Miss Opal

I got a call from Miss Opal's daughter, Geneva, last night. Miss Opal passed away...

Miss Opal was my Mom's neighbor & BFF for over 25 years. She was like a mother figure for Mom & was responsible for bringing her to Pinewood Glen...

They enjoyed each other's company & looked after one another. They played Bingo together & participated in all of the activities Pinewood offered...

Celebrating Miss Opal's 100th Birthday...

Mom was really sad when Miss Opal needed more care & had to be moved to a new facility. We visited her there every time I came into town. The day before Mom died, she was alert & really wanted to talk to Miss Opal. They had a nice chat on the phone...Mom was saying "goodbye" to her dear friend. Neither expected that Mom would go first. I went to see Miss Opal the very next morning to let her know about Mom - we embraced & we just wept. I could feel the love & friendship they had shared all those years. Opal wasn't well enough to attend Mom's funeral, but insisted on coming to the little celebration Pinewood held for Mom...

This was my last visit with Miss Opal around Mother's Day. She got a kick out of my selfie stick...

I want to be a friend like Miss Opal. Next to family, she was my Mom's most precious treasure...

"True friends are not just sharing a conversation, a cup of coffee, or a funny story - it really means sharing an honest & true part of your mind & heart."

I made it through December...

This year has been a bit of a blur...but I made it through it. 

Sierra Nevada House

Even December started out rough when our cute little Coloma landmark, The Sierra Nevada House, burnt to the ground! It was so very sad to see...all that is left of it is the cement foundation!

December actually held many wonderful moments, too!

Avery's Concert

I got the chance to attend one of Avery's Christmas Concerts. She had a couple of solos & she did such a great job! Her voice is every bit as lovely as she is!

Office Christmas Party

We held our annual office Christmas Dinner at Maggianno's again. It's become a favorite with everyone...

65 YEARS!!!

We invited Mom & Dad to the office party (it happened to be on their anniversary so we brought them a cake)...65 years! She was the cutest little bride ever!

Missing Mom

This was the first Christmas without my mom.  My heart really wasn't into celebrating this year, but I did order myself some Dewar's so I could fill up the candy jar she gave me years ago...it felt more like Christmas with the candy jar full...

Congrats!

These two knuckleheads got engaged on Christmas Eve! Congrats Luke & Cindi...happiness looks good on you both! We are excited to add the Bailey Boyz to our ever growing family!

Christmas Family Fun

Ben & Dara joined us for Christmas - I don't think Ben wanted me to be alone this year. It was nice to have them there. We spent Christmas Eve at Rochelle's & played games...

Kyle & Amy had everyone over for Christmas brunch the next day. They have mastered Dad's World Famous Omelettes! It was delicious & so nice to be with family without having to be in charge of anything!

This cute little elf got passed around a lot & smiled the whole time! Ryan is truly a happy little miracle baby! We had tons of fun & wore a few people out...

This was my favorite gift this year, learning that Ty & Christi were going to have a baby girl in the spring...

And just like that - 2015 was over. It was a rough year for me, but I survived it. I survived it because my life is filled with wonderful people that I dearly love! They bring such joy & happiness to me - just like George Bailey says, "It's a Wonderful Life!"

A Season of Gratitude

Thanksgiving was quiet for us this year. Our local kids had other plans - Kyle's family headed to San Jose & Rochelle was hosting the Petersens at her house, but invited us & Nicole to join them. It felt weird not to cook, but I was kinda glad I didn't have to! It was a nice break.

Lindsay's boyfriend brought oysters to grill. They did not look appetizing to me at all, but Paul said they were delicious. I was NOT convinced enough to try them, but a couple of da boyz did!

I was happy to hold out for the more traditional Thanksgiving foods. This bird was beautiful AND delicious!

It was nice to be surrounded by family & friends & take in what it means to be grateful for all we have...

A season of gratitude is a season of giving thanks...gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, & a vision for tomorrow. Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

"Rick Bassett, you are an IRONMAN!"

I have to admit, it was pretty emotional to be at the end of this event as the contestants crossed the finish line & reached this amazing goal! There were men & women of all ages & walks of life - professionals & amateurs. Such an impressive physical accomplishment - a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, ending in a 26.22 mile run...a full marathon at the end of all that swimming & cycling!!! That just sounds brutal to me - but Rick did it with a smile on his face the whole day - seriously, every time we saw him!

The night before the race...

Ready at 0 dark:30am to begin the race with the 2.4 mile swim...

Taking off on the 112 mile bike ride...

Starting the marathon - a 26.22 mile run!

Rick's biggest fans...

The kids were so excited waiting for Rick to run by them on his first 13+ mile lap - here he is 1/2 way through his marathon. When they saw him they erupted into cheers that turned everyone's heads! It was so fun! Paul must have grabbed my camera for these shots...

I got this one on my cell phone - look at Rick's smile & the proud look on Leah's face!

A stranger across the street took these because he thought our little cheering section was so cool...
after Rick ran by, he came up & asked for my email to send them to me. I love nice people!

I wish this next pic was more clear, but I love it anyway! This is Rick crossing the finish line! As tears are streaming down our faces, the announcer belts out, "Rick Bassett, from Lehi, Utah - 33 year old father of four -  you are an IRONMAN!"

Such a very long & rewarding day! Great job Rick - it was an honor to be there to support you!

T.S. Elliot said, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."