A most memorable year it has been, in many ways. It would be not be at all difficult to provide full descriptions of the events that have helped to make it so, but I think it’s best to keep my post as simple as possible. Here, then, briefly, are a few of them: We helped Batty to welcome Gavin formally into her life, thereby gaining a son, in a lovely ceremony in the Auckland Botanical Gardens in New Zealand in February (photo by Squiddy).
Both of our daughters, their husbands, and the Elf flew over from New Zealand to join us for a couple of weeks of summer fun at our cabin in the woods of northern Minnesota.
We said our last farewells two of our three remaining pets—Fizzy, our 15-year-old ginger cat and Limo, our 8½-year-old Bassador (Basset/Laborador). He was our last dog, ever.
Old friends from Germany visited us in October for a crazy, wonderful week of exploring the beauties of the north shore of Lake Superior between Duluth and Grand Marais.
Finally, I had my old, cataract-impaired lenses replaced in December and am loving my new outlook on life. I am more eager than ever to bring you new visions as I look at 2014 through new, clear eyes. May your New Year bring you all that you hope for—and more!
As always, if you’d like to see a higher-resolution image, just click on the photo above.
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krikitarts 
Well, you have certainly had an eventful year Gary, with both ups and downs, but I just know that 2014 is going to be far more ups than downs for you. I can’t wait to see the amazing photos you capture and share with us in the new year – I always look forward to and enjoy everything that you post :).
Oh, Cindy, you are one of my dearest photofriends, and I’m so thankful that I’ve come to know you. I am very optimistic for the New Year in so many ways and am looking forward very much to your new offerings as well. May you prosper!
Awww, thanks my friend :).
Happy New Year! It must be wonderful to have clear vision now; that’s a wonderful way to start the new year!
Oh, yeah! I can’t wait to see what I can see…
A beautiful post Gary! I’m so sorry to learn of the loss of your two beloved pets. I look forward to your future posts in 2014 and can’t wait to see what your new vision leads you to capture! Happy New year! Robyn
Thanks so much, Robyn. One of my resolutions is to capture, photographically, as much as I can of Leo, our remaining small family member, because I fully realize that, compared to (most of) ours, their lives are so fleeting, and we who adhere to the visual arts need to honor their dear memories to the best of our abilities. Have a wonderful New Year, too!
It does seem as if you have next years project mapped out (and no doubt a few years beyond that). Looking forward to seeing your records of the events and when…all the very best for 2014
Yes, many exciting projects planned, and looking forward to more reports of yours, too!
Thanks for sharing some vignettes from your life this past year, Gary. I am discovering as I get older that I am more conscious of the fragility of life, of the swift passage of time, of the fact that the things we take for granted, like our health, are not guaranteed. I appreciate your positive approach and look forward to a new year full of growth and beautiful images.
Kind and welcome words, Mike. I just hope that all the new growth involves only the mind and the photographic portfolio and not the waistline!
Thanks for sharing some snippets of the past year. Here’s hoping 2014 will bring many more new photos with those new eyes of yours. Happy New Year, especially now that it’s 2 hours past midnight and I REALLY aught to go to bed.
Hope you got a good night’s sleep, because you surely will be up until midnight again to see the New Year in, right? Have a great one!
A warm – happy and sad – review of 2013. Here is to 2014, Gary; onwards.
All the very best to you and your family for the New Year. Have a Wonderful one!
Onwards–I can really embrace that. The sad comes with the happy and, in the end, is a part of what makes the happy what it is. There’s no turning back the clock, so we must acknowledge, process, and cherish that which has come to pass and integrate it into our experience, and move on, all the richer–or, at least, wiser–for it. Have a truly great New Year, M!
Yes, you’ve had a mixed year, Gary, but that’s how they go. As it happens, I very much like the shot of Limo – cats are wonderful! I have very fond memories of three, one of those from my boyhood, and friends have two other, very friendly individuals now. And I love your final picture here – the birds (geese?) are wonderful, but the backdrop lifts the picture up into something else altogether – wow! Adrian
Yes, Limo really was an amazing dog, and he is sadly missed. And yes, cats are very special creatures too. It’s very hard to imagine a life without (at least) one. Hope you and your family are all fine and are enjoying the start of this new year to the fullest!
You have a very handsome family, Gary…it’s been such a pleasure sharing your life-happiness here. Can’t wait to see what you bring to us in the coming year. :)
Nor can I–thanks very much Scott!
:)
How wonderful that your eyesight has been improved Gary.. I wish you a year full of delightful sights to see..
It’s more than wonderful, Helen–it’s more like a miracle, and I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring too, to you folks whom I follow, as well as to me by my own photo angel!
:D