2024 was a good year! I led lots of hikes…

Went to lots of festivals…

Listened to lots of Live bands, mostly blues and Jazz, both indoors and outdoors, and sometimes danced…

Went cycling quite a bit…

Went swimming at my pool a few times…

Dated a lot! Dinners, walks, and a Kentucky Derby party…

Prepared lots of new recipes…

I had cataract surgery, which I was looking forward to, since I had to wear contacts or glasses all of the time.

My travels began in January with a three week solo trip to Arizona. I spent a week in Tucson…

Three nights in Sedona…

Almost two weeks in Tempe, near Scottsdale…

In April, I went on a solo road trip to the gulf coast, stopping at Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain, GA

I spent three nights at Navarre Beach, Florida…

I hiked at State Parks in Alabama and Georgia on the way down and back home…

I planned an overnight ladies’ trip to Bernheim Forest, and had a distillery tasting in Bardstown, Kentucky

In June, I went on a solo 4,700 mile road trip thru Eastern Canada, hiking at four State Parks in the finger lakes area of New York on the way there…

I spent one night near Ottawa, Canada and then went cycling and hiking in Mont Tremblant.

Exploring Quebec City was fun…I love smaller quaint cities/towns.

I drove around Île d’Orléans, an island next to Quebec City, and had a wine tasting. The weather was glorious!

I spent a couple of nights near Saguenay Fjord National Park, Canada

I took two ferries and drove through New Brunswick to explore Lunenberg and Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

Stopped in Halifax and made my way to beautiful Cape Breton and drove the Cabot Trail, stopping to hike.

Prince Edward Island was lovely! I spent a couple of nights at a lady’s home through Airbnb and got to feed baby raccoons and foxes.

I spent a couple of nights at Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, before heading home.

My final trip for the year was a month long solo road trip through California and Colorado. I flew to LA, picked up my rental car and drove to Paso Robles, California for three nights. I spent an afternoon wine tasting.

I drove half an hour to Morro Bay to explore.

I stopped in Mill Valley for a few nights and hiked. It’s located just above San Francisco.

I made my way down the coast stopping in Santa Cruz, Carmel by the Sea, Santa Barbara, and Santa Monica.

One of the highlights was the Big Sur coast and Pfeiffer Beach.

An overnight in the cute Danish town of Solvang.

In Santa Barbara I had fun with my Airbnb host, we went out for dinner and dancing. She was dating online, so I did her makeup and took photos for her online sites.

I flew to Denver, and stayed with a friend for a couple of nights. Next I drove to Georgetown and took an hour long train ride. The Aspen trees were turning gold.

I drove to Glenwood Springs for a few nights and stopped at some overlooks with a beautiful view of Lake Dillon.

Iron mountain Hot Springs was relaxing, along with a massage.

I rented an e-bike and rode along the gorgeous Glenwood canyon bike path.

Next was Grand Junction where I drove the Colorado National Monument scenic Loop drive.

I went to a couple of wineries in Palisade. These ladies posed for a quick photo.

I spent one night in Montrose so I could visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It was spectacular!

I spent two nights in Hooper, Colorado and visited Great Sand Dunes, National Park.

I spent three nights in Colorado Springs, with a stop in Manitou Springs and walked around a bit. Cute town.

I also explored Colorado Springs.

I went hiking in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs.

And finally checked out the lovely Broadmoor hotel.

I really want to move to Colorado!

The holidays were nice. I joined my brother, his wife, his ex-wife, her sister & husband, my nephew & family, and my niece and family for an early Christmas celebration. My Christmas gift to my brother and his wife was a ballet event. My brother was sick and couldn’t go but it was cool.

I went out to dinner with my brother, his wife, her mother, brother & his wife for dinner on Christmas Eve. We then exchanged gifts and had dessert at his house.

I have a few trips planned for the next year. The first will be to Puerto Rico, where I’ll spend a month exploring the island! I hope everyone is grateful for what you have and that you’re staying positive through the hardships!