Skywatch Friday – Happy New Year 2020

Up until a few years ago I went running every week, regardless of weather, after work on the Arkansas River trails. The only thing that stopped me was thunder and lightning. I have all sorts of cold weather gear to where I could run relatively comfortably down to the single digits if I had to do so. Since the tread on my knees has gotten a little thin as one doctor told me, I have cut my running way back. More cycling, more yoga and aquatics classes. But still I like to get out and run every now and then and participate in a race.

December 2019
I got out of the car, and saw this and took the closest path to the waters edge. That’s way there are trees in the way. I love the glow on the water.

Last week, the temperature wasn’t so bad so I went to the river to run and the sunset was just waiting for me. Actually I hurried because we skywatchers know that the sunset waits for no one.

December 2019
I moved upriver to a clearer vantage point.

There is nothing like a great sunset. They are so hopeful and I am looking forward to 2020. 2019 was a mixed year (aren’t they all?). Our son started college, Heather and I got to be empty nesters for a little bit and took a couple of great trips to the Teton Mountains and southeast Oklahoma. It was nice. The year ended with my brother coming down with viral encephalitis. My wife, my sister, and her husband and I dealt with that the last couple of months and will continue to deal with that for some time.

December 2019
This is looking north, upgriver after the color faded from the sunset.

So for 2020, our son heads back to college in a few days. My brother will be moving out of skilled nursing into long term care or assisted living as he continues his recovery, and life will go on as it always has.

So keep your friends and family close, be thankful for what you have, and help each other out. I wish all of you a Healthy and Happy 2020.

I am linking with Skywatch Friday

26 thoughts on “Skywatch Friday – Happy New Year 2020”

  3. Barb

    I love those river sunsets! I hope 2020 is good to you and your family, Alan. Don’t completely wear out that tread!

  6. Angie

    Glorious shots. I am still running, usually three times a week, and I am SO grateful that I can, and for my overall health. We have much to be thankful for, which I try to remember in those occasional moments when things don’t go as I think they should. Happy New Year to you – hope 2020 is all you desire.

  8. Eileen

    Hello,

    I am sorry about your knee troubles. Your sky images are stunning, beautiful photos. I like a brisk walk.
    Wishing you a great day and a happy weekend ahead.

  12. Carol

    That first sunset is absolutely gorgeous! I totally understand about knees – Mine are in bad shape but I’ve gotten a series of shots that have helped.

  18. Paul

    I used to run (which is really very sad thing to say when you think about it). But I think I more or less destroyed my desire by paying too much attention to mileage and pace and performance instead of just being in the moment and running. Now I ride my bike, though I have no urge to ride in the cold. When spring comes I’ll start again, working on the wind I had built last summer to regain it again.

  22. Peter B.

    So true about the sunset waiting for no one. Some very beautiful skies. Happy New Year, Alan, and thanks so much for hosting Skywatch!!

  24. Amy Franks

    Happy New Year! I like you use to run as well but I’ve found as I get older my knees tend to crack anytime I try to run uphill so I mainly stick to my treadmill now.

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