Wow, that went quick didn't it? So much has happened so I will start with our youngest ( the baby.... NOT) Sam-19

Sam playing Quidditch for KU

Sam graduated from Hillcrest HS  ! I think that Senior Year should end after December, because once all the college applications are turned in they are SOOOO over high school!!!  Sam's criteria for college was BIG and COLD! The first school we visited was KU ( University of Kansas in Laurence) in March. It snowed the night we got there! We woke up and he was SOLD.... Honest! so Sam is majoring in Engineering   ( Surprised me...)  He loves being on his own, making new friends, studying (yes) and all that college boys enjoy.. You may recall that he was/is an avid tennis player- well he has a new sport, Quidditch ( yes, like in Harry Potter!!! they have brooms but they don't fly)  They beat Mizzou in October! I must say - it was so wonderful to have him home over Thanksgiving! 

Raechel-21

Raechel smiling

Raech is a senior at Brandeis, and no - she doesn't have any idea what she will do!  After interning in Boston this summer she has decided she wants to live in Boston, Washington, or Chicago!  So stay tuned on that.....

She enjoys everything, and when Bob and I visited her over Halloween, we went to class with her at 9 am - went to several meetings that she oversees and had classes until 8 PM.   I know I have lost many brain cells, but I can vaguely remember having that much energy.....

We were so tired! The class we enjoyed the most was her Arabic class.... After all these years, Bob got to hear her have conversations.  (She spoke Arabic when Sam and I visited her last Thanksgiving in Morocco!)  When she was home during Thanksgiving she caught up on her sleep, (12 hrs standard), saw her friends who were in town, and saw us also! SO FUN.....

BOB-age: younger than me

In the gulf sailing and fishing along the way

Well, in case you don't know- Bob loves sailing! This year he was fortunate enough to crew on a 47ft Sailing Catamaran from Florida to Galveston for 8 days. It was to be a 3 day cruise (hum Gilligan's theme song here) but the weather got so bad on  the crossing!  He took a video on his iphone and I got sea sick just looking at the 10 ft waves! and yet- he is looking for his next trip! As long as he can be on the water sailing he is content.. somewhat!  hehehe

This year Bob sold several important paintings by important American Artists including Cropsey and Whitridge.  It was very exciting - and I wish we had that opportunity monthly!

ALSO, Bob was just on Storage Wars Texas !, a national TV show on A&E Here is the link:

click to link

http://www.aetv.com/storage-wars-texas/video/  

Bob comes on at 18:38 into the show.  You will have to view a few commercials before video starts.  

Travel- Maloree's favorite...

Bob and I in New England

Since we are EMPTY Nester's we are traveling more and more, for business and pleasure. We went to Maine and did an antique fair (it rained so hard that they called one day off!! Now I know why people up NORTH MUST have rainboots!)  We were in Sarasota FL, and NY and stayed at the most fabulous homes.... ( Thanks to Lee & Paul) In NY, Bob attended the Appraiser's Association Conference, and I played..One of my favorite things was a FOOD TOUR. I did the one in The Village, had tastings at 7 places over 3 hours! We walked - and I learned about the architecture, history, prohibition, and all the foods...( I still don't enjoy cooking- but eating-YES) I am so grateful that we got to spend time with Ron, Scott, Rick, Michele.

Maloree-

Sam and Raechel with their Grandma, Marcia "Mush"

Every day I wake up and say, "It's good to be me"! Now I feel like it is time to DO and not worry....So that's my mantra for the year. I am doing volunteer work that I love, not working much at the gallery ( Come on Mondays' to see me) enjoying life. ( I even try to cook!) I see much more of my friends and that is fantastic. ( Could it be the empty nest syndrome?)

I am already planning my trips for next year!

This year we lost one of our bichons, Halle.  She was a great part of our family for 12 years.  Someone said, Dogs are placed on earth to give you happy memories! And that she did...

So my friends, as this year comes to a close, my wish  for you is Good Health, to be at peace, and to be a friend to all. Enjoy the moment!

All the best-