Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026

November 2025

Just a few notes and pictures from our 2025:

Our year began with a trip out west – way west. We made a stop in California which included a Ram’s game in LA to admire SoFi stadium. We also visited with our Aunt Louise – sadly our last visit with her as she passed away in the spring. We were also able to snag a few days in Pismo Beach with Amanda and Paul, ever the gracious hosts. From there we caught the long flight to Sydney Australia and on to Melbourne to catch a little of the Australian Open Tennis. We opted for the first weekend games to have more action on the grounds but still were lucky to see both finalists play in early rounds. The event is a spectacular combination of tennis, people watching, and side-show antics.  We were able to walk to the grounds and enjoyed great weather in the often too hot Aussie summer.

Aunt Louise

 

Melbourne Trolley Ride

Market Must Stop

From there we went on to Tasmania to pick up a travel van for our circumnavigation of the island. We did miss most of the route down the middle but touched the coasts on all sides. We learned about the convicts who were forced to work there and the prisons where many were punished when they committed further offenses. These somber places were in sharp contrast to the dramatic and scenic landscape. Our travels included several boat trips so we could admire this remote island from all sides. We also made a point of sampling the local specialties from gin and wine to cheese and honey. All in all, a good trip Down Under.

 

Racking some whisky

Another small meal

We headed to the Bahamas in late March for some lobstering and fishing by Steve. The Abacos was our main destination, and we again left from Lake Worth and checked in at West End. We zoomed over to the Grand Cay area and worked out way south crossing The Whale to spend some time in Hope Town and Marsh Harbor. Steve caught lots of fish and lobster so we ate well, met lots of fellow boaters and walked the beaches.

 

Notice we painted the boat white

Teddy enjoys the boat too

The Abacos are still recovering

The end of June saw us back in California. Steve, Amanda and Paul hiked an impressive trail in the Sierras to Hamilton Lake east of Fresno. Quite an achievement for an “old” guy from flat Florida! (The old lady haunted the antique stores in town and was the unneeded emergency backup.) From there we all went on to Yosemite for some day-hiking. The young’uns did some longer and more strenuous hikes and us older folk kept things sane i.e. under 6 miles.

 

In JAX training for the HIKE

Oyster Fun Back in Pismo

Steve and I left California for Washington and a few days with family and friends in Seattle then on to British Columbia for a couple weeks in the cool Northwest. We so enjoyed this area, we are hoping to bring our boat out in 2026 to linger there next summer.

Family at Nancy & Craig's House

With Lynette in Seattle

Victoria BC

How not to pick an AirBnB for Steve

Tasting Touring, ugh

High Tea - yum

High Tea with Champagne 

on to Vancouver

only fair

August thru late October we hung out in Jacksonville – admittedly mostly indoors to avoid the heat and humidity. We did the usual homeowner chores and Steve always manages to have a list of things to fix or improve on the boat.  He upgraded the chart plotter and added a Star Link so we can stay connected. He also changed out the corroded light fixtures and tons of other stuff along with a few house fixes.  Julia spent a lot of time in her “sewing” room, restocking her Etsy shop and playing with fabric or yarn. Oh, and Steve went fishing every chance he got offered with good weather. Our freezer is well stocked!

 

My morning walk view

We also had our aging issues with each of us enjoying some medical time and are grateful for full recoveries. Although Julia could have done without the six weeks on a liquid diet, she has retained a fondness for soup. As a wise woman once told me, aging is not for the faint of heart. We are mostly able to do what we enjoy and work hard to keep going.

 

Trick or Treat Time with Larry & Lena, plus Holly

We ended the year with a short trip to Montana with a stopover in Minneapolis for some Viking Football. In Billings we celebrated the long life of our Aunt Louise (97). It was the first time in many years that all my siblings were together as well as many members of Louise’s Billings family. 

 

Welcome to Minnesota meal

Cold Walking for us Floridians

Vikings have spirit

Aunt Louise with Uncle Roy

Just for some more crazy football fun, we trekked up to Tuscaloosa AL for an Alabama Football Game.  Let’s say it was an experience – maybe only a onetime experience, but fun for a Fall outing.  And, we only got lost once! (Paul will get that reference).

 

Roll Tide

Finally, we spent the Thanksgiving Week in California again with Amanda and Paul, enjoying their hospitality and the awesome Central Coast weather in November. Of course, Amanda organized a wine tasting in the Library at Torrin – a special treat plus a Turkey Trot on the beach to raise funds for the local food bank. Our Thanksgiving also included nephew Seth and his wife, Robin and her parents who traveled up from San Diego to join the fun.  Although we walked and ate, the highlight was probably our game night – Mexican Train, CLR combo! Beware, we are now CLR addicts.

Turkey Trot

Pismo Preserve

Amanda, Paul & Ziggy

Hot Springs Fun

Measuring Ziggy for a Sweater

Tumi trying on my attempt at a dog sweater

Turkey Fry Fun

Wine Tasting at Torrin

As the year winds down, we look forward to festive holiday activities with our Jacksonville friends and boaters who linger here. We are hoping all of our far-flung friends and family are also enjoying a relaxing and merry holiday. We trust you are spending your days doing things you love now and throughout 2026.

Julia & Steve