Happy New Year 2019! It is a rather pleasant day with temperatures in the 60’s although there is a pervasive cloud deck. Famous and I heralded the new year at midnight even though we had already turned in. This New Year’s Day marks the end of an extended Christmas break for me and the beginning of a new year, so I just wanted to greet those of you who have followed us in the past.

2018 seemed fraught with turmoil and conflict for many of us. But Famous was one of the steadfast elements of the year. Our main adventure was a week at the North Carolina coast visiting all of our seven lighthouses prior to the devastation of Hurricane Florence. He was a great travel companion once again, and he seemed to enjoy staying on the beach for a few days.

I often draw hints from Famous when it comes to walking through life. Today, I deemed it appropriate that he gave me the word “curious”. During our very first walk of 2019, he took exceptional interest in one of the natural areas that line our street. He was not just interested, he was devoted to the scent perhaps where a deer or visiting pet had been. It made me consider the things in my life for which I have a passion and how I might be more invested in them this year.

Perhaps this will be our mantra for the new year — expecting to find joy in our passions. Famous is one of those passions, and I will work to make his presence in my life a real celebration. Just as I understand he will only be in my life for a few more years at best, the future holds a changing landscape for all of us. Discover and treasure the passions you have, celebrate them, and share them. Then, hopefully, next year at this time, as we draw a close to the first score of years in this century, we will be celebrating a world at peace filled with renewed hope.