‘Tis The Season

Weekend Coffee Share is a time for us to take a break and enjoy some time catching up with friends (old and new)! Grab a cup of coffee. What’s been going on in your life? What are your weekend plans?  Is there a topic you’ve just been ruminating on that you want to talk about? Our host, Eclectic Alli, is on hiatus, so I, and others are filling in to keep our chatty momentum going. Join in.

Welcome December! The coffee is hot and ready to sipped. Join me.

My week was cluttered with taking care of husband and his new knee and getting ahead of my annual Christmas card letter and Family and Beach Week calendars. Shutterfly had 50% discounts if I got the job done ASAP.  Just as I try to bake a variety of Christmas cookies, and buy the kids matching pajamas, each year I write a short family recap to fit in a Christmas card, and create calendars as gifts for family and close friends. My self-inflicted traditions are difficult to shake off, especially since they are expected. Truth be told, they put me into the Christmas spirit and I really do like doing them. I hope you won’t mind, but I would like to share my card as this week’s coffee share.

Merry Christmas, Joyous Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, & Seasons Greetings, Everyone 

Welcome to the Annual Martin Recap

This letter features just Matt and me and our sweet grandbabies (although we can’t call them babies anymore). Getting all of us together, with hair in place and looking in the same general direction for one picture, is next to impossible. Our kids are doing well living their lives with work, some adventure, a bit of art, music too, and lots of love. Two-year-old Teddy is on a daily mission to find fun, and Lily started kindergarten already. We plan visits together as much as possible. 

2019 had its ups and downs. On the upside, 2019 marked 40. Matt and I celebrated 40 years of marriage. Yes, we were children back then. We organized an intimate 40-year college reunion with Matt’s freshman year roommates. Amazing that these nerdy young men kept up the friendship all these years. After a 40 year career, I retired from teaching. It still feels like an extended school break. 

Over the summer, I continued to sail on Nellie Bly with an amazing skipper and all-women-crew. I also organized a women’s sunfish sailing series. It was so much fun and hope to continue it next summer. MSKCC has unofficially dubbed me the most boring MBC patient, which is great since I have no time or patience for anything more. My parents move a bit slower these days but are vibrant and do not miss a party.     

We sold the Twin Vee, which brought our fleet count to four. In case you are interested, the Hobie Mirage is still for sale.  

2019 challenges revolved around Matt’s pain and mobility issues. He had back fusion surgery, and his right knee replaced. Despite the detour, we did get a fair amount of sailing in and had a fantastic beach week with our family and friends. 

Sadly, we had to bid a couple of dear friends good-bye as they passed through this life. We were honored to have known and loved them. 

Every day is a gift. Wishing all a blessed holiday and 2020.

Hugs and Kisses,

         Antoinette & Matt

Thank you for indulging me.

I need to pour the second cup of coffee in a travel thermos and get this day started. Have a good weekend and upcoming week, Everyone. 

              Make it great.