Well everyone, I suppose I can’t — or at least shouldn’t — put this off any longer. (Actually, I haven’t been putting it off — I’ve been slammed . . .) The time has come to wish you all a happy holiday season. So, Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!! My holiday decor in Tennessee is pretty simple this year; I flew to California this past Monday, so there was no reason to go “all out” 2,000-plus miles away. Still, it’s nice to do something . . .
In an effort to get into the holiday spirit before leaving Tennessee (it had/has been a rough few weeks), two Friday nights ago I participated in the Tour de Lights Knoxville holiday bike ride. It was a 5-mile loop in downtown Knoxville for which many people decorated their bikes with Christmas lights and garland and dressed up in costumes, etc. It was fun, but it was COLD! It was 29 degrees and my hands were freezing by the time the ride was done. Next year I’ll cheer from the sidelines.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind. I went to Santa Rosa on Tuesday to see friends and to work in my office, and, last night, before I headed home (to the fam), I went out to see some of the fire damage. It was too dark to take pictures, but the scene was unreal. My heart is broken for the whole community. Here are just a couple pics from a hike I did at a local park the previous day with friends. These don’t even begin to do justice to the extent of the structural damage in the city. Those who lost their homes (there are thousands) are looking at a rough holiday season this year.
Yesterday (Christmas Eve’s Eve) was eventful, too. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say life tough sometimes. (Or, all the time? The jury is still out for debate.)
In any event, I apologize for this haphazard post, but it’s the best I can do under the circumstances. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! I’ll touch base again soon!
xoxo,
Jess
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HAHAHA!!! Love, LOVE the Charlie Brown Xmas music Jess! 🤣 And happy happy holidays to you and a marvelous, safe New Year’s!!! 🎊🎉
Thanks Professor! I love it, too. Here’s hoping for a great new year for us both!! :)
That Christmas Tree!! :D (?branch? twig :D :D ) Love it! Have a cool Yule Jess.
Lol, thanks Fraggle! It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas tree!🎄 I love it. You have a great Christmas, too!
Merry Christmas Jess!
Thanks, Dan! You as well!
Take it easy and find some enjoyment in the holidays.
Thanks, Mark. Definitely trying to learn to slow down. I hope you have a great Christmas! Are you staying local this year?
Going to San Simeon for a few days later in the week. A part of the coast I’ve never been to. And slowing way down for the few days I’m there.
Sounds like a wonderful plan. Not sure I’ve been there, either. You’ll have to tell me how it is!
Well, hotel right on the beach a beautiful sunset the first night.
I’ll never complain about time on the coast and a few days at San Simeon is no different. It’s just a beautiful place to spend a few days. If you haven’t been, I recommend it.
I’ll check it out someday!
Merry Christmas, Jess. Have a great holiday!
Thanks, Matt. Hope yours was great!
Merry Christmas, and may you have a peaceful and prosperous 2018.
Thank you! Nice to hear from you. I hope the same for you!
Great to hear that you are with the fam for the season. I think we are all at least a bit frazzled during this season – wanting to go home, putting together a cozy meal, the gifts…even showing up and making it back can have its challenge sometimes. Agree. Life can be tough at times, and that also means there is a better time somewhere up ahead :) Wishing you a very prosperous 2018 :)
You make a good point, Mabel. If all of the times in our lives were good, we wouldn’t really appreciate them… The holidays are definitely a challenging time for many. I’m always at least partly relieved when they’re over. It IS nice to see the fam, though.
I hope you had a great Christmas, and best wishes for the coming year!!