END OF 2013

My girlies left a couple of hours ago, after a really short and sweet visit from Portland.  They both got pretty good tans so they have a souvenir .... for a few days anyway.

Now I'm allowing myself to be sad.  It's so helpful to be around friends (including family!) because even though I miss Mr. Ralph, it's more in the background.  But this afternoon he's right in front of me.  With all of our good memories.

In the beginning, for New Year's Eve, we'd go out with crowds.  I especially remember one with Russ and Janna Brown at Black Butte.  Wall to wall people yet we had a blast!  He was always in the mood to dance.  ONLY on New Year's Eve!  After Kate, we were mostly celebrating at home.  We'd change our clocks so she would think it was midnight!!  We watched Forrest Gump, whether we were at home or on a mini Oregon vacation.  When she got a little older, we enjoyed being with other families and playing games.  A few years were spent on vacation on Maui and the party was by the pool.  For a couple of years, we were the drivers so Kate could party!  

To ring in 2010, before cancer, a friend gave us his reservations at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.  This was one of my favorites.  Just the two of us!  Not a care in the world.  He was retiring at the end of the month and we were headed for a three month sabbatical on Maui. We were totally snowed in for the few days we were there and got a break the day we had to drive back home.

This year I'm undecided.  I might just enjoy myself by myself.  I bought a bottle of Prosecco.  Some tasty (and rather healthy) snacks ... baba ghanoush (eggplant and garlic spread), tofu egg salad (my fav) and some ahi poke (marinated raw tuna). 

Don't worry.  While I will be missing him and probably crying a little, it won't be a pity party!  Just good old fashioned grieving.