Courage

A truism.

A beautiful loving remembrance of acceptance.

And life goes on as we search for perfection but settle for our flaws and work hard at counting all of our blessings.

Granddaughter Erin was having one of these for lunch and said it was really delicious.   A bit of Cuban mixture and an  energy builder after a long hike.    Looks good to me.

It is always good to meet up with a red head.

The end of our year is creeping up on us, time to think back and realize not only how fast our seconds tick off but  a look see as to what happened to us this past year.   For many in our country it was stormy weather that left them without a stitch to their name.    Remember that when you think of donating a few dollars to the agencies that came through for them.    I have had to rebuild several times in my lifetime and it really is not the end of your world, just the beginning of a new and different one.    You are a survivor and testing your mettle goes along with it.   It is a little miracle of survival.  As your new year starts, think about survival as one day , all to soon, you have to make decisions that you really are not ready for ...why?   Because you didn't think ahead and that is something you have to start doing right now.    Prepare for your future down the road when you will want and need a different life style only because you reach a 'golden year' that resembles a rusty bucket.  You need to work on you first of all.  You need to develop a positive attitude.  You need to put aside a few dollars every  month so it adds up and is there when you need it.   Don't fall for the plans that promise it is the end of all ends as you will discover you paid in but the plan never grew along with you and when it comes time to use it there is little or nothing there.    Depressing thoughts....never.....just reminding you that it is better to prepare now than wake up a half century later and find out you missed the boat.   

 

Here at Ridgemont there was almost a full house.    We have two in the hospital from falls.    How fragile we become with age.    Rosie fell going into the hospital building doorway and hurt her arm badly and didn't do her face any good either.    Laverne tripped and we haven't heard the outcome of her fall yet.    Vinnie has been a no show for days.  I think he went into a Christmas depression and we are sending cookies for his sweet tooth in  hopes he will rally.    Don lost his wife to Alzheimer and had a really tough time over the holidays .   On the other side of the coin, we had almost a full house since the holiday season began.    Everyone dressed up in their new finery and full of tales of a wonderful family and friends holiday.  it doesn't take much to cheer them up...being wanted and being useful sets the tone for the day.   Many had new great grandchildren to welcome and lots of tales to tell.  It was uplifting for them and now they are content to settle back and do as little as possible, until a bus ride is readied and they are ready to go off and running to a new adventure..

 

So all of you  young 'whipper-snappers'  thank you for participating in the lives of your senior members of your family.   It only takes a look, a smile, a hug or a kind word of remembrance to make the 'old folks' come alive.    One is always needed . . . something about being useful that makes one feel cherished.    Remember you get what you give so prepare your road with good thoughts and deeds for those who spent a lifetime making your world a better place.  Be good, be kind, be loveable.  Share you with those you love and like.    Remember to give some of your time  sharing and caring as what does go around comes back around as time flies and you are seldom aware of it.  

 

I now have my music back as I was gifted a new little radio...sounds great and I do sing along although I keep the door closed.    I have two new sweaters to wear, one a bit on the fuzzy side and the other replaces a worn out favorite style.  I have dates to eat, yum . . . and if the oven didn't set off the alarm I could make some date and nut bread, one of my favorites.   The box of pears Jock sent went fast.   I shared and the ladies were so grateful.   One told me it was the sweetest pear she really enjoyed for the first time in ages.    I wont tell you about the goodies as it would make your mouth water....but I  am sharing or I'd be over-sized in a hurry.    I'm looking forward to a nice quiet New Year;   I can watch the ball drop in New York Time Square.    Remember Guy Lombardo???  I do!    Oh,. and don't forget you have to update that new calendar and prepare for a new year. 

 

So take one day as it comes.  Prepare for the future.    Share you with those you love and like.    Remember to light a candle for those less fortunate.    Prepare for the New Year and decide that YOU make your world go around.    Sharing is caring so don't be stingy with those hugs.   verbal ones matter. . . I could use a few.    Hugs to all.