Hello friends! It looks like I'm going to get this year's letter out just before we roll into another new year.

This year I upgraded the kitchen with all new appliances, counters, flooring, and blinds. The utility room also got a facelift with a new washer, dryer, double sink, flooring, and ceiling tiles. The final project was replacing the furnace and A/C. Whew! I think that's enough for one year.

In February, my high school friend Susan H. was back in town for a visit. Several from the old gang got together for an evening at my home. Many had not seen each other for nearly 30 years. It was great to be reminded of long-forgotten memories and reconnect with dear friends. Gee, I remember when I was a kid and my mom went to one of her year high school reunions. How come I don't feel as old as I thought she was back then?

I'm still riding and socializing with friends in the Twin Cities Bicycling Club (TCBC). I worked on the team that coordinated our club booth for the first Minneapolis Bicycling Travel & Fitness Expo. I also lead our 3rd Annual TCBC Swap Meet again this year.

I found a great last-minute deal on an April 7-day Caribbean Cruise and, with my mom along, we got an extra senior discount too! A laid-back vacation isn't my usual style, or enough excitement for my Energizer Bunny mother either, but I'd just completed a big phase on an intense work project so it was just what I needed. We both enjoyed the trip and had a great time together.

In June, mom and I hosted a group of friends for a weekend at her home in northern Minnesota. It was our Fox Lake Follies XXV gathering and we had great weather for the 17th Annual Tour of Lakes Bicycle Ride.

Unfortunately, this was my year to get educated about some medical conditions. My sweet Jedi was diagnosed with kidney failure at just three years old. He's now on a special diet, taking two meds, and doing much better. Other than being a little skinny, you'd never know he was sick the way he chases Skittles around the house like a maniac. I've been struggling with low energy and was unable to bicycle even short distances without becoming completely exhausted and nauseous. Finally I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have been on meds since mid-September. I feel so much better now and am thrilled to be engaged in life once again. After struggling for so long, I'm really looking forward to enjoying my riding again next season.

I could be found most late-summer and fall weekends at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival helping friends Jon A. and Sunny P. at their pottery booth.

In September I treated myself to a fabulous, custom-built Seven Axiom SG bicycle. OK, I know most of you don't believe I really needed another bike, but I've been lusting after this one for some time now. It has S&S BTC which means I can take the bike apart and pack it in an airline regulation sized suitcase. Now I no longer have to pay $80 each way every time I travel with my bike. I quickly inaugurated the bike on the Cycle America Grand Canyon / Zion / Bryce Tour. The scenery was beautiful, the rides were great, the hikes were amazing, the weather was a bit chilly, and the staff and riders were outstanding.

I've been doing a lot of fun and interesting volunteering and social events with the Single Volunteers of the Twin Cities (SVTC) during the fall and winter months.

I need to get back to working on my O2K photo albums as I have several months left to publish. I spend most of my workday on the computer so its hard to want to sit too long at my PC when I'm at home.

Now that I write it all down, I see that it was another full year for me. I have two fun trips already planned for next year so 2007 looks to be a great one too. Happy New Year to all!

Valerie