2007: The Year in People...

For me, looking back at 2007 means reflecting on moments and memories that are defined by interesting and wonderful people. To wind down this year, I have created a month by month sampling of some, certainly not all, of those people and memories.

JANUARY

I started this blog in January. I also started the months long process of deciding whether to sell my house and move - and then doing it. Atul, my friend and real estate agent, guided me through every step of it successfully. Very successfully. And I suspect I am a high-maintenance client. This pic is during a donut break while house-hunting.

FEBRUARY

In February, Deanna made the first of several visits this year to my parents’ house in Augusta, Maine. Her stays with us are a real treat. We have enjoyed her especially this year. She slips into the family flow with an ease that comes from two decades of friendship. Knitting is a focus of our time with my parents in Maine and this pic is shows her giving a newly finished sock to my mother.

MARCH

Hints of springtime can come early in DC. It is the best time of year in the city. When the weather starts to warm up and the flowers and trees begin to bloom, I love to be out in the neighborhoods with friends. Often like in this pic, in Dupont with Sean and Michael. I could spend hours just gabbing and people watching with them. Luckily, I do.

APRIL

Ok, so this pic is not a person, but for me it has enormous life and personality. In April, I spent my last day and night on Kenyon Street in Mount Pleasant. I had lived there for 7 years. Leaving was difficult and emotional but right and good for me. I still drive by periodically to get a peek at her. I can tell the new owners are taking very good care of the ol’ gal.

MAY

On May 1 I moved 10 blocks to Columbia Heights. I love my new place – the building (killer views), apartment life (no responsibilities), the neighbors (all very cool), the location (steps to trendy U street). Most fortunately, my new home is just a few blocks from both Suz & Grant and Daryl. Daryl is part of any home for me. Here he is on my balcony with Columbia Heights and the way to his house behind him.

JUNE

Gay pride month. Unlike my friends in Canada and Belgium and England, where gay couples can get married or at least have all the same rights, in this country we are still fighting for basic civil rights (marriage equality, employment protection, etc.). This pic is of one of my favorite couples – Dr. David and David – one afternoon during Pride week in DC. They are both from Colombia and I want to go there with them soon. Maybe in 2008!

JULY

My father, known affectionately as either Moose or Tut, turned 70 in July of this year. He is the essence of Maine – appreciates nature, works hard, big Red Sox & Patriots fan. He rarely even leaves the state. Why would he? Maine really does have so much to offer. The pic below is from his birthday surprise party and is with me, my brother & sister, and his sister. It was a great celebration of him.

AUGUST

Hot, steamy, sweaty DC. Yum. During the past year I have really gotten back into cycling. That is thanks in large part to Vijay – who often picks me up and carts me out to the ‘burbs for a long and scenic ride. I love the whole experience. The ride. The friendship. The big breakfast after the ride. The pic below is of us after a 25 mile ride and 5 mile run. In August. Fun.

SEPTEMBER

A very difficult month for my family. We found out my mother has mesothelioma – a rare form of cancer. She spent much of the month in the hospital or with doctors and specialists as we got more and more information about her condition. She is the mother every son wants, especially a gay one. My friends around the world all adore her. The pic below is my brother, sister and me with her in the hospital in Portland. Like the picture, she is the center of our family and we are with her every step of the way in her fight against cancer.

OCTOBER

Autumn is my favorite time of year. Back to school and all. Finally the heat breaks in DC. It can even get cold enough to bring out the woolens! Deanna’s visits to Maine (see February) inspired me to start knitting again. The hat that Jean is wearing in the pic below is my first one. He has a big heart and I knew he would love it even with its many, many mistakes.

NOVEMBER

This month is all about Suz and Grant. They were married in DC in November. It was beautiful. They are building a wonderful partnership and life together and it was so much fun to celebrate their bliss with their loved ones. The pic below is a real favorite – with my family and friends gathered at my place to toast my sister and her husband (to be).

DECEMBER

The end of the year means home for the holidays. And for me, nothing says home more than family. Here we are. Just last week. It really is a high point of the year in my family. I think we do Christmas right – the focus is on quality time with each other. I guess we can thank our parents for that. They always did and continue to make this time of year very special.

That was 2007.  As I say often, I think I am the luckiest guy in the world. 

I am looking forward to 2008 with these people and others.

Comments

[James in Washington (& Maine)]

Rob: You are a wonderful friend.
Susan: Thanks for being in touch after all these years.
LJ: I love taking snaps. :-P
Jean: I think you are right.

[Rob]

I am so proud to know you, James!

[Susan]

Happy New Year, James! Thank you for taking me around the world and especially to your family's home this year. You are a lucky guy and you know it! Take care and happy trails in 2008.

[LJ]

Nice photographic summary! Happy 2008!

[Jean]

WOW....What a great recap of 2007. I hope your 2008 is just as special. I'm sure your family and friends will make it so :-).