What I did on my holiday

I have just finished up my two weeks of holiday spent with friends and family in Southern California. It was a multi-purpose trip - the main purpose was to spend some holiday time with those I love - but also the first time I’d been home in a year, a time to check in on my health, and a time to get ready for a new season of work. Here’s a glimpse of how I spent my time:

Of course the major activity was in visiting people, but I also had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather, with the lows close to 4*C (38* F) and the highs around 19*C (67*F)! I took advantage of the weather and visited the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena with my brother, my niece and her boyfriend. It was also the perfect climate for a spa day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs with my sister - a good massage and some mud baths and I am relaxed and ready for 2024.

While I was visiting the jet lag and a cold combined to make a few days of sniffles and rest, but I was fortunate enough to escape the flu! After my recovery, I scheduled my vaccinations and got my Flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster. I also scheduled an appointment for a vision exam and got my new glasses while in California. Thanks, Warby Parker.

As I said, the main reason for the trip was to reconnect with friends and family and I DID THAT! Gatherings of family to celebrate my siblings’ birthdays (Karin on Dec. 20th and Mark on Dec. 28th), Christmas gatherings of family and friends, an Open House to share my parents’ new apartment within my sister’s household, a meetup with Missionary friends I haven’t seen in person for 12 years, casual dinners, homemade breakfasts, visits to favorite restaurants, etc etc etc….

But the main reason for the visit was to be with family. And it was wonderful.