Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe 2016 is over already.

2016 was pretty good to me.

Compared to 2015, this was an absolutely wonderful year. So many good things happened, I'm really going to miss 2016. One of the things I'm not especially proud of, however, is that this blog languished in 2016. Much of 2015 too.

One of the many great parts of 2016 was receiving a brand spanking new fancy camera for Christmas. Opening that present brought me to tears, really. Although I'm still fumbling my way through the user manual, I'll be out and about snapping new photos with it soon.

So one of my goals for 2017 is to learn to use my beautiful new camera and blog at least once a week. I have a few other minor goals that I may or may not get to, but more frequent blogging is definitely high on the priority totem pole.

Although I loved 2016, I'm already looking forward to 2017. In February, I will travel to California for a mini-reunion with a few of the friends I've made through this blog. In March, Baby Sister and I are going on a trip-of-a-lifetime cruise! I cannot wait!

For the few people who still visit this rusty old blog, thank you for your patience as I try to polish it back up and get it back on track. It may take a while, but she'll be good as new here soon with a little TLC.

May 2017 be your best year yet!

Mathews Christmas Parade

Saturday afternoon, the state of Alaska Mathews County hosted a Christmas parade.

(It was a bitterly cold--but otherwise beautiful--sunny day.)

My friend Alda wasn't in the parade, but, no matter where she goes, 
Alda pretty much is her own parade.  

Lisa's daughter Malia marched with the MHS cheerleaders. 

It was great to see so many friendly faces. 

Laura Lane 

As usual, there were some creative floats.

Our county supervisors were definitely on board.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill Christmas parade.

No siree.

The Abominable Snowman made an appearance.

So did Charlie Brown.  
And his tree! 

The Grinch was sporting some mighty fine shoes. Mighty fine, I tell you.

There were tractors young and old.

Big and bigger.

Lots of smiling, happy faces.

And plenty of children.

This isn't something you see every day...

The equestrian entries were elegant.

Glenda, Betsy and Alda.  And Alda's hat.
(Note to Self:  Self? Get one of those hats!)

Mathews County Visitor & Information Center's Director Jonathan Putt sips something warm while watching the parade. I recently had the honor of being asked to serve on MCVIC's board and look forward to helping the county's tourism efforts in any way possible.  

A good time was had by all!