January 1, 2008 I've been away from the computer and "webbing" since mid-November when I went to California for a month to visit my parents and family. Here I am picking oranges from their tree to bring home for friends. Since returning home, there's been the whirlwind of catching up with friends and holiday celebrations. Rob & Paula joined me for dinner to celebrate what would have been John's 64th birthday, on December 12th. I spent Christmas riding out with Jeff at the fire station. Luckily there were no dangerous fires or accidents that night. Just two "illegal burns." I guess the people figured that no one would notice if they did it at night . . . It was really fun hanging out with Jeff and having Christmas dinner at the fire station with his buddy and his buddy's family. On "Boxing Day" (the 26th), we had our actual Christmas celebration with Vanessa and Lynn. Michael and Mo made it down to Olympia from Bellingham after Lynn and I had to leave, so we missed them, but Lynn had already spent Christmas with them in Moses Lake with the kids' mom. It has been a difficult month for all of us because we miss John even more (if that's possible) during those family times he loved so much. Christmas and his birthday coming in December made it an especially bright spot in the middle of the winter.

Yesterday, New Year's Eve, was my parents' 63rd Anniversary. I called them and then spent the rest of the day puttering around here. John and I would have opened our list of Intentions for the past year and read them together to see which ones came true. They are not the same as resolutions, but more like positive wishes for the future for those we love and for the world. Of course, we both had his health at the top of our lists. In a way, I guess that came true, too, because he's not suffering now. Today, I begin my Intentions for 2008:

1. I will find joy in my life again, by continuing to put one foot in front of the other and by focusing my attention outward toward my friends and family.

2. I will create from a place deep inside me (and will not blow up any more sculptures this year!).

3. Michael and Maureen's new baby will be healthy and happy and bring joy to our family.

4. John's children and I will continue to get to know each other and our affection for each other will grow with times shared.

5. I will spend more time with my parents and they will continue to embrace the future with courage, independence, and good health.