Happy Holidays!

I always think about my friends and family this time of the year – especially those who I don’t see often. It has been a while since I sent a holiday letter, so I will give you a taste of the last couple years and tell you about 2006. I hope you enjoy my summary as much as I enjoy sharing it.

One of the significant events is that I connected with a special lady in my life. I met her 20 years ago and I have liked her since we met. Until recently, she was only interested in friendship. In August 2005, our relationship became more than friends. When I visited friends in Spokane for a volleyball tournament, I invited her to lunch; we had dinner; dinner became drinks and that led to making out in her car. We see each other several times a year since she is in Spokane and I am in Santa Rosa.

By now, you may be wondering who this special lady is. Her name is Angie. She is smart, beautiful and has a zest for life. She is a couple of years younger and she has 2 sons. Angie studies cosmetology and will graduate this coming spring.

Part of the reason I didn’t send my holiday greetings last year is that I was involved in an accident and totaled my car in November. I was rear-ended by someone running a red light. They hit the back of my car which spun me directly into a stoplight post at 30 MPH. My airbags and my seat belt saved me from a lot of injury. My neck was injured and I had to replace my car. Angie visited in December and helped me get a replacement car from Los Angeles. We flew to LA and drove the car back. My neck has healed and everything worked out well.

For 2006, most of my activities have been local hikes – about 2 a month. I visited waterfalls in the spring; saw salmon spawning in streams; captured the beauty of zillions of wildflowers; hiked on properties which will become parks; hiked parts of the Pacific Coast Trail; climbed Mt Brokeoff near Lassen (I climbed Lassen last year); and all this while enjoying the company of many great friends. You can see my photos on my website at: www.mills4.com/Hikes.html.

In May, my dad and Carol stopped by my house on their way from Oklahoma to Port Townsend. I met his new dog, Star, for this first time. She is a black lab and was 5 months at the time. I took them wine tasting. We ate at River’s End - my favorite restaurant on the coast where we enjoyed a Pacific Sunset.

This summer Angie visited me for a few weeks with her youngest son, Mykey. He is ten and is a great boy. Some of the fun was camping at Sugarloaf State Park and horseback riding at nearby Jack London State Park which is where the author of the same name lived. Angie and Mykey took up horseback riding quickly! The next day we went on two short hikes.

Also during their trip, we enjoyed some of the special things in and near Sonoma County: a walk through the majestic giant redwoods, a trip to the coast with a walk on the beach next to the crashing surf, wine tasting in Sonoma County wineries. We spent a day in San Francisco starting with the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square and finishing with dinner in China Town.

In August, I made my annual pilgrimage to Spokane for Spike and Dig to play volleyball, to visit friends and of course to see Angie. Afterwards, I headed west to visit my dad in Port Townsend. Valerie and Jon met me there with little Ian. I had not seen my nephew in 9 months and he had grown a lot. He is really a cute and fun.

Dad and I cruised out into the sound and caught some crabs. I took photos of the magnificent sunsets each night. Most importantly, we had a relaxing week together and enjoyed each others’ company.

I invite you to call, write or email me so that we may stay in contact throughout the coming year. I have a new email address tj@mills4.com and my phone is still (707) 526-5760. I also welcome you to visit me. I have a spare room and enjoy showing people the area.

I hope all is well with you and your family during the holiday season and in the coming year.

 

    Best wishes,