Sunday, December 31, 2023

Year in Review 2023

 Well we survived another year!  

Here is the summary of our year.

Our oldest daughter Trica is still living in Duluth MN.

Our youngest daughter Jen and husband Andy live in East Grand Forks, MN. Jen teaches at Northland Community College and Andy teaches at UND.  They are empty nesters except for the time we visit them over the Winter.  Golden Retriever Sadie and Sheltie Little Elvis are a big part of the family.  Adam and Noah both live in town and stop by often. 



The Grands:

Savannah lives in Bemidji, MN owns a Lash Extension business and is looking forward to buying a house soon.  She has two dogs Chewy and Kalila.

Maddie and her husband Brenton live in Grand Forks ND. Maddie is a Dental Assistant and Brenton works for Bobcat.  Hey Mikey was six this year, Cee Cee was three and they welcomed Ree in June.  They have two dogs and cat who Cee Cee named Doug. 


Paige is working as a Dental Hygienist in Bemidji MN.  Paige became engaged to Cole this past year and a wedding is being planned for 2024.  Cole has a dog named Rosie.  Sadly Paige's kitty named Bailey died this year. 

Noah works at Simplot and has a dog named Aurora.  He is looking to buy a home soon.

Adam is attending UND and working most of the time, he has a girlfriend named Courtney and a cat named Phoebe. 

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Deaths this year

My Cousin Petie died Feb 8, 2023 she was 78 years old.

My Cousin Judy died Sept 17, 2023 she was 71 years old.

My second cousin Will died April 27, 2023 he was 76 years old.

Friends; Hubert (87), Erna (96), Barry (78) and Dave (73)

Pet Deaths: Bailey who was about 18 years old, she was Paiges kitty. 

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Far Guy has remained relatively healthy this past year with no hospital visits.  He stays busy,  his favorite summertime activity is sitting on the patio in the sunshine watching the birds at the bird feeder and making wood chips while he is listening to his music. He tinkers on his 1959 Desoto, and polishes it on a regular basis.  We were able to attend a few car shows last summer.  

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis/Psoriatic Arthritis and Lyme Arthritis last summer, they have not yet discovered a medication that helps with the pain or the extreme fatigue.  I continue to see different specialists. I stay busy crocheting and doing some embroidery.  Wood Carving is difficult for me, my hands do not like the movements and strength needed to push the knife.  I do what I can do. Not as much as I would like but like I tell Far Guy it is what it is. 

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The Great Grandchildren who light up our lives! 


 Family Photo


Goodbye 2023 and we are hopeful for a wonderful 2024!

Far Side

26 comments:

Val Ewing said...

What a year! Thanks for sharing this. I'm so happy for you and your family.
Also sad for those you lost.

:(

Wildflower Adventures said...

Happy New Year! A good year's review & family pictures. I love the one with the lights around everyone. I'm going to pass that idea to Daughter. I've did a picture or 2 of a Grand with lights but didn't think about the whole family idea.

Maebeme said...

Wonderful family photo! Ot has certainly been a busy year. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. All the best in 2024.

Red said...

Nice yearly summary and photo. I look forward to following your blog in 2024.

Leah said...

Happy New Year! Great pictures (and that Sadie in the family picture!).

Terry and Linda said...

I love! LOVE! LOVE! Your family photo!

www.self-sufficientsam.blogspot.com said...

What great photos and the last one is awesome....love Sadie with her head on Jen's shoulder...too cute. Where's Little Elvis? I'm so sorry about your arthritis...all 3 of them! I pray for all of you to have a blessed and healthy New Year in 2024!

Linda W. said...

Happy New Year to you and Far Guy! Wishing you all the best in 2024.

Granny Marigold said...

Great family picture. It's never easy to get everyone together for a photo.

aurora said...

Such a wonderful family! Sending my best wishes for a healthy happy New Year!! I hope you find care to ease your arthritis, so you can continue doing the things you love.

DJan said...

I took some time studying that family photo, which is just wonderful in so many ways. You are so fortunate to have that family and thank you for sharing it with me in your posts. Happy New Year to you and yours, Connie.

Linda Reeder said...

You have such a wonderful family. I always enjoy hearing about them.
I hope 2024 brings you both some comfort.

Galla Creek said...

It’s wonderful to see those grands grow up and be “good people”. We must have done something right. Happy 2024.

Lynda said...

I love the annual report and the pictures!!! The grands are all busy and hard-working. Your relatives who died - - some are in their seventh decade like us -- - hmmmmmm.
Praise God for your husband staying out of the hospital. Both you and he stay busy with activities you enjoy and are able to do. Life does get more challenging for many of us as our years on earth increase.
I know your arthritic diseases are super difficult to treat and basically there aren't any good treatments. I know you also research well to get the best specialists in the field. Question - - - does Mayo Clinic have anything more than what you have been doing for treatment? My guess is your doctors may even consult with them. Here in our area, some of the doctors contact Vanderbilt for best options. It hurts my heart you have to deal with the RA, etc. etc.
Here's hoping for a great New Year for you all.

Rita said...

As every year--happiness and sadness. Goodbye 2023.
I hope the coming year will be special and with much less sadness and more happiness. I love the pics of all the family. :)

Betsy said...

I sure enjoyed reading about what everyone is doing and has accomplished this year. Those great grands are pretty special. Sorry that you are dealing with so much pain with your arthritis. That is so miserable. You suffered a lot of loss too. Some years are just plain tougher than others aren't they? One thing I noticed was how much your fammily loves animals. You all have good hearts.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Wishing lots of wonderful things for you and your family in the coming year!

Robin from P'ville said...

Beautiful family of young people and don't they love their pets.

Anonymous said...

Wishing you, Far Guy, and the rest of your family a healthy New Year! RHill, TX

Denny144 said...

You are blessed with a beautiful family.

Miss Merry said...

What a lovely review of a special family. So many blessings!

diane in northern wis said...

You are soooo organized. Love your update and your family looks wonderful. May 2024 be an amazing year for all of you and all of us too!

Bonnie said...

How wonderful to see all of your family and to hear of their adventures!
May you and Far Guy have a blessed New Year!

L. D. said...

I enjoy seeing all of your family. They must have been fun getting together at once and also all the new additions makes the family larger. The great grands are so wonderful. The little one is such a sweetheart.

Sara said...

I loved seeing all the family photos. How awesome that you were able to gather with them for the holidays.

Shirley said...

Happy New Year to you and all your family. Good to know that Far Guy did fairly well during the year, and that the family all seem to be doing well, pets included.
I hope the docs find a better way for you to manage your pain.