A New Start

When I was younger and living in the past century, the year 2000 seemed very far away.  It felt like it would be a different world once we got past 1999.  But here we are, 14 years later, and, while life is different, it has not brought the catastrophic changes  I imagined.  Not yet.  Life goes on, with ever increasing speed.  I would like to say that I'm fully adjusted to the rush of change that accompanies it, but I'm not.  I am stretching to try and keep up.

Grandchildren are a dramatic reminder of what the world is like for them now.  I can see that there are many dark holes for them to fall into if they are not aware; there are increasing dangers in our society.  Working with addiction recovery has opened my eyes further to the traps that lie so close to us.  I hope that we can be part of the positive influence that they will need to survive and thrive.

Our Gendreau kids were pumped about New Year's Eve.  We planned special treats and games.  Layne bought fire crackers and confetti.  We all managed to stay up and welcome in 2014 with noise and a good wish toast with Martinelli.  It was fun!  The rest of our week passed quickly with babes still not wanting any outdoors activity.  There have been no storms, but snow is still everywhere; a testimony of the unusual cold that is preserving it.  By the end of the week they were missing parents and home.  So packing up for a return trip on Saturday was welcomed.

                              Here's Peyton and New Year's Eve confetti.

                      Gemma playing Uno with us, moving us to the countdown to midnight.

                                            Miles and our NYE toast.

       Not much outdoor time, but here is Peyton, shaking down snow from one of our trees.

                                 Here's Gemma, admiring the snow!

Daughter Audrey and Cliff arrived late on New Year's Day, with their daughter Allegra.  She is on her way to BYU Idaho for her first year of college.  All sorts of feeling accompanied this school journey of hers:  excitement, nervousness, sadness, anticipation.  All of these emotions come with change it seems.  It was hard for Audrey and Cliff to give up their second daughter to a growing independence.  How well I remember those feelings.  Sometimes I still have them.  Allegra is as pure and innocent a girl as one could wish for.  She is now settling in at Rexburg and her folks are mourning her absence at home.

                                     Our lovely Allegra poses here, all ready for college.

                  Our parting at the Subway Shop.  Gemma, me, Layne, Peyton and Miles.

On Saturday we met daughter Jessica and Chris halfway between here and Normandy Park, WA, at a Subway shop off the freeway.  It was a happy reunion!  I believe that Chris and Jes had a great time on their trip to St. Thomas island.  So, as usual, this time with family was sweet and rewarding.

Now for the clean-up.