Looking back...

The end of the year is always a time of reflection.  Doing this blog is like having a diary to look back on.  As always, this was a year of ups and downs.

We started the year with grave concern for our sweet little Izzy.  When a vet examination found a lump, we knew that look an the vet's face.  We made plans to get to Phoenix earlier than anticipated to get her to an animal surgical specialist.  She let us know that it was time.  The lost of that sweet little furball tore a big hole in our hearts.

While in Phoenix (Goodyear, actually), the next month I couldn't take it any longer - the motorhome and my heart felt empty.  I managed to talk Joan into "just looking" and we were introduced to the big boy, Rufus.  With his wonky ear, kink in the tail, some missing teeth, terrible smell, and short straw-feeling fur, this boy was in need of being adopted.  It probably goes without saying, but we have been good for each other.  Not sure who rescued who, but we are all better for it.

We enjoyed our time in Arizona - it is always a joy to be able to spend time with Steph and Dan.

Back to the Tropical Tip for spring - boating, dolphins, scootin', and introducing Rufus to living in something bigger than the motorhome.

As summer got closer, we decided to head north.  Instead of doing "fun summer jobs" or constant traveling, we chose to go to a place we know we enjoy: it was 3 months of scooting, tourisiting, and just enjoying having no schedule, in the Black Hills.  Rufus enjoyed our time at Hart Ranch, getting to take walks in the grass and having plenty of patio time.

When the weather turned cooler in mid-September, we decided to meander our way back to Texas.  Back roads, again no schedule, and some time in the Texas Hill Country before coming back to the Tropical Tip was nice.

It was plenty warm when we got home.  We had a lot of good days on the water, including some of the best dolphin viewing we've experienced... until Mother Nature sent front after front south.  Oh, it isn't the freezing cold and snow that much of the country experienced, but it was more weather that kept us off the water than we've seen here in the past.

Christmas was great, having Steph and Dan with us.  We are already looking forward to traveling west and spending more time with them.

And Rufus?  The boy has blossomed; his short, thin fur has turned into luxurious thick fur and a mane.  We were told he was "full grown" when we adopted him.  At just under 11 pounds, he was built like a wrestler, solid and stocky.  He is now on the far side of 15 pounds and has continued to grow.  Joan thinks he may be at least partly Maine Coon, and they continue to grow for up to 4 years.  He also smells great and is just a big bundle of love and snuggles.  He loves being with his people, and we are grateful to have him in the family.

We took these photos of him this morning, while he was stretched out on the back of the couch...

I had been playing guitar on the couch, and he likes to be right there to enjoy the music.  The boy fits in nicely.  He is on my lap as I am writing this...

Uncertain times with the current political and world situations.  I wish us all a happy and more settled new year.