looking back on 2013

 Well, here we are. The last day of 2013. Do you stay in for New Year's Eve,

or do you go out? We usually stay in - and tonight's no exception. Brian worked

all day and has to get up at 4:15 a.m. for work again tomorrow. Plus, it's 

snowing again. Worrying about intoxicated drivers is bad enough on New

Year's Eve, but add snow to that and it's even worse. We had take-out Chinese

food for dinner, played a few rounds of Backgammon, and now we're going

to watch a little TV. Not much different than any other night at home. Though

I may have a glass of wine later, big party animal that I am.

I went through my 2013 daily planner and was looking at all the little things

~ and big things ~ that made up my year. Have you ever done this? It's

kind of cool to see your year in review, though sometimes painful too, if

there was a serious illness, accident, or death. I found that my life was made

up of a lot of "little" moments with friends and family - lots of talk over meals

out or just meeting for coffee or thrifting. There were day trips with Brian,

walks in the State Park, a concert, two art classes, a baby shower, an 80th

birthday party, my first blog conference, trying out for The Family Feud,

 and meeting Jane from Blondie's Journal.

(Me and Jane)

There wasn't a big vacation, but I did have four weekends away ~ one with

a couple of church friends for a women's conference downstate; another

with one of my best friends to her son's college in Iowa; and then two weekends

away with Brian - to Cedarburg, Wisconsin and St. Joseph, Michigan.

(St. Joseph, MI)

 

Tim moved out and started university in August.

Our house was a little worse for the wear this year with having to replace

the water softener, water heater, stove, and dishwasher; and having 

furnace problems, missing shingles off the roof, a broken toilet, and 

lots of plumbing problems (which are still ongoing!).

 And then there were those loved ones that left this earth: my sister-in-law, Colleen

in March; my best friend's father in May; my grandpa in October; and my

great-aunt in November. May they all rest in peace. 

(Grandpa Herbie)

I shared my life with you all in 140 blog posts this year. I want to thank you

all for reading my little blog and being so kind and supportive. May 2014

bring us all abundant blessings of wellness, love, and peace in our hearts.

(Zippo and Monkey resting on my bed this afternoon)