The End and the Beginning

There is stll much work to be done as we start the new year.
The saw, that is Dad's fault as he did not teach me that a hacksaw is NOT for wood!!!
One can see that our shop was not all that special!

There is much to forget and much to be thankful for as we say good-bye to 2017.

• Of course it is a blessing to be alive as we enter 2018.  As all of us know way too many who have not had the honor of living this long.
• Terry wants to say good-bye for at least 2 reasons.  Last winter she continued to deal with her broken back and this fall and winter she has dealt with a broken foot.  2018 will be better.
• I want to say good-bye to my pulled hamstring.
• There was work done in St. Paul, thanks
• There are new windows in the St. Paul kitchen, great
• We used our camper for several days, fun
• We finished our Christmas card and gifts by Thanksgiving, unbelievable
• At 9:00 AM today St. Paul temp will be -14 and Naples temp will be 54, thanks.  We had better not complain when we see that this coming week each day high is to be in the 60s
• Our trips, to MN in May and to FL in October were safe and fun-great
• In December Cynthia gave us the news that there is another grandchild on the way-exciting
• In May we received a nice refund on our taxes.  Maybe we should change our withholding but still the refund is so much better than a bill!
• Last March my tennis team finished undefeated in matches, so much fun.  This fall my tennis team had to scratch for any kind of positive, not so good but still fun.
• During the summer I was able to finish wood projects for the kids for Christmas, I still love my wood shop.

• During October and November I worked on a calendar for my siblings.  I ended up having 40 pictures and 115 dates of birthdates, deaths, anniversaries etc.  I think it was a big hit with everyone and it was fun to do.  Below is the cover of it.

• Of course each year I am thankful for my siblings.  Having experienced the deaths of Ronald and Janet as a young adult my siblings become more precious each year as we are able to grow into old age.  Dave has dealt with major health problems and is doing fine, Helen just makes life interesting for herself and friends and the picture of Joan/Ron with their Christmas card looks like they are getting younger and more in love with each passing year.  I admit these are my observations and are NOT their words.  BUT I think my thoughts are pretty accurate!
• One of my highlights for the year has been letters and cards from grandkids.  They are so super special and I have to admit almost on a daily bases I look for something in the mail.  I said "look" as of course they do not come everyday.  Jude will often ask some questions and then he will write, "report back".  How cute is that???  I do write a note to two of them each week and that has been fun.
• One of the highlights of the year was being part of Terry's son, Brian, marrying Tammy.  Brian hit the nail on the head with his choice of partners, Tammy is a special person and fun to have in the family.
• As I write I notice that most of the thoughts are on the positive side but Terry would tell you that in many ways 2017 has been a struggle and I agree.   But of course we always need to look on the bright side of things and be thankful for what we are and what we have. 

As Terry and I take down the 2017 calendar tomorrow and put up the 2018 we will think, expect, feel and work towards a blessed and fun new year.  To anybody who happens to read this I wish the same for you.