Dear Family and Friends,

Will do a short blog today, so that I can just say hello, and wish you all good blessings for 2013. I am seriously in a blur as to the month of Jan., so I’m thinking writing will make a little more sense of it. Luke
and John were home the first week, and Luke left for LA and Miami, and John for Japan. We had several great dinners that week, seeing Jim Peterson and Bert Morris one night and Fr.(Bishop Tom Daly) from San Jose diocese the night before John left. Bishop Daly was our pastor, and Marin Catholic’s President while John was there.
He gives that deep sense that the Church survives in good normal people like all of us.

It was really good to have the boys–young men-here together this year. They have a very close relationship, sort of unusual as they are 7 years apart. It was also a joy to have Sarah here from Denver. She made a special effort since the guys were both here. Sarah and Ellen left for Patagonia and Argentina, Jan.11.

We did have a real spell of California cold- after Christmas. We play tennis outside, so it meant bundling up a bit, but other than “heavy” balls, it was still so good to be outside.Looking at the temps around the country makes us really realize the CA. treasure. I suppose I do have to comment on the National Football championship. After an exciting football season it was just a bummer to have the game be so one sided. Oh well, as true ND fans, we just look forward to the rest of basketball season.

I have started going back to the gym to do some Pilates, and work with a trainer. I still have tennis and walking as my main exercise, but have lost so much strength and flexibility—I really need to work at it. I have also started going back to Salesian High, and help out one day a week in the Library. My new activity is a Scripture study at St. Raphael’s. The theme is Good Girls, Bad Girls, and we will use a book by TJ Wray which studies 12 women in the Hebrew Scriptures. Should be fun.

We continue to learn more about “good food” and nutrition, and continue to find new things to cook and enjoy. I do need to focus more on new things as the seasons change. My doctor visits and blood tests have been very positive. We are going to have another nutrition appointment to just double check and see if there are other things we can do. My latest good healthy snack is Kiwi. Has good potassium and anti- inflams, and is quite satisfying.

Will close so I get a little communique out. Hope your year is going well. Do keep us in your prayers as we do you.

Love Annie/Noel