I've been inspired by two groups of our friends (the Urban's and the Webb's) to replace the usual end of year/holiday letter (usually accompanied by a holiday card) with a spiffy new blog that will not only update you on the life events of the past year in the Daniels household, but will also, if you're so inclined, keep you informed and abreast with future events and ongoings - an exciting prospect, I think you might agree.
I know, I know.. it's about a month late (and it doesn't come with a holiday card), but better late than never, right? For our tardiness, I apologize.
If we had to sum up 2006 in one word, it would almost certainly be "travel". Melinda and I have been to Maine (for our 5th wedding anniversary), Las Vegas, Arizona, Utah (twice), Mexico, the UK (including Scotland), and the windy city of Chicago. The year also saw Rob's Mum and Dad visit us here in New England before they took off for their own western national park trip in September and October - one of our two trips to Utah was to meet them in Moab for a long weekend around Columbus Day. I believe that in my next life I'm destined to be a travel agent.
I know, I know.. it's about a month late (and it doesn't come with a holiday card), but better late than never, right? For our tardiness, I apologize.
If we had to sum up 2006 in one word, it would almost certainly be "travel". Melinda and I have been to Maine (for our 5th wedding anniversary), Las Vegas, Arizona, Utah (twice), Mexico, the UK (including Scotland), and the windy city of Chicago. The year also saw Rob's Mum and Dad visit us here in New England before they took off for their own western national park trip in September and October - one of our two trips to Utah was to meet them in Moab for a long weekend around Columbus Day. I believe that in my next life I'm destined to be a travel agent.
Rob and his Mum at Arches NP 
The whole family at Arches NP
Other major highlights included Rob becoming the proud God Father of Jacob Saul Broadwater back in August. Not only am I honored to be a part of Jacob's future, but it was also wonderful to catch up with my long-time friend, Paul. And the weather behaved itself too. Our trip back to the UK also afforded us the opportunity to get together with another one of my long-time friends from Germany (and his new wife), Nick and Jo.Despite all these exciting experiences, if you asked Melinda she might suggest that my own personal highlight was the installation of my new garden shed - it's terribly handsome as you can see. Not only is it the sharpest shed in the neighborhood, but it now allows us to park both cars in the garage without the major redeployment of garden tools and other household paraphernalia . Of course, being the gentleman that I am I gave Melinda the side with the garage door opener. Just as I was responsible for the lack of snow last winter with the purchase of snow shoes, it seems that this new ability to park both cars in the garage seems to have resulted in one of the mildest and snow less winters on record. I know, there's still time. One can only hope.
The Handsomest Garden Shed in the whole wide worldWith all this travelling and installation of outside wooden wonders, it was difficult this year to fit in a MS-150 ride, a growing tradition amongst us in the Daniels household. However, as many of you know, we (Melinda and I) were able to squeak in a quick one day event in the Berkshires of Massachusetts at the end of September. While Melinda did the sensible thing and opted for a 25 mile jaunt through the antique stores and apple orchards of Berkshire County, Rob decided that it might be a grand idea to cycle 100 miles in one day while also going up and over the highest mountain in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock. The result was about $1400 raised for MS (thank you to everyone who pledged), about ten pounds of great tasting apples, and one rider who thought his lungs were about to explode from shear exhaustion. Pass me whatever those pro's are taking, and be quick about it.
The year ended with Melinda and I taking advantage of a companion pass on Southwest airlines to travel to the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It was a different Christmas than the two of us were used to (I mean, I've never had Christmas breakfast at a Denny's and Christmas lunch at the top of a mountain before), but we had a great time and managed to get in some excellent hikes, as well as some excellent food in Tuscon, AZ.
Christmas Day in Arizona
So 2006 has come and gone and we look forward to an exciting 2007. Again, the two of us apologize for not getting around to sending our usual card and letter combo, but we hope you'll forgive us.
Given that a picture is worth a thousand words (and I'm sure nobody wants to read too much more), I invite you all to follow the "Our Pictures on the Web" link at the top of the page to see a few selected images from our travels (and other activities) this year.
Keep in touch.
All our best,
Rob and Melinda
The year ended with Melinda and I taking advantage of a companion pass on Southwest airlines to travel to the deserts of Arizona and Mexico. It was a different Christmas than the two of us were used to (I mean, I've never had Christmas breakfast at a Denny's and Christmas lunch at the top of a mountain before), but we had a great time and managed to get in some excellent hikes, as well as some excellent food in Tuscon, AZ.
Christmas Day in ArizonaSo 2006 has come and gone and we look forward to an exciting 2007. Again, the two of us apologize for not getting around to sending our usual card and letter combo, but we hope you'll forgive us.
Given that a picture is worth a thousand words (and I'm sure nobody wants to read too much more), I invite you all to follow the "Our Pictures on the Web" link at the top of the page to see a few selected images from our travels (and other activities) this year.
Keep in touch.
All our best,
Rob and Melinda
