We entered a drought soon after this and the pond is now completely dry. Please pray for rain!

(Stay tuned for 2023 Part 2, and thanks for taking a trip back in time with me, if you made it this far!)

We do not remember days, we remember moments.

~Cesare Pavese

And I remember moments through photographs!