Dear Family and Friends, I normally send out Christmas cards but this year I decided to write a letter to reconnect with my friends and family…. it is more of a blog. I hope everyone is doing well.

2016 has been a fantastic year!! 

In summary, new experiences, meeting new family members, moving to a different state to start a new job and enjoying spending time with friends and family

The start of 2016…

It started with an incredible opportunity to visit a country that was on my bucket list, Cuba.  Cheryl and I toasted to the New Year in Havana before traveling across the county to Santiago, a city with energy and music. It was great having a chance to dance salsa on the streets and to hike the mountains where Fidel once hid during the revolution.

Cuba

 

My occupation keeps me very busy but I enjoy contributing to science. Yes, I often work on weekends and on my vacations but there are small breaks here and there.  On one of my breaks, I ventured out to Death Valley in California and experienced a rare event, the super bloom.  I would not recommend depending on cell phone GPS while traveling through the desert at night. It was an adventure I never hope to repeat. Dirt roads and short cuts???!!! But when I look at my photos it was worth the anxiety 🙂

Death Valley

 

Canada

I had an extra day in Montreal Canada, one of my favorite cities! I ventured up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City to visit the waterfall and the historic district. The drive on rte 138 passes through adorable villages along the river. I just love visiting Canada!

Ski Trips

Every year I look forward to spending time with my nieces and friends on the ski slopes. My nieces, Katelyn, Samantha and I had a terrific time at Snowshoe for my birthday. Katelyn switch from skiing and tried snowboarding for the first time and loved it. Samantha is a natural skier. Stacy and I went to Wintergreen and she tackled a Blue trail this year. My other three ski buddies and I had a wonderful week at Tahoe which is one of the most beautiful places to ski. I always enjoy hanging out with them, laughing and just relaxing.

 

 

Washington DC is one of my favorite cities because there is so much to do and many of my friends live there. This year I visited two new places with my friend Elena, Lincoln’s summer cottage and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Elena and I took pictures with the pope 🙂 The basilica is huge!!

 

 

Beach Trip!

My nieces and I took our annual beach trip to Emerald Isle, North Carolina this year.  We found sand dollars on Bear Island and huge conch shells on Cape Lookout.  Mom, the girls and I also saw dolphins on our boat ride to the islands. It was so much fun!!

                       

This spring was very busy!  I moved from North Carolina to Little Rock, Arkansas to join the UAMS faculty.

Moving Day

 

Little Rock wasn’t what I expected. The Arkansas river flows through the city with rolling hills in the west. The sunsets are beautiful and there are plenty of locally owned restaurants to dine in.  Moving was a job but it was also fun with the help of friends and family.

         Road Trip to Arkansas

 

                       Little Rock

 

 

 

 

Football

People are serious about their football here in Arkansas. I attended my first Arkansas Razorback game and a Dallas Cowboy game. I was expecting to watch the Cowboys in 70 degree weather but it was cold! Even though we tailgated in freezing temperatures it was fun. I am not a Cowboys fan but I have to admit that the stadium is amazing. My cousin Cassandra and I attended the UA-Pinebluff’s homecoming and Elena and I cheered at the Hampton vs Howard game in DC.

 

 

Another Road Trip…Cross Country!

This year I did a lot of driving, moving to Arkansas and helping my friend move from Arizona to Maryland in 3 days.

Family

A pleasant surprise was getting in touch with relatives in Arkansas.  They have been absolutely wonderful in welcoming me and helping me feel at home. It has been an incredible experience getting to know my relatives I heard about growing up but never thought I would ever have the opportunity to meet them.

Work has been crazy busy so I couldn’t go to North Carolina for Thanksgiving but my Arkansas family invited me to dinner which was so much fun.

 

Holidays

For the holidays I went back to the east coast and spent time with my family, baking Christmas cookies, bowling, playing board games and ice skating. It had been 6 months since I had spent time with my nieces so I was excited to see them.  I also attended my Aunt Catherine’s 100 year Birthday party…pretty cool.

 

                                                                   My brother Matthew, Katelyn and I at the skating rink

Thinking Back on 2016…

There is so much more that took place this year but this letter is already much longer than I planned.

It has been a very busy year, especially with the job change and the move but as I look back I am thankful for all of the people in my life who have helped me with the transition. I especially appreciate those who helped me pack, drive and move me into my new house. My heart is full of joy as I think about how my Arkansas family made this a home for me.   I miss all of my friends, family and favorite activities on the east coast but I am excited and looking forward to creating new memories in 2017.

Wishing you a wonderful 2017.    You are welcome to come to Arkansas for a visit!

Luv,

Anita

 

Other Fun Activities 

King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena Arkansas- Home of the Blues.

 

 

Click Here to See My favorite Travel Pics from 2016