This may be my last posting for 2019. At least this past year was more uneventful than 2018 and for that I’m very grateful. Both of our lives have settled into some sort of senior reality – a few doctor’s appointments, regular everyday chores, shopping and a few family get togethers scattered throughout.
My semi-annual appointments with my Nephrologists were extremely positive. Now I just have to keep the old body up to snuff to maintain my lower weight, my blood sugars and staying as fit as I can for as long as I can. I can do that. No Problem. I’m a survivor. I managed to make it to 70 years of age and damn that’s good. My only regret is my parents never had a chance to see how well I’ve done. Gone way too soon.
After a great Bon Voyage dinner for our granddaughter, Felicia, and her partner, Kyle, they were on their way to New Zealand & Australia by early December. From their postings on Facebook and Instagram they’ve been having a fabulous time and experiencing the outdoors and life in general to the Nth degree. The pictures they’re sending back are fabulous, their adventures are awesome and daring and their stories are ones that should be written down for a lifetime of memories. They’ve sand-surfed, water surfed, bungie jumped, trekked across a Mountain in fog and cold, and eaten food items they wouldn’t get in Canada. (And it’s only their first month there.) I admire their tenacity, adventuresome spirit and daringness. Awe, to be young and free again!! Nat and I can’t wait for their arrival home in February 2020. We both miss them very much everytime we look at their postings on Instagram. Felicia has had an unbelievable chance to experience so much more in life than her parents ever had due to an exhausting work schedule to save the necessary money for her education and her extensive travels to Europe, Rio de Janiero, USA, England, and now New Zealand. So jealous.
As for the old folks in Ridgeway, I’m extremely grateful for the extremely quiet year we’ve had. If I ever have to relive 2018, you can take me out to the old shed and just shoot me. It would be more merciful. I mean that in all sincerity. So with great abandon I’m enjoying those quiet days of sitting with Nat in our recliners, doing crosswords and playing games on the iPad. I’ve also had the chance to bake goodies for Nat and more goodies once the first goodies are gone. I’ve tried some new recipes with pretty good success, and am anxious to try some more once the holidays are over. I put together a package for Nat’s hair stylist and mine. I’ve got a batch of some for the family Christmas Eve get together which we’re looking forward to. Not seen my side of the family in more than a month and we always look forward to the comaraderie, laughter, and food.
Christmas Eve day is going to be busy. Hair appointment early in the morn, back home to make Pasta Salad for Laura’s get together and then on to the Irwin’s for their funfest with goodies in hand. Christmas morn will see us up early to go to Susan’s place for Bacon on a Bun and fill the void with Felicia and Kyle still in New Zealand. Knowing Susan, she’ll be worried every day, as any mother would be, but her youngest daughter, Bridget, will be there along with their big dog, which should make for a fun morning. We’ll then return home, relax a little and then make our little Christmas Dinner with the last of the turkey breast we bought at Costco. There will even be enough leftovers for sandwiches the next morning. Yum!!!!
2019 has felt like a long year and I can barely remember what we even did in the first several months, which is fine by me. I’m still experiencing some wibbly, wobblies from all those head bangers I had with the Thrush. I’m at least holding my own and am able to get along with life as best as my body will allow. I’m happy with that. With 70 years of life behind me – in and out of hospitals – some travels and new life experiences – ups and downs no one saw coming – and even a marriage I really didn’t see coming – I think I’ve managed to do okay and truly feel it’s now my turn to enjoy what I have left of my years. I’ve been a positive thinker every one of those 70 years and will never quit. A positive outlook on life, a lot of laughter and support go a long way. And a long way to go is how I’m living my life.
Nat and I are naturally looking forward to a happy and prosperous (God, yes, a prosperous) year in 2020. The old calendar on the wall is empty of entries, except for birthdays, etc. and a couple of medical appointments, but knowing us it will get filled up with something at one time or another. We can just keep that positive attitude and hope it’s everything good.
Merry Christmas to All and A Very Happy New Year.