2024 in the rearview mirror

As I sit on the entrance ramp towards 2025, it’s time to look back at the road I travelled in 2024 and all the goodness* the journey brought with it. And I am pleased to say that most of the good things will follow me into 2025 and beyond!

2024 began at home in my American Homeland, with a brisk run followed by an invigorating plunge into the freezing waters of Lake Lavender. (Thanks to Dad for providing transportation and photographic evidence!) The year is also ending in The Homeland with another Christmas holiday with Dad – including a quiet New Year’s Eve watching films and (probably) not staying awake until midnight so that I can enjoy another brisk run and mountain lake plunge for New Year’s Day.

In between these winter Homeland Holidays and cold-water plunges, I have enjoyed several wonderful moments, adventures, and experiences – all adding to the joyful memories of 2024. For example:

• I entered my quinquagenarian decade in February, celebrating my 50th birthday in a countryside spa hotel. I also used this life marker as an opportunity to reset my running records meaning I’ve enjoyed a lot of “new” personal best running times this year.

• I bought a new house and moved in over Easter Weekend. It was a bit of a whirlwind with just five weeks between making an offer and getting the keys – but thanks to a dear friend and his friend, the move was fairly simple. Then in June, I christened Castle Ryan with a housewarming party.

• I hosted several sets of overnight visitors and a few dinner parties at Castle Ryan. I even hosted my first Thanksgiving for neighbours, which was a real success and a wonderful way to celebrate my wonderful new neighbours.

• I finally applied for my British Citizenship, which should be finalised early in 2025. It’s been a long time coming and I am looking forward to the peace that comes with never having to deal with UK immigration again.

• I enjoyed two months in The Homeland this summer which included a road trip around Washington state and a visit to an old ghost town. I even managed to find 69 geocaches on my holidays. Wow!

• I escaped for a week-long visit to The Other Washington (DC) in October. I found another ten geocaches that week on my non-family break that was all about playing tourist and having fun.

The year was also filled with running, craft projects, and minor DIY work around Castle Ryan. There were also many positive things in my professional life, which is also looking to improve even more in 2025.

Yes, 2024 has been one that will provide a wealth of joyful memories. I hope the year has brought you an abundance of wonderful memories to reflect on, too.

As we prepare for 2025, I wish you a year of joy, peace, and love – and a bit of fun and adventure.

* There were a few negatives to the year, too, but I’ve chosen to reflect on the positives.