First of all, Happy New Year to anyone who might be reading this. I hope 2013 is everything you would like it to be with lots of good health, safety and happiness!

There are a few things planned for 2013. We are continuing in our efforts to help the children and young adults of Tanzania. We will once again have the golf tournament in August and the Variety Show in October to raise money for the cause. Our Golf Tournament organizer, Debbie Harbridge, has it well in hand and plans for the Variety Show are circulating in the back of my head.

On a personal note, Plan Canada has named me as a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and there will be a presentation in January. The time is TBA. I am flattered and honoured to be receiving the medal as I know there are many deserving people out there. As I have often said, none of this would be possible without the involvement and support of so many people, including Plan Canada.  I may get the credit, but the medal is thanks to all of you.

The manuscript for my new book, I Guess We Missed The Boat, is complete and is making the rounds in search of a publishing home. I am a little apprehensive since it’s a humorous book about travel with my in-laws. Two things make me apprehensive. It is difficult to write humour and to get people to laugh. Secondly, it IS a book about my in-laws. Hopefully, I won’t be looking for a new family any time soon. On the first point, someone whose writing I really respect just told me she thought it was funny! Phew! Now, if the publishers think so…

2012 was an awesome year for Kilimanjaro and Beyond as it received many awards. One that I’m particularly proud of that resulted from the book and a subsequent interview on the Authors Show is that I was named to their list of “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.” There is a book available on their site with essays written by each author on the list. That’s me 3rd from the left at the top!!

I was sorry to see 2012 leave but who knows what will happen in 2013?  There is one thing for sure: Life is never dull!