Dear Friends and Family,

Happy New Year!

Last year I wrote my first holiday letter (blog) so I thought I would try it again this year.

If you don’t know by now I am writing this from my comfy couch in Little Rock, Arkansas.  The first question everyone ask me is…wait, no, it is the second question…how do you like Little Rock?  The first question is Why did you move. So far so good, here in Little Rock.

Work

As a researcher here at the medical school there is no shortage of work. The clinicians and public are very excited about utilizing technology to access healthcare especially those who are in rural areas or those who can not visit the medical center.  We were awarded a national pediatric network to conduct research to address some of the biggest issues concerning children, such as obesity, and the severity of the problems they face emotionally and physically.

Beyond Work

Slowly, I am settling into a regular schedule but most of my time is spent working so I haven’t had much of an opportunity to explore. Arkansas, which is called the Natural state, is just lovely. On the weekends, I usually hike for about an hour on the river trails or in one of the city parks before heading to the office.  Hopefully, this spring I will have the chance to hike the Ozark mountains.

I do miss my old routine, my weekend mountain hikes, live Jazz or Latin music and downhill skiing. In the winter, I usually drive up to the mountains to ski a few weekends during the season on my own, with friends and with my nieces but there are no ski mountains close enough to Arkansas.  It now requires that I fly to ski with my niece, Katelyn and Samantha but it is worth it.  This past year we had an enjoyable time on the slopes especially because it snowed! Katelyn boarded this year and Samantha started skiing through the trees.

 

Each spring I have lunch in a local garden and with this being my first spring in Arkansas I searched for one and came across a park that has the old mill from the opening credits in the movie “Gone with the Wind” which is pretty cool. There is also a lovely garden in Hot Springs that is known for their tulips in the spring and during Christmas their beautiful lights. When you come to visit we can go together.

 

 

Family

Since moving to Arkansas, family has taken a larger role in my life especially the history.
Previously, I mentioned I have quite a few relatives here which has helped me feel at home. This past Labor day, I attended my first Arkansas family reunion here and visited the homestead where my great grandfather visited when he was very young.  The house is no longer there but the family still owns and farms the land. Being there felt as if I was reconnecting his spirit to his sister.

 

I also attended another family reunion in Delaware this year and had a great time hanging out with my cousins. It was nice to see all of my relatives and I was thrilled to celebrate family with my Aunt Catherine who has been on this earth for 101 years.

It was great spending time with my mom side of the family as well this year. While I was in California I took some time to visit my cousins, aunts and uncles. I wish I could’ve visited all of them but it takes hours in the Southern California traffic to drive to just one home. I enjoyed a home-cooked meal while catching up.  It was nice seeing you and hopefully we have the opportunity to spend time with each other again soon.

One of the highlights of my summer was when my brother, sister and her family spent their vacation here in Arkansas with me! Our Arkansas cousins had a cookout so they were able to meet a number of the family members who live here in Little Rock. While they were here we had an awesome time exploring the Northwest part of state.  I was told that a float on the Buffalo River was the thing to do in Arkansas so we rented canoes and spent a wonderful day floating on the beautiful river.  In addition to visiting museums we had an excellent view from the bridge watching the fireworks. It was so much fun!  I am looking forward to their next trip to Arkansas.

 

Friends

I do miss my friends.  Being from the east coast visiting the beach is always an annual trip. I had fun hanging out with my friend Christine, her daughter, Annette and her boys and my nieces for a long weekend this summer. I was thrilled when my friend Annette came to visit me in Little Rock!  Annette, it was nice to have some girl talk and to show you around my new home.

 

 

Vacation!

Hopkinsville, Kentucky

It was an extremely busy year at work but I took some time just for me.  I took time off of work to spend the day in Hopkinsville, Kentucky!  Ground zero for the eclipse. I was determined to see the total eclipse, and in the town of Hopkinsville it was the longest duration. It wasn’t my original plan to go to Hopkinsville, I only wanted to be in the total eclipse zone, but then at the last minute decided to go to ground zero and it was worth it! There were people from all over the world, even a news crew from Japan.  A partial eclipse or even pictures do not compare to the real total eclipse. In fact, pictures can not really capture the actual eclipse as you see it in person. I set up my camera and took some photos but during the actual 2min and 40seconds of total coverage I just observed everything around me.  This was the highlight of my year even more than the trip I had been planning for years….Morocco.

 

 Morocco

For years Morocco was #1 on my bucket list but it never seemed to work out. Finally! Finally! I was there. The geography wasn’t what I expect at all. There were rolling hills, grassy plains, alpine areas with snow-capped mountains and of course the Sahara.

My friend Cheryl and her 11yr son, Joshua, took the adventure with me but I really wish my niece Katelyn could have been there to experience it with us. I didn’t go with a tour group which made the trip an adventure and the experience richer, but driving yourself across an unfamiliar country is not for everyone.  We were there a week but there is so much more to see. I hope to go back one day to visit some of the places we didn’t get a chance to explore. If you ever decide to go I would recommend at least 10 days if you want to visit a couple of cities and the desert.

Looking Back

I spent most of my time at work this year but in looking back I still took some time to experience the world around me. What I realized this year is how much my family and friends mean to me. I appreciate your texts, the phone calls, emails, cards and especially those who took time to come to Little Rock to visit me!

To my Arkansas family, I want to thank you for including me and making feel a part of the family! It has been such an awesome experience getting to know you.  I feel that granddad William “Sam” is smiling and happy that I am here.

You guys are welcome to come to visit any time.  I can’t wait to see what new adventures are in store in 2018.

 

Here is a toast wishing you all a wonderful year!

 

Love Anita

A few other memories….

 

 

African American Museum in DC

Aunt Yvette, Katelyn and Samantha

Halloween with Elena