What really matters...

...are the relationships that we cultivate with those that are dearest to us.

Don't get me wrong, this trip has been amazing and we are grateful for the stuff that supports our travel; our RV, the enclosed trailer and that adorable car, that I love so much! Yet, when rubber hits the road, it's the memories that we make along the way, that is what will be everlasting.

I believe the connections that we create and cultivate with loved ones are what we will treasure the most, as years go by. When we look back on our lives, the faces that go with the memories we've made are what truly make us smile. In fact, it's the only thing that will transcend with us to the other side.

Of course, I wish I could bring my 356 with me and zoom all around the universal consciousness. Yet, I know that all I need to take these memories with me is my heart and soul. As I am soaking up each moment as they unfold, these precious memories are being catalogued into my inner landscape.

As my days go by, it's almost as though a tape recorder randomly hits 'record' and 'pause'. It's the only way to explain why some memories are much more vivid than others. All I need to do is to soak up each moment as they present themselves with our loved ones and know that I'm building my own personal library of memories.

I'll never forget how it felt to step outside from the airport to the curb to watch for Haley. I felt free, completely neutralralized in my comfort with the temperature and softness of the air. It was our weather, or shall I say - lack of! It's no surprise that we've been named 'America's Finest City'. It's just easy living, through and through.

You can only imagine how wonderful it was to be scooped up Haley and Zeina. I jumped into the backseat and immediately learned I should take it down a notch. Zeina was post nap and Grandma Lady (me) had only been on Mama's phone screen for the past 2.5 months. By the time we arrived to Haley's house, she had cracked a smile and was back to being my buddy in person too!

We had our favorite and much missed Mexican food for dinner. Another thing no one does better than So Cal. After dinner, Daphne came by to hang out which was such a treat! We hadn't seen her since May and now she and Sean live in San Diego.

My heart is full and my batteries are recharging.

We have four double birthday's in our family and one set was on the next day, for it was Mom and Haley's birthdays! My mom was turning 90 years young so we had prearranged to host a lunch at The Bali Hai, a favorite restaurant of our family's. We had our entire family, except for Matt who is in the Army at Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft Bragg), plus some of our friends from the Bridge Group lunch bunch. I'm forever grateful to Lillian (pictured bottom/right), one of Mom's caregivers, for capturing the day!

The Bridge Group is a whole story in of itself, which I will write about at a later date. For now, the Reader's Digest version is that my parents and four other couples became fast friends over learning Bridge, hence the name. Since most of them were from other states; Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, New York and only one was local, this group quickly became our extended family.

We did all the things that families would do; have local outings on the bay, go to special events together and even vacation together. Throw in pranks that at times included firecrackers and that sums up the bridge group. Remember this began in the mid 50's and went strong for decades, so although it was good old fashion fun, it was pretty wild and crazy at times.

The adults are my Aunts and Uncles by choice and the fellow 'kids' are cousins to me. We truly were one big family and growing up I thought everyone had a Bridge Group. I was so surprised as I met new friends in my young adult life and would ask 'who is your bridge group?' only to learn they didn't know what I was talking about.

The Bridge Group lunch bunch had begun when we decided to gather for a monthly lunch a few years ago, so that Mom and Dot could catch up. The group grew from just me and Cynthia joining these two elders of our group, to more and more of the 'kids' from the group wanting to meet up, who are now into their 50's and beyond. It's always fun to reminisce about the good ol' days and learn what's happening now.

We were all disappointed that Dot was unable to attend due to covid, for they have been friends for well over 60 years. Sixty years! Think of all of the memories they have formed together! Cynthia and I both worked for Dot at her preschool. Fortunately for Dot it was at different times.

Mom enjoyed seeing some of the kids from the BG, as did we. It's a rare connection that we have come to find is something to treasure. Matt is pictured here with an abundance of flowers. He is the baby of the group and I used to babysit him.

Now the 'kids' have kids, who are now having kids. I hope we remain connected, as we have been given a gift of a unique bond and when we do gather, I believe it's showing gratitude to our elders for leaving this legacy. Plus the stories that flow, it's always a backdrop for laughter and love.

We were able to meet Daph and Sean's fur babies on Friday. Lyra and Luca are the puppies and Dustine is the darling cat (her stand in pictured above). I brought over lunch and we dined in the front yard. Doug was helping them demo the kitchen for a much needed remodel. It's nice to have such capable kids, that we can turn a project over to them and we know they have it. Daphne designed a rad kitchen, that is going to be a huge upgrade for them as well as future tenants.

Fun fact that some of you might not know, Doug & I went to Santa and Mrs Claus school in Michigan a couple of years ago. We are over the moon to announce that we had the honor of bringing Christmas joy to the kids of MBYC on Saturday.

Santa & Mrs came by boat from the North Pole with gifts for over 100 kids at MBYC. Thanks to their personal elves for making this happen. These are memories that I will have for a lifetime. The best part was seeing our grown kids get swept up in the magic of it all. When Zeina's name was called, it's almost as if she already knew The Clauses!

It brings me great hope and joy to be amidst such a wonderful group of kids who are so engaged with the moment and have such lovely manners. It was a really fun day, one that is deeply rooted in my library of memories.

Once we had a

chance to change,

we joined our kids (L-R);

Haley, Daphne, Casey and

Casey (was taking pic),

along with our

granddaughter Zeina

for dinner.

On Sunday Santa & Mrs went to Kate Sessions with our elf friend Adriana and met up

with three other elves; Betty, Alana and Lauren for a food drive hosted by Candi. Our friend Dave and his dog, Holly came to share in the holiday cheer. We once again we're reminded of what a beautiful city we live in and enjoyed meeting kids at the park.

We departed from the park, with elf Betty, to share the joy of Christmas with the families that were invited to a lovely private event hosted by Breathe, Bitch Doula. Haley started this company a few years ago and a soulful community has sprung up as a result, both from her fellow doulas and the families they serve. She had a great turn out and it was a treat to be part of the babies and kids iconic Santa pics.

The fun just didn't stop for we returned to Daph and Sean's on Monday for more remodeling, another lunch in their front yard. I wrapped up the day with a shopping trip to Nordies with Haley, which filled my heart to spoil her. She might be a mama now but she will always be one of my little girls.

As we packed up to head back to North Carolina to continue our journey, I feel gratitude to my toes for the time we had with our friends and family. I know first hand how special these relationships are, for I missed everyone so much and am looking forward to reuniting again. It truly is the sweet nectar of life. I can't help but notice when I'm talking to the elders in our group, such as; my Mom, Dot and Aunt Jean, their memories are the contents of their personal library. They speak fondly of their treasured relationships and the moments that they shared, you don't hear them talk about the cool stuff they had.

The Grinch was onto something when he thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

Here's to being fully present to those in our mix and being sure to soak up each moment. Some of those memories will make it into your own personal library!

All of my love to each and every one of you, Shari