While most Christmas letters have gone the way of the Pony Express, this is one tradition I plan to keep alive while I can still find humor in the world. So indulge me for a few short minutes while I recap the happenings in our lives this last twelve months.
David and I have kept up with our travels. We started the year with a trip to NYC to see friends followed by a trip to Norway to see the Northern Lights. Somehow we forgot to invite the lights, so it was mostly a trip to see Sea Eagles, Vikings, and near blizzard like conditions(at times). It's a very beautiful country and one I would like to visit without three layers of clothing and a heated jacket.
Since I'm still in the CPA business, David took a photography trip to New Orleans solo. However, as soon as April 15th passed, we both took off for a photography trip with Joe McNally to Las Vegas. What a hoot! We shot in a 70's house, a ghost town, and a studio with bonafide show girls.
And lest you think we only do photography trips, we also enjoyed a car rally through Georgia and Tennessee. If you have not experienced the Blue Ridge Mountains, specifically the Tail of the Dragon, or the night life in Nashville, you should put it on your bucket list.
Ever heard of Slovenia? Well, I can't say that it was on my radar but it should have been. Ira Block lead us on a 10 day trip through this Alpine country (think Austria with fewer people and less inflation). Right next to Croatia, this country shines with friendly people and pristine landscapes. I can even pronounce the capital city of Ljubljiana!!!
We rounded out our travel year with two very different trips. First, we went to Istanbul in September. It's a lovely city with lovely people and great food. I highly recommend. Second, I took a solo trip (David knew his tolerance level for chaos) for over two weeks to Rajasthan, India. The photography in India is amazing. The hectic nature of the country is probably not for everyone. I'm glad I went and I was glad when I got home.
Now, for the family recap. Ethan, our five-year-old grandson, continues to thrive at Holland Hall with one year left in pre-school before moving up to the big leagues. We love our overnights with him which usually include a trip to David's shop for a little boy play with cars, rockets, and more cars.
Alexa's artwork continues to impress. She has her first gallery show in December and also does commission work during the year. Jason has started a consulting business that seems to be off to a great start.
Brandon and his fiancée, Kathryn, are busy planning their January 2024 wedding while still keeping up with demanding jobs and travel schedules. They still call southern California home for the time being. We're excited for them to start their lives as a married couple and look forward to watching them grow.
I think that's it for now. As always, we hope you and yours have had a happy, productive year and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in 2024.
Tammie & David Maloney
