December 30th

It's the quiet days that sometimes get to me. I just got off the phone with my mom. I told her I have cabin fever. She said, "You probably won't be someone who should retire."

I replied, "I don't ever plan to".

This year Christmas was a bit slower, a bit quieter than usual. Maybe because everyone is getting a bit older, there are no babies around to cry or wail, and my grandparents seemed so feeble. With my uncle's passing this year, Mike having to work the day after Christmas and my dad not around - such a significant absence of the male figures that had always been there over the holidays.

My mother had bronchitis, and my nephew the flu. Walker and I both ended up with awful colds that we're still trying to get over.

My parents were kind to one another, amicable and friendly.

The presents were plentiful and Santa exceeded expectations.

The three sons/cousins/grandsons were happy and hyper.

So much buildup, and it always goes by too fast. I've taken the tree down, started painting the family room a new color. New, fresh paint always does me good.

Here's to happiness in the new year. I've got lots of goals already...stay tuned...