One Year Later.

Somehow a year has passed since we lost Sara.  It has been a year of major changes (moved away from Boston) Highs ( many fun trips) and Lows (not hearing her commentary on the Trump debacle).  Thought it would be nice to put together a post of some memories.

 Newport, RI.  Placed some of Sara's ashes in this spot on what would have been her 31st birthday.

 Many memories in Rocky Point as a family.  Think and laugh at the time that Sara started floating away into the ocean with the tide.  Thankfully we were able to grab her and have several more years of memories.  Another great spot for her ashes to be.

 Friends and family got together to remember Sara a year later at Buffalo Park. Not sure how only one dog made it into the photo.

 Enjoying a beautiful Sunny AZ day

Great day for a walk at Buffalo Park

Thanks Will for providing beautiful flowers from the Farmers Market.

 The super moon/lunar eclipse happened during this time.  Like to think she was enjoying the moon from her vantage point.

Side by Side.  Great of the hospice organization to make  this happen.

The garden at the Olivia White Hospice House is breathtaking.  I love that this is yet another spot in town where Sara is honored

a lovely sanctuary

So happy to have these fun memories with Sara.  Ready for battle.  Nobody mess with her

One of our last photos taken together.   When I was home on medical leave following my surgery.  Glad I got to have this time with my sisters

Love this photo of us all

My sisters so gorgeous in their tutus

memorial service for Sara.

Fortunate to have many fun pictures.  

Family snuggle time.

Blast to the past.  Memories with my sisters.  Enjoying a birthday dinner at Busters.

Congrats Lia on being the first recipient of the "Girls on the Run" Scholarship in honor of Sara 

 Yet another way that Sara was honored.  Thanks to "Thrive Athletics"  I know Sara was proud of all those kettlebell swings

 Bench at the Poore house in her memory.  Dedicated by friends in  Flagstaff Leadership class.

 Cowbells at the Flagstaff Marathon.  We all know she would have been there swinging her bell.

It's amazing how many people have honored her memory over the past year.   Thanks to everyone for your love and support.

Phippsburg, Maine

Spent a beautiful Labor Day weekend on the coast of Maine sightseeing and celebrating the marriage of two wonderful people.  The drive up was nice and once away from Boston we didn't hit any traffic.

The wedding took place at Sebasco Harbor.  A gorgeous location with views, food, and plenty of room for the guests.  This fun spot was where our room was.  "The lighthouse".

 We had some picturesque sunsets while there.

And the most gorgeous weather we have seen all summer.   Although the water was still friggin frigid and didn't get in past our knees

The tide changes were crazy.  Similar to what I've seen in Rocky Point.  Been to many beaches in the world and they are definitely not like this everywhere 

 The happy couple and two of my favorite people.  Such a fun wedding.

All dressed up

 I always enjoy being a tourist and loved exploring the area around here.  This is Fort Popham.  Only about a 15min drive from where the wedding was held. A few fun facts are
-commissioned in 1857 and was built to house 42 heavy guns
- construction stopped in 1869
- But was also used for the Spanish American War, WWI and II (although never actually saw any battles)
- was sold to the state of Maine for $6,600.

 And where you can get step by step instructions on loading and firing your cannon.  How long do you think before you can actually buy one on Amazon?

 Ok guess we'll let these guys pass.  They seem harmless

 Exploring the fort

 We decided to go and explore the town of Bath, Maine.

 Unfortunately, all the shops were closed. I never understand owning a retail shop and it not being open on Sundays

Decided to stop off at one of Maine's many breweries (Maine Brewing Company) on the way back to Boston.   All were decent even the IPA which I'm usually not a huge fan of.  A great last vacation while being an East Coaster.

Manchester-by-the-Sea (Singing Beach), MA

Day tripped it up to Manchester-by-the Sea.  Unable to convince anyone that it would be a good idea to "work from home" I decided to venture over by myself.  The commuter rail, which was just a 40minute ride from North Station, dropped me off  a quick 10 minute walk to  "Singing Beach"

Which was fortunate, because I don't always have the best sense of direction.  The walk over was pretty and had sidewalks the entire way so I didn't feel like I was playing Chicken with traffic.

 Ok, pretty sure the ocean is this way...

 These clouds better keep rolling through.  It was pouring in Salem, so I was a little concerned about the weather

Check out all these boats.  I really do need have better connections.  Time to start hob nobbing with the rich and famous

 Yea!! I found it.  Was just a $5 walk on fee.  Surprisingly not too crowded.   Singing beach is named for the sound the sand supposedly makes as you walk along it.  Unfortunately, as I lack Vulcan hearing, I was unable to detect anything over the sound of the water.

 Managed to get in the water a couple of times.  Initially a bit chilly, but definitely adjusted and spent some time swimming,

I swear I was having a good time.  I never do selfies.  This is why.  

I didn't see any of the town that wasn't immediately next to the train station.  Had a great day soaking in some sun, catching up on some reading and having some well needed R&R.  Am definitely going to have to take more trips like this.

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Pt), Mexico

Wow, can't believe how many years it has been since I've been down to Rocky Point.  So much has changed since taking annual trips during my childhood.  

 

 

 On our way.  Officially in Mexico.  Can't wait to see the water.  Only about 3.5 hrs to get from Sky Harbor to the Mexico beach

 My assignment for the week- finish this book in time to see Judy Blume speak when I get back to Brookline.  Not that it's a difficult one.  Nice sand, beautiful weather and a good read.  Yup, I can handle it.

 La Vaca Chenta.  Wow, this guy went big time.  Not quite the same as the makeshift tents and popup taco stands that we use to frequent.  Still tasty as ever. 

 There use to be a bakery in this location that we would go to daily and stock up on goodies.  I learned to count in Spanish from the one arm man who owned it. 

 One of the highlights of this trip is meeting the newest member of the family.  My nephew Kingston.  Thanks for making such an adorable baby Mara and Jason.

 Kingston and I woke up one morning and had on matching pajamas. 

Love the beaches here. I'm not sure I have been anywhere else where you get so much beach just to yourself

 

 Caballos en la playa.  Also check out how far the tide is out.  One of my favorite things about here is the variation in the tides.  Even now I enjoy looking through the tide pools and seeing what creatures I find. 

 

 

 Tides in.  Water wasn't completely calm.  We had fun playing in the waves

 Rodeo Drive of Rocky point.  This too has changed quite a bit.  Can't believe everything is paved and actual buildings for the stores.  Got a few souvenirs to take home.  And ate some churros which were so very yummy.  They make them right in front of you. 

The sunsets are so beautiful.  Didn't quite capture it with the camera. 

Brought some of Sara's ashes with us.  Have some fun and funny memories with her coming here.  Think often of her raft being taken away by the tide and her complaints as a toddler of having sand in her butt.  Am glad we got to put a few in this spot. 

Great trip!!  Adios Mexico.