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Borrego Springs, CA

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ringing out the old

I find December 31 a good time to take stock of what happened in my life in the previous year.  In some ways, 2011 was very different for me, and in other ways it was the same.  As I did last year, I will share some of these remembrances with you.

53 Anahuac NWR 20101

I spent the first two weeks of January 2011 finishing up my stint at Anahuac NWR.  One of my proudest moments came when I was honored with The President’s Volunteer Service Award.  I still have that letter signed by President Obama. 

56 On the way to Mississippi

The middle of the month found me at Thibodeaux’s Premiere RV in Scott, Louisiana, having my new residential fridge installed and some other work on the rig.  Little did I know that this would start a theme of residing in repair shop parking lots this year.  While I was waiting I tried my first shrimp po-boy, and toured a number of places in this Cajun area.

58 Escatawpa Trail

Then it was on to Gautier, MS, for a three month volunteer stint at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.  To my great dismay, this morning I found that one of the folders of pictures from my time there is missing.  Sad smile

59 Fountainblue

About all I have left are mostly flower pictures from the three hiking trails.  When I get a chance, I’ll have to have my oldest son see if the folder is tucked away on the computer someplace that I don’t know how to get to.

60 Oak Grove Birding Trail

I guess it’s a good thing I’ll be returning there so I can try replacing many of those pictures with this year’s experiences.  At this point, I don’t even have one picture of a Mississippi Sandhill Crane.

61 On the way to Indiana

When I left the refuge in May, I had to make another stop at Premiere RV to have the MCD shades installed, and some other minor maintenance items taken care of.  While there this time, I toured the Tabasco factory on Avery Island, and my finished memory quilt was delivered to my daughter’s house. 

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer, 201110

The battle of the squirrels ensued while I camped all summer in Indiana close to my daughter Robyn’s house.  While there, my sister and I took a trip down memory lane by visiting the neighborhood we grew up in in Chicago.

62 Pioneer Campground, IN summer201110

So many memories were made with the two grandgirls this past summer!  My new name became Belt, and Phoebe’s became Buckle.  Smile  I also checked out how well hung the Jolly Green Giant is on one of my fast trips to South Dakota to renew my driver’s license.

63 On the way to Anahuac, 201121

Then as I tried to leave Indiana in September, I ended up spending another three weeks in a repair shop parking lot because of no brakes.  I found some things to do to keep me busy while waiting.  A day after I got back on the road, my new refrigerator broke which resulted in me only having a cooler until I made it back to Premiere RV for the third time this year.  I have ended up living for two months this year in repair parking lots.  Not a record I ever hope to break.

64 Anahuac NWR 201128

Toward the end of October, I finally made it back to Anahuac NWR almost a month late for my assignment.  These picks were taken in the last three days as I made one more farewell trip through the refuge.  I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I sure hope Murphy leaves me alone in 2012. 

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope you’ll continue to come along with me on my Travels with Emma.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you next year,  Judy

45 comments:

  1. I have very much enjoyed following your daily trials and tribulations and look forward to another fabulous year. I am hoping I can fill my blog with as many wonderful feathered photos as yours..I have new territory to explore!
    BTW..the winter here on the prairie has been extremely mind, however, I do know winter is not over yet!
    Happy New Year Judy and Emma too!! May 2012 bring you both many exciting new adventures!!

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  2. Thank you for sharing your journey, Judy. I especially love the pictures of the pitcher plants' blooms.

    Happy New Year!

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  3. Always love your picture, there is even an armadillo!! Happy travels to you this year!

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  4. I don't like to make resolutions, but during the year I do make a list of things I want to do. Happy New Year.

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  5. You sure did have some adventures last year but summer with the Grandkid's made up for it. Hopefull 2012 will be full of fun for you and Emma.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

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  6. OH, but you have all the other photo's... perhaps they are in another folder?

    You have had such an amazing year! Truly worthy of some award or something! Many have told you to write a book and it surely would sell I believe if for nothing else but the photography! But the story would simply add!!!!

    Continued Happy Trails in 2012!

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  7. I enjoyed following your blog in 2011, and I'm wishing you a happy, healthy, and repair-free 2012!

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  8. And what a year it was. I enjoyed you adventures, and how you stayed so positive when Murphy was around. Wishing you bigger and better adventures in 2012.
    Muffy

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  9. Happy New Year, and here's to adventures of a better sort in 2012!

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  10. Happy New Year and here's to many more great bird pics in 2012!

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  11. I think a New Years resolution to leave Murphy is a fine one. Here's to wishing you the best is 2012.

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  12. You sure had a busy and interesting year....Thanks for letting us ride along and thanks for sharing the great pictures....... HAPPY NEW YEAR..

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  13. Great photo collages Judy! Glad I discovered your blog this year and look forward to only pretty nature shots (and no repair shop parking lots) next year!

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  14. Happy New Year Judy and Emma!..here is hoping that 2012 will be year filled with safe travels and lots of friends..feathered and otherwise!!

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  15. Another great picture post Judy. Do you use picasa for your collages? They are fabulous and the pictures so sharp even though small.

    Here's a New Year's salute to you for your patience and great attitude about your repair woes this year. Doubt I could have done as well. May 2012 be repairless!!

    Happy New Year!!

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  16. yOU HAVE HAD AHELLOFAYEAR...best wishes for the New Year...every year we get is a blessing...Love following you and Emma..thanks for the wonderful photos which we could only otherwise get on NatGeo.

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  17. Every day is an adventure and I've enjoyed following along with you and Emma this year. Happy New Year to you both.

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  18. You have really been tried and tested this past year, and you came through it all just shining with your patience! May 2012 be event-free for you and all of us.

    Your current header photo really resonates with me - that bird is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and you capture it so well.

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  19. Happy New Year, Judy ... may 2012 be a HAPPY AND HEALTHY one for you, and Emma, and the Rig!

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  20. I love the way you make collages of your pictures. Hope you find your lost folder. You might want to think about an on-line service for backup in case something happens to your computer. I'm just backing up halfheartedly with an external hard drive.

    Our falcated duck put on a beautiful display for about 50 people late this afternoon. Then I watched flyout with a few diehards. Now I'm eating a quick supper and preparing for another Christmas count tomorrow.

    Happy New Year and may you never see Murphy again.

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  21. All in all, except for repair issues, a super good year. Tons of great photos, too. Here's to a wonderful 2012, repair and replacement free. :)

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  22. Here's to a Safe and Happy New Year to you both.

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  23. Hey "Belt",

    You sign says:

    "Cheap Work is not Good"
    "Good Work is not Cheap"

    Does this mean that you're good for nothing? ;c)

    Happy New Year!!!!

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  24. Wishing you a very prosperous and exciting new year Emma.

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  25. Happy New Year Judy! Best to you and Emma in the coming year.

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  26. Your collage of pictures are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year

    Just BS! (Bob and Sue)

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  27. Happy 2012. Hope Murphy stays away this year.

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  28. 2011 was pretty good fpr you and I hope 2012 is even better...
    Wishing you a year that brings good friends,good health, good luck, good things & safe travels!
    Happy New Year
    Donna

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  29. Happy 2012! What I have so admired about you this year is how you have handled your difficulties. You have set an example for all to follow when Murphy come to reside for a while. Thank you for your pictures and your blogging. May 2012 be a delightful year for you.

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  30. Judy, Happy New Year to you and Emma. You have many wonderful memories of 2011 and great pics to reflect on. Hope 2012 is fun and uneventful travel and coach wise.
    Take care and be safe.

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  31. Let's announce it and see if it works. Here we go, "Murphy has left the building!"

    There. That ought to make for an even better year this year. :)

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  32. Happy New Year to you, Judy. I loved your synopsis of this year even more than the one you did last year, maybe because I was a bit more familiar with you and your travels. Thanks for taking the time to put it all together for us.

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  33. Happy New Year to you! Hope you give Murphy the slip this year. Keep smiling ☺☺☺

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  34. Have a wonderful 2012, Judy. Thanks for sharing your great photos, and your travel adventures with us. We will sure look forward to riding along again this year! What did you think of that Cajun music, and food? I sure enjoy it whenever I can get any!

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