2018 was a wonderful year for us and we hope it was for you as well.
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| Flagler Beach 2018 |
Early in the year, Cathy and I set out to cross off an item on our bucket list. We hooked up our small, little used pop-up trailer, left Green Bay where the temp was -9 degrees and headed to sunny Florida. With the guidance of some Early cousins who did this type of traveling for years, we visited some beautiful sites and stayed at some remarkable parks. Full disclosure: we did abandon our campsite when the temperature dipped into the 20s. However, as a testament to just how much we enjoyed it, we have plans to do it again this winter.
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| St. Patrick's Day 2018 |
We completed our 3 month adventure with a three week stay in The Villages. Bill and Karen Early graciously allowed us to stay in the home they were readying to sell. We truly enjoyed our time in Florida as it afforded us time away from the harsh Wisconsin winter and allowed us a chance to visit with our cousins, my brother Bill, and friends. Kathleen and Erin were able to fly down and join us for St. Patrick's Day.
We returned just in time for a 22 inch snow fall. Winter had the last laugh!
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| Kathleen, Cathy and Erin in NYC |
In early summer, Cathy and Erin joined Kathleen in New York and had a chance to drive up to the beach at Montauk.
This summer was the first time since retirement that we could spend major portions of our time in Fish Creek. We truly enjoyed our time up there, again with family, cousins and friends.
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| Bill Ken and John in Times Square |
In fall, my brothers, Bill and John, joined me for 5 nights with Kathleen in NYC in her one bedroom apartment! She was a wonderful host and we were all impressed with all the city had to offer.
Seventeen years ago we went to Ireland. Upon our return we said we'd like go again but for a longer time, after retirement, so this year we did. In November, Cathy and I flew into Dublin, went North (Belfast and Giants Causeway), West (Ballintubber and Killarney, South (Kinsale) and East (Dublin). Kathleen and Erin joined us for the week of Thanksgiving. Ireland is a beautiful country, rich in history.
Merry Christmas from the Blaney Family!
Well, that was quite a year. Thanks for sharing your year in review. Merry Christmas and hope to see you during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Keep enjoying life. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an exciting year!
ReplyDeleteYou know what would be more exciting? Pulling a four decade old two ton pop up camping trailer with a rusting and degrading axle down a kentucky mountain during a snowy sleet storm - and it snaps in half!
But for sure it is safe, since the fleet farm mechanic said the axle looked fine to him :>)
Seriously, dudes, retire that old beast! We all want you to be safe and have a hassle free winter!
Your blogs are awesome - hope you will provide more of them on your winter get away.
What a great year! We enjoyed having you visit and are looking forward to seeing you again this coming March. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Thanks for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am "unknown." This is Karen Early commenting above that starts, "What a great year!" Let me be known ...
ReplyDeleteDear Ken and Cathy. Sign me up for next year. I enjoyed your letter and am SO IMPRESSED you can do it so succinctly. Mine is at 8 pages and as hard as I try, I just can't seem to scale it down. This is my 27th year of doing the Early Times and I hope you will NOT send me a cease and desist notice. I am holding off sending my letter out as we are waiting to add just one more entry. Karen's son Ken and Beth are expecting delivery of their third son within the next few days. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun year! You and Cathy deserve it after all your working years. Hoping you continue your adventures.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both and your girls. Cousin Erin
ReplyDeleteWhat a writer you are. I enjoyed all your travel blogs and this Christmas is icing on the cake!
Merry Christmas
When I looked at the neat picture you attached, I thought you meant your daughters...but could you have meant your cousins?? Thank you so much...wish I could have been there. Hope to join you again when the snow melts.
ReplyDeleteThank you again, Ken. Cousin Erin
Fantastic year. Isn't retirement grand? Sure wish we could all have done it earlier. OUr letter will be out soon.
ReplyDeleteMerry CHristmas one and all!! Barbara Hoag