The end of the year always brings time for reflection and adjustment of expectations.   While overall we had a good year and a lot to be grateful for, it would be remiss not to say we have anxiety, fear and lament as we look forward to the future of our country.  There is a profound sense of loss of truth and justice.   We still have hope, but it is greatly eroded.

That being said, this past year our focus has been on health and happiness.  We have been active and successful in keeping fitness, relationships and community activities as our priorities.  Looking back at our calendar for the last year, besides the regular medical appointments, we did a lot of local travel, mostly to participate in get togethers with friends and family, as well as nature and art related activities.  We also went on two cruises this past year and understood how people could live on a cruise ship.  It is like assisted living luxury style.   Both the cruises were to the Caribbean.  We are not much into flying, so cruises leaving from South Florida suit us well.  Donna was teaching watercolor on the last cruise on Azamara and was reminded what a joy it is to teach people watercolor.  There is something so zen about it.

We still spend most of our time in Delray Beach FL, and travel to Vermont for four months in the summer.  In both places, art and travel gives us lots of opportunities to meet and engage with interesting people, have wonderful conversations, share our stories and learn new things.  Donna is still very active in the art community in both places and has gotten involved in being a gallerist and curator for contemporary realism as well as expanding her art practice into nature journaling.  John, with his knowledge of history, that could make museum docents weep, always adds interest and intrigue to our art & history gatherings.

Hope you all have had a good year as well.  We wish you peace and joy for the holidays and for the coming year.   Attached is a photo collage of some of our adventures from 2024.    

Donna & John