December 2015 ~ Canoga Park and Arrowbear Lake, California
Home is where the heart is…
We have been home bodies for the past couple of months – well kind of any way. That has become a very “relative” term. We have our tiny cabin in the San Bernardino Mountains where we can have some down time, relax, enjoy the crisp, clean mountain air, hug a tree or two, and witness brilliant red sunsets. Pretty nice actually.
Too bad our time there has been limited, as business obligations have drawn us away…
It has been two and a half years since we sold our home in West Hills, packed up our remaining belongings, turned the business over to our son and hit the road. When we left, we had a few things still on our “to do list” that simple got pushed aside. We needed the time to heal from the loss of our parents (my mother in January 2013, and Tim’s father in December 2013) and we were really looking forward to exploring for an extended period of time.
Turkey, 2014
We met our goals and then some for 2014 with a total of nine months on the road. That included visiting 31 countries starting with Turkey, short trip back to the US, then our epic seven months around the world adventure, a thirty-day cross-country road trip that ended back in Southern California, and finally a three-week visit to our beloved Guatemala.
Nepal, 2014
South Africa, Southern most point
2015 started out with a big bang traveling to the African continent with time in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.
Tim and Joanne with two 19 month old lions
Walking with the lions was definitely a highlight!
In the spring we got another road trip in that included camping at Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite, sitting on a rock at Glacier Point, overlooking the Curry Village 3,214 feet below
Over the summer we took a Gate 1 trip that included the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris where we then luxuriated on a magnificent Uniworld river cruise through both Northern and Southern France.
Eiffel Tower shot taken from Trocadero Park
Fall was another road trip up the west coast of the USA, taking our time through Northern California, Oregon and Washington. We spent a few days in Los Gatos to witness my nephew Ian marry Nadia. What a beautiful couple – inside and out! I’m so happy for these two and am wishing them everything wonderful for their future.
Joining my sister and brother-in-law on a boating trip through the San Juan Islands was incredibly memorable and special family time.
Early morning about to depart from Ganges
One of the things that got pushed aside before we hit the road, was some construction and repairs that needed to be done on our larger warehouse. Our retirement plans had included leasing it out for additional income. We were doing a fine job of spending money, but it was time to take care of some needed business, complete the repairs, and get it occupied.
But, I am laughing at where I am putting my head down most nights, and many might think us nuts. Our shop is a two-hour drive from the cabin and it was just not practical to commute while overseeing the construction, so we commandeered a back office, set up a temporary bedroom (there is a shower and small kitchen here) and that has been our home base much of October, November and December.
That has been our priority the past couple of months. Thankfully we have wrapped it up and our new tenant is getting settled in.
To close out 2015 and bring in 2016, both our son and our General Manager are on a much deserved vacation which means that Tim and I are holding down the fort in their absence.
BUT LOOK OUT 2016, we have some amazing traveling planned!
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for the wonderful group of people we have the privilege of working alongside. Although both Tim and I are officially retired, this business, that we grew from its infancy, still holds a place in our hearts. I think Tim has had a wonderful time working with our son the past couple of months in-between overseeing the construction project. We have a very small core group, but they work well together, are hard-working, respectful, honest and loyal. We truly have an extended family.
A Note From Abroad 
Tim and Joanne I am in awe and such a fan of what you are doing. Happy New Year. And may God bless you and your family.
LikeLike
Many thanks Glenda – and Happy New Year to you as well.
LikeLike
Such amazing images! I love the Yosemite pano and the departure from Ganges is purely excellence!
LikeLike
Thank you Alex. Being able to capture a picture here and there as we travel is my hobby and I love sharing what I see through the eye of my camera.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You two seem to have fulfilled so much. It makes me want to do more. Juggling work and leisure and not just dumping everything into one is truly admirable and something many simply give up on.
As I am new, I will have to look around at all of the content you have produced. Not all in one day, of course!
LikeLike
Welcome John! Please do pull up a chair, nose around and explore to your hearts content. We spent quite a few years building our business, working long hours, and finally now have reached our retirement. Thankfully we are both in good health and are making the most of each travel adventure. I hope that you too will have the opportunity to fulfill all your travel dreams.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right now I am working on my resume. I want to get all of my travels out of the way now (teaching in different countries) and retire to the familiarity of the United States. It is like we’re opposites!
But it is wonderful to be in shape and be in a way (financially) that you can enjoy your retirement to its fullest.
LikeLike
Such an awesome year! I love your pictures. Please keep on travelling, and sharing with us. (where was the very first image taken, on the top page? was it in Arizona?)
LikeLike
Thank you Dr. Y. That top picture was taken in South Africa at Bourke’s Potholes. Here is a link with a little more info: http://wp.me/p3qZvN-6lY
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the information. It is a gorgeous picture!
LikeLike
Hey Tim and Joanne!
Thanks for stopping by Jaiguytravels!
Your blog looks amazing, and I had a really nice time reading about your adventures. By some unfortunate twist of fate, and of wrist over my laptop mouse pad, I accidentally marked your comment on my Phnom Penh post as spam…
But I wanted to let you know that Cambodia is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to, and that if you go to Cambodia you should go to Battambang. I liked it better than Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
http://jaiguytravels.com/2016/01/11/is-it-worth-it-to-go-to-battambang-things-to-do-in-battambang-cambodia-2016/
When we were in Siem Reap we had an amazing tuk tuk driver. He had fresh icy face towels, and water bottles in his tuk tuk, was very accommodating, fair priced, and he speaks impeccable English.
If you’re interested in a tuk tuk driver for Siem Reap. you should definitely give this guy a try-
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297390-d7712940-Reviews-Tuktuk_Angkor_Driver_Day_Tours-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html
Anyway, thanks for reading again and happy travels.
Justin
LikeLike
Thank you Justin for your input and Tuk Tuk driver recommendation. I will do a bit of research on Battambang when we get home from Hawaii. Appreciate it!
LikeLike
Travel filled with such joy. Enjoyed your pictures!
LikeLike
Thanks Bobbi.
LikeLike
What wonderful photos.
LikeLike
Glad you like them!
LikeLiked by 1 person