“Moderation in all things” is one of my favorite aphorisms. Especially when you add “. . . including moderation.” This past year seemed a mix of the routine and regular, spiced with new experiences and new acquaintances. That may be the best balance in life. (Note: Addy’s somewhat odd arms arrangement in the photo above is explained by the presence of a praying mantis in her hands. Why the praying mantis is there is beyond explanation.)
My activities early in the year started as they have for the last 12 years, volunteering at the Farmers Insurance Open PGA golf tournament at Torrey Pines. It was my fourth year as hole captain on hole #3 on the south course. Still a really nice place to spend a few days.
Soon after I moved to Fallbrook in 2012, I realized I lived in what could be called “horse country.” Heck, my neighbors had them and I often drove past nearby horse ranches. My own experience with horses had been limited to riding on a pony at the age of five, wearing my Hopalong Cassidy gear, and being led around a corral at a local park. Being here, I wanted to do something more with horses. But what?
Switching channels one morning in May, I caught the end of a program on a local channel. It was a live segment at a therapeutic horse-riding program. I caught the name and was startled to recognize that it was just down the street from me. I drove by it almost every day, but didn’t realize what it was. 
They mentioned they always welcomed volunteers. I went online, applied, and I now volunteer at REINS (Riding Emphasizing Individual Needs and Strengths).
I just go Tuesday mornings, but it is the most active morning of my week. In addition to raking straw, filling water barrels, and shoveling poop, I assist therapists who work with riders, children and adults, with special needs, mental and physical.
Most often, I’ve been a “side walker.” I walk alongside the horse on the side opposite from the therapist working directly with the rider. I’m there usually to provide some physical support to riders who may be unsteady in the saddle. Recently, I’ve begun to “lead” horses, directing them where the therapist wants and halting and getting them to move ahead. (See more)
I was fortunate again this year to travel to see family and friends. The annual trip “back East” centered around the BC football game at West Point in October. We stayed at the historic Thayer Hotel, located on the post, on the banks of the Hudson River.
The hotel was an “easy” uphill mile-long walk to the football stadium. In the rain.
Oh, did it rain. Each of us thought we had water-proof gear. Nope. All of us got soaked. It’s what hours of steady and sometimes heavy rain can do.
Most of us stayed only for the first half. We repaired to the hotel to watch the rest of the game on tv . . . and dry out. (See more)
Next phase of the trip was to the Cape and Boston. Picking up my Avis rental in Cambridge, I got a repeat of what happened last year. Only vehicles available were a minivan and what you see below. Again, ridin’ the pickup.
At BC, I visited our liaison in the Alumni office. While we met in the building’s atrium, person after person stopped by to say hello. Our liaison said next time I visit, she’s going to send out a blast email to the office to let people know I’ll be there.
Stopped in Michigan on the way home to see Julia, Sam, Dillon, and the Wolverines. I was able to get tickets to the Michigan-Indiana game from a friend, and Dillon and I got to go to the Big House. Where it rained.
Great scene. Huge band. Rabid fans. Once again, though, conditions forced us to head for home after the halftime show.
Just happy otherwise to settle in with Julia and Sam. (See more)
I start my final year as president of the Anza-Borrego Foundation in January. In recent years, ABF has grown in staff and resources, consequently expanding educational programs, purchasing land to convey to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and providing direct financial support to the Park. ABF’s growth has been due to good fortune, the generosity of donors, and a great staff.
We were able to return to ABF board meetings in person a few times this year. On one occasion, I stayed overnight in Borrego Springs and awoke to this desert sunrise.
The grandgirls are 11 and 8 years old, with Adeline turning 12 in January. She was born less than two weeks after I moved to Fallbrook. Middle school next year. !! For my birthday earlier this month, Alice wrote in a card, “I hope you find wonders in the age 77.” She’s one of them, as is Addy.
Meredith works in development at the Boys and Girls Club in town and Winter is at Charlie’s Foreign Auto in Encinitas. He recently joined the big 4-0 club.
Happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, and happy New Year to you and your family. May 2024 bring all you hope for!
Love the photos, another blessed year Sir !