Looking Back 2011

A glance back over 2011 makes me realize just how much living can be packed into 12 months. Time is one of God's good gifts to us - how we use it determines our quality of life, the things we value, and our relationships with others. Here's a fast race through 2011 from my perspective.

January brought a heavy snowfall that transformed a brown landscape into other worldly glistening white.

During February we spent a week in Mexico, enjoying sunshine, snorkeling, touring, and time to read and sketch.

In March we celebrated my beloved's birthday - all the children surprised him by showing up for dinner. Walks on the beach began. Grandbaby continued to charm us all with her sweetness.

In April signs of spring began. Trees showed hints of green. We spent a weekend on Pender Island with friends, enjoying good food, good company and beautiful scenery.

By May the fence was completed and we ate our first outdoor meal of the year in privacy. Cherry blossoms fell like confetti. 

In June the house renovation was declared finished with the completion of the kitchen project. Roses bloomed and vegetables grew up in the garden beds.

We spent a weekend camping with the family at Englishman River Falls in the beginning of the month. Mid-July found us on Sonora Island, marveling at the untouched beauty of creation. 

Company visited in August, including my parents. We spent an afternoon wandering through Milner Gardens, where this photo was taken.

During our trip to Alberta in September, we visited with family, hiked in Banff National Park, and enjoyed afternoon tea overlooking the magnificent Rockies.

At the end of the month we bade a tearful goodbye to our traveling adventurers. After spending almost 3 months in Germany, they skied in the Swiss Alps over Christmas, then spent three days in Paris before flying down to the boot of Italy today, where they plan on staying for a month.

At the beginning of October I wrote my last exam and completed my degree in French. We celebrated Thanksgiving with family, thanking God for each one.

The play of light and shadow highlighted November. Sunny days mixed with rain as we waited for news that would affect our future. 

December days were lighted by Advent and the preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. I am so glad He came to earth so long ago and became my Lord. Christmas celebrations were filled with family, another of God's good gifts. And we moved! 

As the year closes, my wish for each of my readers is to experience, in 2012, the Hope, Joy, Peace and Love brought to earth by the Christ Child so long ago.