2022 - A Mother Tuckin' Tough Year

Let me just say it, as far as years go, 2022 was a pretty crappy year. Typically, at the end of the year, I reflect on the year that was and conjure up some pretty awesome memories. Although 2022 will hold some pretty good memories, several life events have over shadowed my typical Polly Anna hopefulness and annoyingly positive outlook. Like a larvae alien bursting forth from my torso, I feel the need to expel a few of these negative experiences. 

 Work has been exceptionally tough this past year. Absences because of COVID are fairly commonplace now, but we have been hit especially hard in November and December. Speaking of COVID, because kids have lost a huge amount of socialization during the time they were stuck at home on their cell phones all day, most schools have seen an increase in anti-social behaviors that are sometimes above and beyond typical teen behaviors. Our school is not an exception to this and we've seen some extreme behaviors. My fairly new assistant principal is quickly stepping up to the plate and doing a great job. We are a great team but constantly focusing on behaviors takes away from other important aspects of the school environment. 

 Perhaps the largest stressor at work has been construction and preparing the junior high school to become a middle school. The district has not provided any of the sites converting adequate support due to personnel issues and changes. I've had on numerous occasions been forced to be extremely aggressive in my approach with the construction crews and the construction management company. I'm not sure I like the part of my personality that finds it easy to be demanding, inflexible, and harsh. Over the course of years, I've developed a facilitative and collaborative leadership style that works for moving a school forward. It is not a style that works well for construction management. The construction is set to be completed in the fall of 2023. I look forward to a day in which we can concentrate on helping students succeed instead of focusing so much on facilities. 

 After 2 1/2 years of avoiding COVID, I finally got COVID just after Thanksgiving. Ten days of isolation may seem like a vacation to some but to me it was frustrating and made me exceptionally grumpy. My caretakers and nurses (Yosiell and Rusty) were amazing (although sometimes I thought of them more as wardens than as caretakers). Both managed to keep me fed and medicated and even kept my spirits up. I constantly felt the love! I could still work a little from home and spent time catching up on emails and getting paperwork completed. I also watched way too much Netflix and slept way too much, but all in the name of preventing others in the house and at work from getting COVID. It worked, no one in our front office got COVID from me and no one in the house got COVID. Now I just tire easily but I'm told that goes away after a few weeks. 

Yosiell sent me hand made characters to cheer me up during my isolation. 

My personal favorite!

 2022 had to bitch slap me one more time on her way out! This may seem petty, but our Australian sister from another mister, Di Drew, arrived early for a visit. As part of the visit, we were going to fly to Bellingham, and experience our possible future home in the winter. We were looking forward to snow, hot chocolate, and a few local breweries. Due to weather and the inability of Southwest Airlines to recover from cancelled flights, our trip was cancelled. In fact, Di flew in from a quick trip to North Carolina and we haven't seen her luggage yet. Air travel is a mess right now and I am just grateful that Di actually made it in to Oakland as she passed through Denver on one of the last flights that made it out before the closure due to storms. With our trip to Bellingham cancelled, we have opted to do activities in the area in a mini stay-cation fashion. 

 Thank you, my gentle readers, for listening as I off loaded this bundle of negativity in this confessional disguised as a blog. There are of course other ways that 2022 was not particularly kind, but I will handle those with a smoldering sage bundle driving evil spirits from our home on New Year's Day. Yes, I know these types of rituals and ceremonies have no basis in fact but I find these things actually help with changing my own mind set regardless of whether there is the potential for mystical intervention. 

 Now that we've wallowed in the rendering vat of self-pity, we can review some pretty spectacular experiences in 2022. One of the great things about 2022 has been the number of trips that have happened this year. I've been to Palm Springs CA, Bellingham WA, Bucerias Mexico, Zion National Park, and Seattle WA. Two of my previous blogposts this year covered Bellingham and Palm Springs but I definitely need to send a shout out to Becky and Tom, who hosted us in Bucerias Mexico (just outside of Puerto Vallerta). Our time in Mexico was spectacular, eating, drinking, reminiscing, and soaking up sunshine.

Casa Kimberley, Elizabeth Taylor's former home turned fine dining establishment.  

Fien wine and a stunning view, life doesn't get better than this! 

Thanks Tom and Becky for showering us with love and memories to last a lifetime.  

Happy sun burned faces enjoying all that Mexico has to offer, including time spent with Becky. 

Sunset dinner on the beach. 

Mexico offered up sunshine, relaxation, and beautiful scenery.  The gratitude I feel for Becky and Tom hosting us in paradise knows no bounds.  

Another amazing trip this past year was to Zion National Park.  The trip last July allowed me to check off yet another National Park in my quest to visit all sixty-three. 

My tour guide for the weekend was Diane Everett, an amazing friend with whom I always have a good time.  I've been so enmeshed with the full Everrett family, Diane is yet another sister from another mister.  

As for Zion, one hears that temperatures can reach a high of 106 degrees, and still not fully comprehend what this means. I'm pretty sure people in hell are looking at the St. George, Utah weather report asking how the locals can stand it.   

The narrows in St. George...peaceful, quiet, and hot as blazes. 

Proof of my patronage, although a pleasant day, weekends boast long Disney-esque like lines.  Regardless, we managed to see everything that Zion had to offer.  

Zion and Auntie Di, enjoying the cool stream on such a hot day. 

Bev and I enjoying a chuckle in a park near Zion.  

Unmatched otherworldly beauty.  

Nothing quite like the scenery and the smiles on our faces from catching up on old times and creating new memories.

We got quite a few looks trying to traverse the terrain in this chair.  But, we managed quite well thank you very much! Bev almost tumbled out every few feet but this added a bit of excitement to the hike! 

Pano trick photography...I don't remember Di ever being so amenable to my wacky schemes but here is proof that even my obnoxious behavior can be tolerated for a brief time.

Even in a tough year, the thing that sustains me are the people in my life. Friends and family have supported me, brought me joy, and encouraged me when I've been down. Although I don't have pictures of every friend or family member, following are a few of my loved ones punctuating this shitty year with constant moments of bliss: 

The incomparable Pacific North West woman, Jamie.  Meeting us in B'Ham. 

My Nephew, Matthew, his wife Naomi, and our beautiful niece Larkyn.  

Larkyn has stolen our hearts in the best possible way,  

We were fortunate enough to attend the wedding of Patrick and Leyla...

Monique, Lance, Lee and Michelle...a Christmas filled with Puerto rican food, rum drinks, and great friends. 

Fall hike with Anand. Brilliant colors in Nor Cal. 

The Champagne caves at Buena Vista winery.  Pure decadence.

As  we wrap up 2022, this year is ending on a positive note. Di Drew is here for a visit, we have had a chance to go to Buena Vista winery, Monterey Bay Aquarium and catch up on all the news that is fit to print.  We're spending this New Year's eve drinking champagne, eating fancy appetizers and enjoying each other's company.  The rain is forcing us inside this year, but we will all be looking forward to 2023 and the possibility for adventure this next year will bring.

B'Ham - City of Subdued Excitement

 Bellingham - City of Subdued Excitement.  That is the unofficial motto of Bellingham, Washington.  We visited as a part of our never ending quest to find the perfect retirement spot.  (Yes, we are quite a few years away from retirement but we can't truly achieve crotchity old man status without continuously obsessing over our golden years).  

As for Bellingham, completely charming and exceedingly beautiful.  There are so many good things about Bellingham (and a few drawbacks).  We are spending our July 4th weekend getting to know this hamlet extraordinaire.  

Bellingham is home to the Western Washington University Vikings, a University with about 15,000 students.  I point this out as I have a feeling since we are here during the summer we are getting an unrealistic view of the population. During our visit we weren't waiting in lines a restaurants nor were we struggling to find space.  This may change somewhat as students are welcomed back, but I'm sure it will never achieve the Oakland bay area density we experience daily.  

This town is the type of town when you walk into a cool shop where the owner is also the guy who designed the Bellingham city flag.  Brad Lockhart (lariatcreative.com) designed the flag and gave us a rundown of the symbolism.  

The flag's blue half-circle represents Bellingham Bay and the two stars signify the Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Lummi Nation. The three wavy lines are for “noisy waters,” where the word “Whatcom” comes from. When flown vertically, the lines depict Whatcom Falls. Looking out any window will certainly give you an indication regarding the green of the flag.  

The weather has been somewhat uncharacteristic, it has been warm, sunny, and beautiful for most days somewhere in the mid 70's Fahrenheit (21 degrees celsius).  

One of the biggest draws of the area is the outdoor activities.  Despite rain and overcast weather for much of the year, the area is rife with opportunities to get out and commune with nature.  

A quick hike through the arboretum.  A beautiful day but a bit warm.  

On top of the world, or at least a high point of Bellingham.  This is the observation tower in the arboretum. The climb was worth a n incredible view of the bay.  

Next up? Whatcom park, and a beautiful bridge and falls.  There be bears in them there woods.  

The moss covered bridge a couple of woodland creatures staring back at me.  

You go Dora the Explorer!  

Me checking out the smaller falls in my B'ham hat.  

Based on a recommendation from Dave, a new Bellingham friend, Teddy Bear Bay on a clear day.  In fact Dave's recommendations were spot on for the entire trip and I'm quite grateful for the insider's perspective. 

Jamie, fresh in from Seattle joining us on our adventures.  

Super models.

Summertime on the bay?  Not a bad way to spend a day.  

Bellingham boasts some wonderful food and a brewery on practically every corner.  There's every type of food one would expect in the Pacific North West, reflecting a diversity not present in the demographics.  One drawback is the lack of diversity in Bellingham, and in Washington in general. Not a deal breaker, but "ugggg, white people", am I right?  Anyhow, we had many fine dining experiences and some decent beers and ciders.  

We randomly ran across a drag show mid day on a Sunday, at Schweinhaus, a German themed beer garden. Unfortunately we only caught the very tail end of the drag show.  But the beer was great and the pretzels were passable.  

A beautiful view of the bay sitting on the deck of a cider house.  Not a bad way to while away the afternoon.

Guess who celebrated his 44th birthday while in Bellingham.  Leave it to Yosiell's best friend Magalis to point out it is really only his 43rd birthday.  We just celebrated a year early! 

Italian food at a haunted building in Fairhaven.  The food was excellent and the ambiance was incredible.  We didn't even mind celebrating the wrong birthday.  

The pit is an old Georgia Pacific plant that has been converted into, a you guessed it, brewery and music venue.  We stumbled across a band playing and a crowd gathered with dogs, kids, and adults  taking full advantage of a sunny day.  

Another view of the pit with adjacent public motocross track.  

Well, who wouldn't be in their happy place here.  Super chill, and super nice.  

Rusty and I drove to the Taylor Oyster Farm down the Chukanut Highway.  After a dozen oysters and a dozen shrimp, a wave of pure contentment washed over us. (Of course the beers and ciders didn't hurt this feeling).  

Proof that this is an actual working oyster farm. If going to the oyster beds for this delightful treat, get there early as they run out about mid afternoon.  

Following are random fun pictures of this jewel of a city. 

Ending our day at the Scandalous Sunday's drag show at the gay bar.  Although we had a really good time at the show (it seemed to be my night to be a drag queen magnet, ending up the night having to wash off lots of contact glitter). The gay crowd we saw all weekend seemed to be somewhat young.  Another friend has assured us there is an older gay population so we won't be the oldest gay's in the village.  

We decided to take the Fairhaven Lore and Gore tour. It was a little difficult to enjoy spooky stories with the sun blazing down even late in the evening.  The guides were a hoot and were really personable. The gore was fairly tame but the lore, or ghost stories, were a good listen.  

Part of the tour was to point out these random markers of significant and not so significant events in Fairhaven.  The custom of the early 20th century was to prop the dead on a main corner of the town for identification by passers by.  Interesting, but worthy of a marker?  I call malarky.  

Bellingham's old city hall and now the Whatcom County museum.  An incredible old victorian. 

Much of the history of Bellingham is steeped in the fishing industry.  

Our trip to Bellingham was brief but impressionable.  Access to an airport, large cities (Vancouver and Seattle), and a very green environment helps us to easily see a transition from Northern California to this charming town by the bay once we retire.  The people were very kind and generous in their conversation.  Perhaps one of the greatest features was a manageable amount of people everywhere we went.  To confirm our favorable impressions though we will be taking a few trips during the different seasons to ensure we won't go all "The Shining" during the cold and rainy months.  

Bellingham, you have truly charmed us with your subdued excitement.  

Palm Springs - Naturally!

 OK Palm Springs, you surprised me!  Last year, Yosiell gave me a fantastic book of National Parks, in which you check off the ones you have visited.  I've decided to make it a life's goal to check off all 63 parks.  (So far, I've visited ten National Parks out of 63) In order to check off one of the parks, Rusty and I decided to go to Palm Springs during the winter break and explore Joshua Tree National Park, a short drive outside of Palm Springs proper. 

Palm Springs and the surrounding area was particularly surprising to me.  I expected a gay mecca with lots of drugs, alcohol, sex, and parties, and although that is certainly a part of this fairly small town, I was throughly impressed with the many opportunities to hike and be at one in the natural surroundings.  

To be honest, I was also thoroughly impressed with the friendliness of the people. Two people in particular I was set to write off as vapid and shallow, and had to readjust my narrow minded preconceptions.  To be fair one was not from Palm Springs, rather one of the many foreigners residing at the gay resort, but still always nice to challenge my world views. Yes, I too ,am constantly evolving.  

So, here's to the Natural areas of Palm Springs with the caveat that this was with the mild temperatures of January (as we all know the desert is inhospitable and unlivable for many months of the year).  

Joshua Tree

First hike in Joshua Tree, beautiful landscape and awesome rock formations.  

Awesome hiking buddy, both of us sore but happy.  

Climbing boulders to enjoy the view from the top of Mastadon Peak.

The Cholla Cactus Garden...so cool. 

(Insert Double entendre) It's always fun until someone gets a prick in their ass (I mean cactus you dirty minded bitches). 

Blue sky and awesome views. 

Also needed to include actual Joshua Trees.  

Murray Canyon Trail - Agua Caliente: Band of Cahuilla Indian Reservation

Surprisingly lush oasis in the canyon.  

Lots of palms feeding on the water coming up through rock fissures. Definitely worth the $12 entry fee.   

This canyon hike was exceptionally remarkable for the amount of water falls. 

Beautiful. 

A few of the seven sisters at the end of the trail. 

And yet another waterfall. Different canyon a short walk from the parking lot.  

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

If ever visiting, be sure to take the aerial tramway to the San Jacinto State Park.  The tram takes you up to the 8,000 foot level where there is a ton of snow! 

Waiting for our tram to depart (get there early, as the wait is long - 60 minutes for us).

One of five towers, the tram actual has a rotating floor so you get a 360 degree view as you ascend. 

The entire ride was ten to twelve minutes. 

Nice view!

In the snow but still somewhat warm, temps. in the 50's. 

Not a bad way to spend a day. 

Such beautiful alpine scenery.  

North Lykken Trail

I decided to do a short 3.7 mile hike in Palm Springs - The North Lykken Trail.  Little did I know the trail was fairly steep, a great work out especially for my calves still sore after a few days.  

A view from the top of the Lykken Trail.  

Pano fo Palm Springs...they sure pack alot into this small town.  

A herd of Big Horn Sheep grazing as I was descending off the peak.  These are fairly close to the houses in the background.  

My reward for a strenuous hike, roasted pineapple and serranno chili margarita.  

Lounging by the pool was a great way to spend our days after hiking all day. 

To recap, four days of hiking and lounging by the pool after a hell of a semester at school was a perfect way to recharge for the next semester.  I look forward to my next trip to Palm Springs...so many more hikes to explore.