Friday, December 29, 2017

Merry Christmas 2017 into Happy New Year 2018

Hiya Pat (as Jimmy always says to me when we bump into each other) -

How are you?   Were your ears ringing recently cause we were talking about you and laughing as usual.   Sure miss you but as I always say, there's always something to smile about when we think of you.

It was a balmy Christmas Day in Ojai while the east coast is literally freezing over.   Good year to be here in California.   Just like you always used to say - when the people getting snowed in watch the Rose Bowl and see us all in shorts, they'll be packing their bags and moving here.  

Only thing here is we've had some really terrible fires.   One that is still not out is up near Ojai.  Mom evacuated for a few days - Ojai was mostly saved but it was right up against many people's yards and some were not as lucky as Mom's neighborhood.    There's still smoke and ash in the air but it's getting better and hopefully fire will be out soon.

So it's been a great year I'd say overall.   Lots of things have happened, positive things.

I've been working all year long, that's been good.   Also been trying to get my documentary edited, not a speedy process and depending on others is challenging but it'll get done.   I have some more filming to do but that will happen once I get this cut together.    I've been on three different shows - Agents of SHIELD, A.P. Bio and Angie Tribeca - all different and totally different people and experiences.    I realized I didn't travel anywhere this year except 3 days to Toledo, Ohio for A.P. Bio!   I used to be the traveler and really need to get back into that again.  

Otherwise, there's been celebrations, summer parties, friends all around and the hope of great things coming in the new year.

Mom is great, always positive, aches and pains, but she gets along as best as she can.   We've had various holidays at her house with family and friends.   We laugh a lot!

Ramsey, your little buddy, was a big loss this year.   He was such a wonderful pal to you and then mom and held out to a ripe old age.     Not long after he was gone, Harry also lost his battle with all of his illnesses.    Both crossed over the rainbow bridge and mom is sure they are happy and will be waiting.  Perhaps they are hanging out with you, taking walks everyday.

Patrick got married!   And with the marriage to Nina, also has an 8 year old son and will very soon be meeting their new baby.   Everyone is excited and happy to have new members of the family.  Laurie is a grandma!   Also, she's working and always checking in and taking care of anything Mom needs.

Brittany, Bill and Tyler are happily living in Seattle, building onto the house, taking vacations  but working hard for them.    I haven't been up there yet but perhaps that'll happen with my plan to travel this new year.

Tanya, Tom and Connor are holding down the east coast.   All working, all doing well.   Tanya and Britt visited us in June, was fun as always to all be together.

As I write I realize there was always something going on throughout the year!

I miss you.   It's been almost 9 years since I saw you on Skype as we chatted about like and that new year of 2009.   Wish I had you around to talk to about it all.

Lots of love to you,

Xochi