how can i stop at ten?

There were more great moments in 2013, come to think of it, though most some of these don’t have photos to accompany the story. In no particular order:

• The surprise party that sprite threw for me in honor of my 40th birthday was too cool for words (And too amazing for me to snap a single picture). She rounded up friends from all aspects of my life to celebrate, and it was awesome.
• Riding the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo in September – and being able to ride with UCI Pro Tour cyclists like Joe Dombrowski and Ben King.
  
  But really, it was all about enjoying the experience with my cycling friends.
  

  

• Seeing these cyclists atop Empire Pass near Park City, Utah, on a rainy day was inspiring (and made me wish I had a bike that day).
  
• Climbing ever higher…
  
• Cuddling with our cats. Corey, especially, has turned into a bit of a lap cat (though he can still terrorize the other cats and upend The Burrow).
• Sharing campfires with sprite in New Hampshire.
  
• Friday evenings picnicking at The Yards: a lovely place to spend an evening with good food, good drink, and good friends.
  
• And the beach was, as ever, relaxing.
  

So I suppose 2013 wasn’t the worst year, after all. Yes, there was an over-arching theme of family unease that cast a pallor over things, but it had a good number of fine moments that made me smile.