No, not talking about the tax bill, just my yearly reflection on the ups and downs of life. Lots of positives, less negatives which equates to a pretty happy 2019 overall. Of course, I am deeply disturbed by our president and his henchmen, but I refuse to let them influence my well being…if at all possible.
The most wondrous event was the birth of my fifth grandchild, my second granddaughter. Not so little Frances June made her appearance on August 19th weighing over nine pounds. Already, she tries to keep up her end of the conversation such as it is in the midst of family gatherings. Of course, I am highly prejudiced but she is beautiful with a full head of dark wavy hair and a smile that lights up the room. My son was gobsmacked. He had no idea how head over heels he would be for this baby. His first and truly a miracle.
On the home front, we tackled practically every room in the house and Marie Kondo-ed it. We kept what we loved and got rid of what we didn’t. I admit it wasn’t always easy. God knows, this practice tests even the best of relationships. There are things I loved that he didn’t and vice versa. But, with some negotiation, we mostly agreed and ended up with what I consider a happier, more serene home.
However, I don’t know if I would ever paint four coats of white paint over a red maple bunkbed again. And, I’m pretty sure BH wouldn’t spend four hours straight putting together a corner cabinet from Overstock to surprise me when I returned from one of my trips to Maryland. He couldn’t move for days nor could I from the bunkbed paint job. These are fierce reminders of our senior status!
Goodreads sent me an email last week informing me I had read 57 books last year. Is this an accomplishment? Maybe, but I can tell you that it was quite an eclectic mix of literature, not all of those books landed on the New York, Times Best Books of the Year. I have loved to read since the age of 6, when I read Alice and Jerry, my very first book. I don’t think I can fall asleep without reading at bedtime. It relaxes me and often launches me into my dreams.
I have no idea what BH was reading last night but I’m somewhat concerned since he tapped my arm around 3 in the morning. “Wake up, wake up,” he whispered. “What’s the matter?”
“Invasion,” he says. “Invasion of what?” “Aliens.” “Oh, okay.” “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” “Good. You do that.” So, around 8, I tapped him on his arm and whispered, “Invasion.” We both howled. Who could make this up?
We enjoyed a couple of bridge cruises in the Caribbean and played in several tournaments. We splurged on season tickets for the Venice Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Braves spring training games. Our Venice life is very quiet out of season and very busy in season. Thankfully, we have maintained good health overall. Not perfect, but who could expect that at our age?
Amazingly, I lost 10 pounds last year and have maintained it! It’s a combination of intermittent fasting and my personal no chips, no fries, no booze diet. Of course, I do not stick to that diet 24/7 but I know exactly what to do if I happen to add a pound or two. I kid you not, I could live on kettle chips.
Sadly, the worst of this year was losing two precious souls to pancreatic cancer. A horrible disease that took them both way too soon. My son-in-law’s brother was 35 and left behind his wife and year old son. I also lost one of my best friends, who retired at age 56 and was diagnosed six months later. I still hear her voice constantly. I am still reeling from those losses.
And, yes, I still have my scoliosis issues but I keep it in perspective. It could be so much worse and I am not scooter girl yet nor do I intend to be!
I used to make resolutions for the new year but now life is much simpler. I adore my family and friends and wish them all health and every happiness. I am hopeful for another year of fun times with my honey. Maybe, I’ll read 60 books this year and earn more master points in bridge and enjoy good movies. Maybe the Ravens will win the Super Bowl.
And, maybe, just maybe, we can restore civility and integrity to our nation.
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