When my brother moved home from overseas, we had an outdoor lunch on our patio. My siblings and I, our late mom’s sister, DS#2, DS#1, and his lovely gf. It was just such a nice afternoon, everyone was charmed and delighted by GF, my brother and my aunt who also lived and worked abroad as a young woman, traded stories. Our first time all together since our dad died in ’19, and meeting GF, it felt so good.

Two great nieces were born last year :-).

I am not allowed to share pictures but picture two of the sweetest girls born at around the same time! Both Mamas had trouble but are completely healed and loving their time with their babies. And trying not to spoil them. A total impossibility.

My happiest memory is joining a large crowd of people at a vaccination site, all of us with the intent to do whatever we could to eradicate this scourge. It reminded me of getting vaccinated against polio when I was a child. My father had a very mild case, but he was briefly hospitalized and no doubt saw people in iron lungs and suffering other effects of the disease. When he was able to, he had no hesitation to get all of us protected. And I believe polio is considered to be a rarely occurring disease now.

Spending the summer at our place in CT. Loved tending my vegetable garden there and spending time with family and making new friends.

Both of my sons welcomed newborns into their families. We now have three granddaughters under the age of 3. It's heaven.

My first and only grandchild was born September of 2021. It IS heaven!

saw 2020 come to an end

We had a lovely long time spent with my sisters and their families, who live on opposite ends of the country, and were able to all be together with my mom before she passed in November.

Spending two wonderful weeks camping in our RV this past Fall. On my sister & BIL’s property in Michigan, close to their home (to use their water and electricity), and next to their huge, beautiful pond. But, most of all, near to my many siblings, their families and some dear childhood friends.

We've lived in and traveled to Europe a lot over the years but last fall we took a month long trip to Switzerland that left me questioning every minute whether I was dreaming or not. We hope to return in the next few months and stay longer. If we were younger, I'd consider a permanent move. It's magical.

The only thing I can think of is getting to work from home.

My daughter surprised me by coming home for my birthday. We had not been able to see her since we had moved her to Chicago nine months earlier. She talked our son into coming over that night to make sure we didn’t go out (not likely) and to make sure I didn’t go to bed (very likely).

When it ended...

Getting a "new" horse to ride back in June. I was her first student rider. Having the chance to experience a partnership in turning her into a fine trail and school horse. This weekend I advanced to an even younger more difficult horse. I know my days with my beloved Sparky as "my horse" are nearing the end. But she will always be my 2021 memory of all the goods times, the trust we built, the bond we have, and the goals we reached. It's bittersweet having to move on but also rewarding to know I was part of something so positive in her life. Happiest times? Just me and my mentor riding through the silent forest trails, no words needed, happy horses.

Getting my Dad vaccinated.

'21 blended right into '20, vaccinations eased some worries but focus remained inward -- on stuff around the house instead of travel to exciting places or gathering with any sort of crowd. What I enjoyed in 2021: DH and I constructed a bog filter for my koi pond -- no more green water, a clear view of the fish! I bought my first sundews (a variety of carnivorous plants) and found a vibrant on-line community of CP growers. I renewed my orchid growing hobby, planned and constructed a much improved Winter growing space in my basement, actually joined an orchid club and have attended a bunch of zoom meetings with them. Some day (soon?!?), in person.

Picnics, parties, county fairs. and local carnivals. .Camp is fun during the summer with friends and family staying for a few days and enjoying the natural activities of the area.

Losing 15 pounds over my furlough. I don't eat a lot so discovering my clothes were loose made me do a happy dance.

I don't think I have one. Nothing comes to mind. My husband died in March and I was very depressed for several months. Mostly just getting by day to day....kind of flat. At least nothing that stands out. I also lost my cousin in May. We had been planning her visit for this spring. She had the covid vaccine and a bad reaction and died. I also had to put down 4 of my horses. Including one that I had to do myself because he was suffering and the vet couldn't get here quickly. Sorry to be a downer...but that was my year.

Giving the minimum 2 weeks notice at a job I'd held for 26yrs. Finally had enough.

We bought a piece of land next to ours, now we have just over 10 acres, I can open a farm someday! I know nothing about farming, it’s a dream.

My trip back to Haena, Kauai last July; such heaven. My favorite spot on the planet; I’ll be back again in June.

Carolb so sorry about your mom. I wanted to press like but it seemed wrong in the face of your loss. I do love the fact that you got together with your mom for a final time. My best to you and your family.

Two great grand children were born in 201 a girl and a boy

Probably seeing DH sitting outside on the deck reading his newspaper like any other day...only it wasn't. I'd finally gotten him home after his hemorrhage and nearly losing him five times on that awful, awful day. It was the realization that ordinary could be so fabulous.

my DD got engaged to wonderful guy!! looking forward to the wedding in the Fall :)

Took my 4 Runner in for a fuel pump recall, got it back and every time you turned the car on the heated seats came on(could not switch them off). It was July. Ninety degree heat....it was awful. I sold the car to a dealer for $4200 MORE than I had paid for it. A week later I purchased a fully loaded Benz, ALL the bells & whistles, with half the miles & a manufacturers warranty still in place. ♥ ♥ ♥ It's the darkest metallic blue....so blue it's almost black. It's BEAUTIFUL!

Last year was horrible and not just because of the pandemic. My mother lost her vision and her dementia became worse. She had some awful episodes. I tried to move her to a nearby retirement community . She agreed to go but absolutely fell apart emotionally. In the end, I hired round the clock care for her in her home. I also developed some health problems, nothing fatal!

Anyway, the best thing that happened to me was finding wonderul caregivers for my mother. Oh, and I lost tenpounds while racing around taking care of mom, unfortunately I’ve gained them all back!

Our first grandchild was born. Beautiful baby girl. No that's big !!!

The time spent with my siblings last summer. All three of us are getting up there in years, now living alone and due to distances apart, have never spent much quality time all together since childhood. My brother - the eldest - had his condo renovated last summer and so moved in with my sister for the duration. We had Sunday dinners together, went on picnics to the beach, took a few excursions around the area and spent some time at the local pub. Although my bro has moved back to his newly refurbished place, we still get together for dinner a couple of times a month.

I am so glad we had that time to spend together, as my brother was recently diagnosed with cancer and at 83 there is just no guarantee how long we will all be together.

Happy memories of 2021... my husband's family reunion did take place in mid July with everyone healthy and happy to be together.

Another happy memory took place in August. A 17 year old girl from a nearby high school, as her senior class project organized a charity walk to benefit Type One Diabetes. She, as a Type One from age 3, put a tremendous amount of work into making it a huge success. It was a very happy time for me to participate along with my daughter and husband who are insulin dependent.

The T shirt everyone wore

Our oldest grand graduated from college. We had a lovely weekend with family. Didn't eat a single meal in a restaurant as our son and DIL had planned all meals to either be delivered/picked up or she had brought food to prepare in the condo they rented. It was a nice, relaxing weekend with family.

Happiest times? Just me and my mentor riding through the silent forest trails, no words needed, happy horses.

that sounds heavenly!!

i'd have to say i have 2 favorite things. #1 was watching my goofy toddler grandson grow into a pensive, smart, playful, still goofy 5 year old!

#2, pippin. she came to me a few months after losing my heart dog and she has been such a blessing. silly, sometimes crazy (she'll be 2 tomorrow!) always cuddly girl who has lightened my and eden's heart so so much.

My favorite happy memory happened on Christmas day. My granddaughter"s boyfriend got down on one knee in front of the whole family and proposed to her. She had no idea he was going to do that, and the look on her face was priceless. He is a wonderful young man and I couldn't be happier for her.I'm looking forward to their wedding this Fall.

Another happy occasion was when my niece's daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, the child she waited for and wanted for so many years.

My favourite thing that happened? My son's girlfriend at the time FINALLY left him! Happiest day in all our lives. The stress our family feels is almost at nil now. Just waiting for the court to agree on the custody dispute and we can get on with our lives. She is what pure hell is in the dictionary.