Sunday, December 31, 2017

end of year musings

Here we are, the last day of 2017. 
How was this year for you?


 When I went back through my blog, planner and photographs from 2017, there were a lot of things that made me smile, and of course, other things I'd rather forget.


 Finally getting some work done in our house - the pass-thru between the living room and kitchen, the wainscoting torn off the kitchen walls and the kitchen repainted, having a mantle built around the fireplace, and new windows put in the house - were positive changes for Comfy House. Hopefully in 2018, we can have a little work done outside.


As for myself, I went to my first Blackhawk's game, tried my hand at painting on canvas, took a level one Reiki course, and got accepted into the Wayfair Homemaker/Featured Blogger program. I also had knee surgery (menisectomy) in March and then five months of physical therapy, so I'm glad that's behind me.


 I wonder how my fur babies will do in 2018. Zippo's my old guy (darker kitty, in front) who has glaucoma, cataracts and thyroid disease. He's also mostly deaf and a little senile. He'll be 19 in May, so every day with him is especially treasured. Clementine (middle) was recently diagnosed with kidney failure. She's under the care of three different vets - regular, internal medicine, and a dermatologist - so we're doing the best we can with her care. The internal medicine vet said she could live a couple more years. Like with Zippo, we just don't know though. 


Life is uncertain, but it can also be beautiful.


 My exciting New Year's Eve has consisted of my car almost breaking down...

 I left to run a couple of errands. On the way to the stores, I was stopping at a friend's house for a short visit. Half a mile up the road, my car started sputtering, like it was about to die. It was happening while driving and while at a stop. Then the check engine light went on. By the time I got to my friend's house (only a mile away), my car smelled like burning rubber. I was able to drive it a couple more miles to the shop that always works on our cars, while my friend followed behind me and then drove me home. So much for errands! My car is a 2001 Honda Accord, so yes, it's old. I've never had any problems with it until now, so I guess I've been lucky. I'm just glad this didn't happen two days ago when I was out and about, almost an hour away from home and during a snowstorm.

Brian will be home from work soon. We'll have pizza and wine and watch a little TV until Brian falls asleep. He's entitled - he just finished working three 12-hour shifts. And he gets up at 3:15 a.m. I'll probably just go to bed at my usual time - 11:00 -11:30. I'll make sure to warm up my bed with the heated mattress pad beforehand though: our weather has been frigidly cold.Tonight the wind chills are supposed to be anywhere from -20F to -35F. Glad we're staying home.

Thank you for reading my blog, your kind comments, and your friendship. See you in the New Year!


14 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear of your car breaking down but you were lucky to be out with a friend. I hope it works out OK. Wishing you and ALL your family a healthy New Year!

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  2. Hope your car is easily fixable. I for one am ready for the new year. Blessings of peace, love and joy to you and yours.

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  3. Blessings and happy New Year wishes sent right back to you my friend. We stayed in, I love that. My son went out all excited as a 24 year old will, thank God for Uber so at least I know he wasn't driving and I could sleep. I never understand why anyone would want to start the New Year tired and hungover. Hoping for a more restful 2018 for all of us.

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  4. Never a good feeling when the car starts to sputter. I hope the fix proves to be quick and not too costly.
    So sad to watch our pets deal with age related issues. However, your kitties are lucky to have such good caregivers.
    Wishing you all the best in the new year, Melanie.

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  5. Ugh! It's always something isn't it. Hope it's nothing too expensive or problematic. Our heat broke down in the rv and it's below freezing!

    Wishing you only good things in the new year❤️

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  6. Happy new year, Melanie! I always enjoy reading what you've been up to. May 2018 be filled with good things for you.

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  7. Happy New Year, Melanie! I am glad that your car was close to the shop when it had a problem. I can't even imagine being stranded and waiting for a service vehicle in these dangerous temps. Keep warm! All the best in 2018!! xo

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  8. So good to hear from you. I got an email msg saying you had this post up, and I realized I've not seen a post from you in ages. Then I come here and see that you have had several posts I knew nothing about. I wonder why that is? Anyway, here I am and I think I'm caught up with all of your news.

    Sorry to hear about your car, but glad you were close to home. Hope it is easily fixed and not too expensive.

    Your dear cats all look sweet. My girls are 11 & 10.

    May 2018 be a wonderful year for you and your family dear Melanie ~ FlowerLady

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  9. It does sound like you accomplished several good things during the year, Melanie. That always feels good, doesn't it?

    I am sorry about your car--that is all you need after the expense of Christmas and the holidays. Always something. My hubby is still driving his 2000 Toyota Sequoia. It has 450,000 miles on it, runs like a top and looks brand new. He takes it every other year and has touch up done and there is no rust or damage to the car. Amazing.

    I hope you have a blessed, wonderful 2018, Melanie. Happy New Year- xo Diana

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  10. Saying goodbye to 2017 has been a good thing for me. I'm hoping that 2018 brings us all much joy and happiness!

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  11. We also had a quiet new year at home, and didn’t even stay up till midnight. It was a rough year, as you know, and I’m SO glad to have it behind me!

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  12. Very pretty and oh so cute with your kitty pics. I am sorry about your car. It is always something.
    May the car get fixed for not a lot of money and you have better days ahead now with the new year.
    Happy New Year.
    Kris

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  13. May this New Year be special in every way… bringing you the gift of love and excitement.
    (01/01)From Japan to friends all over the world; Happy New Year! ! https://ryoma2sakamoto.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/01-01from-japan-to-friends-all-over-the-world-happy-new-year/ @Sakamoto2Ryouma

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  14. happy new year and may everything go smoothly including your cars going forward! :)

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