Family Ties

I had wonderful opportunities to visit with near and extended family in the month of July.

My immediate family grew by three last December. Now it includes a couple of kids from a next generation adding some much needed vitality to our very small group. Our crew enjoyed the White Mountains of New Hampshire and each other for a week. Both of the kids were very at ease with those of us that they didn't know well and by the end of our week together, I was so grateful for their time, energy and acceptance. Swimming, playing games, hiking and spectacular views reminded me of my own childhood as well as later parenting memories.  Did I mention a couple of us stayed up a bit later one night and were rewarded with a spectacular view of the Northern Lights from our porch?! I have added a new album to my website that now includes some favorite New Hampshire images.

The following week I went to Monhegan Island, 10 miles of the coast of Maine, for the second time in a few years. It's quickly becoming a favorite place of mine and this time I got to share it with a bestie, who happens to be a family member that I chose over 40 years ago! A bonus of both my visits to Monhegan has been the opportunity to spend quality time with extended family, some I rarely see and some I see a bit more often. Hiking, visiting the brewery, and exploring were all on the agenda. Many new images have been added to the Monhegan Album on my webiste.

With an immediate family that boosted 4 remaining members only a year ago, I have a very deep appreciation of still having those 3 and try to ensure that regular "maintenance" of the relationships occur. That small group number makes me appreciate all the more that I am part of many extended families (of all types). I wish I did more to nurture some of those relationships. The reality is when I count my blessings, I have so many that I consider "family" that not only do I feel very lucky, but I will never run out of adventures to go on and people to see. Next stop in August is New York!

I hope you enjoy the updates I've made to the website and have an opportunity over the summer to enjoy your own "

families".