In January, we fled “winter” (San Diego's definition: 64 degrees and breezy) for six glorious weeks in Mexico. We kicked things off in Cabo San Lucas with our dear friends Jesse and JT, then headed to Mérida, Yucatan for a month of adventure: Mayan ruins, cenotes, colonial cities, beaches, museums, and of course plenty of local delicious food. (link to more at bottom of this page)

Persimmons with a racoon guard (click image)

Back home in March, the garden exploded with life. Barb grew Kabocha squash, jalapeños, tomatoes, watermelon, beans, cantaloupe, and a mountain of fruit like these persimmons you see above. At this point, dinner is basically “whatever is ripest at 6 p.m.”

Jack then worked his usual travel-wizard magic and planned a six-week UK, Scandinavia extravaganza. Early August to mid-September we were off: London (Barb finally saw Stonehenge and the Magna Carta—two things older than Mom!), Copenhagen with our friend Chip and his girlfriend Basha, nearly four weeks of jaw-dropping Norway, and a final stretch in lovely Stockholm. The weather was mostly warm and sunny, with enough rainy days to remind us that Scandinavia is still Scandinavia. (click on links at bottom for more)

On October 31st, Mom moved from La Jolla to Belmont Village Senior Living, (15 miles North) —and proceeded to thrive like a tomato plant in July. She loves the residents, adores the staff, and raves about the chef-prepared meals. It seems there is never a dull moment at Belmont - from exercise classes and art to music and games. Since she's just three miles from us in Encinitas, Barb pops in most mornings for a cheerful start to the day. It's been wonderful watching her so happy. (click on image)

If Santa is listening: all we want for Christmas is a flushing toilet in the front house. Fortunately, we have a spare in the back building but, at 3 am? (click image)

And then…the Great Cedar Tragedy of 2025. Jack and Evie planted it as a tiny sapling 50 years ago, and it grew into a magnificent 50-foot beauty. Unfortunately, the new sewer line fatally injured its roots, and three arborists independently agreed it had become unsafe. Watching it come down was heartbreaking, but Barb kept all the chippings and used them as mulch throughout the yard. So technically, “Old Cedar” is now everywhere. He lives on in spirit—and landscaping. (click on image)

Now we're moving into the cozy part of the year: planting the winter garden, decorating for the holidays, and embracing peaceful days with loved ones. If you come to visit, bring a machette to find your way to the front door.