It’s December 22nd as I make myself sit down to prepare this letter. Originally, I had planned on writing this letter over the Thanksgiving weekend, but just didn’t have the emotional energy to go back through the year. I’ve been putting it off ever since. However, I am determined to get this completed before Christmas. This may or may not be the last Snyder Christmas letter. It doesn’t give me the joy it used to; now it just feels like drudgery.
I ended our 2023 letter hopeful for more opportunities to travel, to spend time with family & friends and continue to make friends in my new home state.
We traveled a lot this year. In March, Anthony attended a men’s conference in Jacksonville, FL. In April, Anthony and I spent a week in Texas. I went back to Texas in October to visit Jessica on what would have been her 38th birthday. I also spent time with Dylan, his fiancé’ and her family. In May, I went to Virginia to attend a co-worker’s retirement party. In July, we spent the week in Tennessee. In August, Anthony had a work conference in Vegas and I tagged along. In September, we went to Cancun with our favorite travel friend Kathy Clifton. I attended our church’s Salt & Light Women’s Conference in Clearwater. Anthony also made some trips to Kentucky and Virginia for work throughout the year.
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| Vegas Baby! |
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| Photo Op with Jamie Lissow |
In addition to our travel, we stayed busy with lots of events and entertainment. This was the year for comedy; we saw Jimmy Failia, Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld in Clearwater, Joe Machi in Tampa and Jamie Lissow in Sarasota. In February we went to the Florida State Fair and saw Cirque de Solei in St. Pete. In June we went tubing at Rainbow Falls State Park. In July we went to Orlando and saw Cheaptrick, Journey and Def Leopard in concert. We also added 2 new bike trail rides to our list.
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Def Leopard Concert
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We continued to be active with our church attending more church sponsored events and investing in relationships with our Discipleship Group Family. Besides the men’s and women’s conferences, we attended the winter formal, participated in Financial Peace University and the annual trunk or treat. We are looking forward to attending the Christmas service on Christmas Eve.
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Leighton, Kavya & Rachel Visit
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We made relationships a priority. In June, Leighton, Kavya and Rachel came for a visit. We took them on an airboat ride in Homosassa, Florida and to our favorite beach at Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida. When my good friend Barbara Maxwell made a spur of the moment trip to Tampa, I made sure to meet her for dinner. KC Gott and I were determined to have a girl’s trip. We decided to do a long weekend in St. Pete. We rented an Airbnb and had a wonderful time. In Vegas, we visited Anthonys' Navy buddy Brandon Jautaikis and his lovely wife Tamela and had lunch with Anthony's friend Jim Altobell. In October, Anthony had a former work colleague in town, and we met him for dinner. We recently hosted another of Anthony’s former work colleagues for a few days while he searched for homes in the area.
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Goodbye to Snickers
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This year we said goodbye to Snickers in June. He had been diagnosed with stage 1 kidney failure in February. The vet encouraged us to continue his special diet and lots of hydration. Unfortunately, his kidney failure escalated quickly and on June 27, 2024, we took him to the vet for the last time. It was very hard to say goodbye to him. Snickers was 12 years old, and he had been a part of our family since he was 9 weeks old. We made the most of his final hours. We let him have ice cream for dinner, kept his regular routine including breakfast and a morning walk. We took Skittles with us to the vet. I even sang to him as he was leaving this earth (I sang every to him every morning as we were preparing for our walk). I hope he knew how much he was loved. I also hope that dogs really do go to Heaven, and we see him again. Skittles is now the only dog in our home, and he has adjusted well.
We survived 3 hurricanes this year – Debby, Helene & Milton. We were fortunate that we never lost power or internet during any storms and saw minimal damage from Milton. Anthony recites a quote he heard. “Waiting for a hurricane is like being stalked by a turtle.” This is so true. We are so glad hurricane season is over for this year.
2025 is looking to be a busy year.
We already have 3 trips scheduled. I started this letter saying this task feels like drudgery. But as I review the year, I’m reminded of all the fun and life experiences we’ve had. So, I think I will continue the annual letter if not for anyone but myself.
I hope we get to see you and spend time with you in 2025.
Merry Christmas – Anthony, Cindy, Skittles and our Angel Snickers
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Christmas 2023
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| Snickers & Skittles |
