Boaters in New England live from season to season, even more than other Yankees. Many of us enjoy the changing seasons we experience here and would never want to move south permanently. I know I do. However, as boaters, we do anticipate spring and summer with an eagerness unmatched by fellow land dwellers.
Covid was (is??) still lurking and raising its head with Omicron variants. With the positivity rate increasing again in Connecticut, we continue to wear a mask in public indoor spaces and only occasionally eat indoors in a restaurant. Thanks to the vaccines, it was a better winter than 2020-2021 because we were able to spend time in person with our family and close friends. That alone makes the world a better place.
Be patient with me because I have to share some non-boating photos. 😍🥰
We stayed close to home through the winter months to avoid exposure to the virus, but we did make a couple trips to visit my mother who is now 89 years old. We saw her for her birthday in November and also a spring visit, but Mother’s Day was virtual – see me in the iPad.
Christmas 2021 was destined to be a HUGE improvement over 2020. To celebrate a return to family holidays, we began a new tradition with gingerbread house building. Caleb is 7, his sister Cecily is 5 years, and cousin Addison is 5½ years old – definitely old enough to decorate their own houses, but we figured the actual construction was best done ahead by Nana and Papa Al.
With an extended family of in-laws and step-families, the holidays can be a challenge to organize. Christmas Eve has always been my “day.” The menu changes depending on my whim, but the love and shared togetherness is always there.
Spending time with my grandchildren, being able to help out when needed – these are the moments that are priceless, whether a special event or just an ordinary day.
In April my sons and their wives both had events on the same weekend so we said we will have the three cousins overnight! The first “Cousins Sleepover” was born. Will this become a new tradition? I sure hope so! It was the week before Easter so activities were planned around that theme. All the stars aligned to create a weekend of pure joy. And pandemonium. 😳😃
A visit to Delaware to see Al’s daughter and family was a special treat for us. They are a busy household with four children, aged 1½, 4, 9 and 12, and we don’t get to see them as often we wish.
This was an easy winter to survive. Weather-wise, it was pretty uneventful from my perspective. Family-wise, it was grrrreeeaaaatttt!
Susie Marshall
Great to see your update and pictures of your beautiful grands. I hope you have a wonderful summer.
watsons
Thanks, Susie! Back at ya – I hope you have an amazing summer on the boat and with your adorable grands!