18 days, 1800 miles around California and 18 hours travel each way was a hectic way to end the year; we usually move at a much slower pace.

It was lovely seeing family and friends and sharing delicious meals. Watching our little grandson, Drake, scurry around on his own was quite entertaining. He's such a smart and happy little guy, and absolutely adorable. Christmas was wonderful with them and Amy's parents in Santa Barbara.

A swing through Mammoth gave us a mountain fix. "I love you but I'm not going out in this" was the response I got from Marianne when I called her one morning to go skiing. Luckily Steve was up for a 'braille' day and we ended up having a blast in the fresh snow that was blowing sideways.

Thanks to Scott and Amy in the Bay, the Sage's in Mammoth and Santa Barbara, Dwight in Redlands and Greg and Allison in Malibu for the kind and generous hospitality and comfy beds! And thanks to the few friends we were able to see for making time in your busy holiday schedules to fit us in.

It's nice to be back home on Tenaya, back to our simple way of life. We've got a few more things to do here in Brisbane before we head down to Sydney.

Happy New Year Everyone!