2016 - A Look Back and Hope Forward

 Goodbye 2015: 



A toast to Uncle Don

I must admit, I will not be missing 2015.  After Pat left us, the parade continued.  In June we had a great visit in California, and within two weeks of our departure Uncle Don breathed his last.  


Flower Tribute to the Cubs Greatest Fan



Last Fall for Black Beauty

Then it was Dan's brother, Dave, who exited this life in the Fall.  We didn't really have time to say goodbye, because his cancer was so aggressive that the days were few between time of diagnosis and when he moved on to be with his folks.

Finally, my sweet little girl, Black Beauty, was gone.  She had lost weight, but the vet attributed it to having lost several teeth.  Apparently, that was not the real problem. 



Mom Turns 93

Not to be totally bummed about 2015, there were a few positive highlights.  Mom, although she managed to break her other hip early in the year, suffered no lingering ill affects and turned 93 on October 13.  (At this point in time, I have managed to "misplace" my calendar/diary and cannot confirm any factual information - but more on that in a minute or two).

The annual "Night Before the Night Before" party came and went, with no recorded photographs (with the exception of a visit from Santa, who handed out lottery tickets).  Suddenly, 2015 departed. 

Now for 2016:  It is an election year and I doubt that I will be able to totally refrain from commenting on the insanity (see below for early comments).  Additionally, I have committed (to myself mostly) to try and "get out more often," attempt to develop some sort of part-time employment and/or volunteer position, and get running with a purpose again.

To meet these goals, I have joined "The Well-Armed Women" group and attended my first program.  After the monthly speaker, we adjourn to the range and try our hand at target practice.  At my first meeting, I was given lessons and managed a fairly good result for my attempt (I haven't shot a gun in at least 6 years since my last handgun class).  The group meets once a month for a couple hours. 

Secondly, I have started attending Zumba once or twice a week at the local fitness club.  Met a few new gals, and reconnected with at least one person I met a few years ago.  Fun times, and best of all - I am not the oldest one in the room!

Of course the "Old Folks Bible Study" meets on Thursday mornings, and another group has started up on Tuesday evening.  I have not gone yet, but maybe in a couple more weeks I will.

Jean and I have a resurgence of effort at Mom's house attempting to clean stuff out, take to Goodwill or other places, and reach decisions on the contents.  Naturally, this activity coincides with my personal effort to empty boxes stored in my basement that have made a couple moves and not been looked in for at least 10 years, so my office (which is the sorting and holding area) is now a total wreck (photos at a later date).

Finally, my running.  I started "treadmill training" at the end of December.  I mostly walk or jog and walk, but have been up to 4 miles in under an hour.  I am feeling good about the progress, but my friend, Ellen Kay, sent me the training program being used by the Terre Haute running club to prepare for Indy.  I guess I will attempt to follow that plan.  I am already committed to the Indy Mini the first weekend of May, and then another running cruise in the fall (more later). 

All that said, I suppose it is time to end this introductory post and get on with either a treadmill jog or sort more papers, photos, and what-have-you stuff.  Too early for the cocktail hour.


Blondie
 

   Before I end this, I did promise an observation (or two) on the current status of the so-called "race" for the White House.  President Obama was re-elected and is now in his last year of office.  There are a plethora of Republican candidates and three Democrats at this time.  Tomorrow is the Iowa caucuses, so perhaps the numbers will drop.

This year promises to be 100% entertainment and full of new ideas for campaigning.  Donald Trump is financing his own campaign and can't keep his mouth in check.  Hillary Clinton is attempting to ascend to the office, but is not trustworthy.  The best candidate on both sides is Bernie Sanders, a self-proclaimed Socialist/Democrat from Vermont.  If I can overlook his politics, I actually like the guy.  My personal favorite, Rand Paul, is not fairing well, and will likely not be around much longer.  There is name calling, backbiting, and legal challenges already, and the first vote has yet to be cast.  Grab the popcorn - this is going to be good.

Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities. ~Michael Josephson