SAY GOODBYE TO ~ ~ ~

The tree ~ because we took it down on Sunday. Actually, there is no 'we' ~ Sonny took it down ~ he buys, decorates and dismantles the tree ~ I don't like to do any of that ~ it used to be the kids and him ~ how it's just him!! I took all the other decorations to the basement yesterday ~ 17 trips down those stairs (you would think I'd be skinny!) ~ and now today, I have to pack it all in the Christmas containers. I think the house looks so naked after all the greenery and adornments are packed away ~ I really love the house dressed in it's Christmas attire!

And say goodbye to ~ 2008! It was quite a year ~ quite a challenge for the building business ~ which I prefer to look at as a learning experience. Learning to be more conservative ~ learning that no matter what, I can't will that phone to ring with another great job! ~ learning patience. We were so grateful that it was a year of good health for us all ~ you can't put a price on that! So I thank the universe for the lessons and look forward to this new year of health and abundance for all!

This was the view from our lake condo this weekend ~ we love to watch the ice form over the lake ~ very peaceful. We are so blessed to be able to be there ~ I will never take that for granted! We went up on New Years Eve day ~ got Tad settled (who, by the way, had strep throat~ugh!) ~ met our friends for an afternoon libation ~ and then met for dinner in the evening.
And this, dear friends, is the famous 'Walleye Drop' in Port Clinton, Ohio ~ it's almost like the ball dropping in NYC ~ but not quite! They drop this fiberglass walleye (whose name is Wally) ~ P.C. is the walleye capital of the world! ~ from a crane at midnight in the middle of town. We try to enjoy this event every year, as long as it's not below zero ~ it was cold last week but lots of people jammed together helped keep us warm! It doesn't take a lot to entertain old folks!!

This past week, two of the blogs that I read ~ THE THING I DO & THE DOODLES OF MY MIND ~ mentioned Ali Edwards blog and her idea of choosing 'one little word' as your focus or mantra for the coming year. After checking out Ali's post, it seemed like a good idea and my word for this year is 'change'. There are a lot of things about me that require 'change' and as I go about my day the word actually creeps into my thoughts ~ that's a good thing! One aspect of me that needs 'change' is my exercise habits ~ I have exercised in our workout room for 3 days straight! That's like a miracle! I also want to hook every day ~ I've hooked every day this year on my 'hands' rug that has to be finished for the UFO challenge by January 20th ~ a small amount of time spent hooking every day, will show great accomplishments ~ I like this change!! Certainly, there are others ~ changes that I have to put into practice quietly ~ that will make me a nicer person ~ a healthier person ~ a more productive person, etc. ~ we'll see how that goes!!!

Let me know if you check out Ali's blog postings dated Dec. 31 and Jan. 3 and if you decide to choose 'one little word'. I'm guessing it can make a difference ~ I'm anxious to find out! Have a good day wherever you are!
Alice