I’ve always had an artificial Christmas tree. It appeals to my frugal side, but also to my tree-hugging-hippie side. It’s a renewable source, and, to be honest, I’ve grown attached to my trees. When the girls were little, they would draw a picture for the tree so it wouldn’t be scared or lonely in its box hidden in the dark attic. Over the years, it has grown into an annual letter tucked in with her (yes, the tree has always been of feminine gender, and we have had several over the years). She also has a name, Evvie the Evergreen.
This was this years edition:
Dear Evvie,
It’s time once again to put you to sleep for the long spring and summer. 2016 flew all too quickly, as the years always seem to.
It’s been a quiet year for Paul and I, not many changes, other than Kate and Nick moving in to a house two streets over. It was an expensive fall, with a roof leak, new ramp to side door, new water heater, Kate’s car needing massive work and Annette needing new carpet for her new house. So, hoping that 2017 will be easier on the budget. I’m still working at the same job, but less afraid of getting fired, lol. Sixteen months and counting. Healthwise, we are good, although Paul had a rough spell in the fall with his COPD, but he is much better now. Very happy about that!
Kate left the Y and is now working with a local hospital group at an outpatient rehab center as a yoga instructor and is in the process of being certified to personal train cancer patients and will also be doing regular personal training. She started back to school to work on her physical therapy ass’t goal as well. Nick is working at the printing place along with most of the family of our former neighbors. Their little family grew with the addition of Shiva, our grandfur, who happens to share Kate’s birthday! A black Lab and pit mix, she seems to be 99.9% Lab, with all the joy and love that Labs bring to life. The also adopted a feline brother for Shiva, named Buddha, or Bud for short. So, they have formed a sweet and loving family!
Annette graduated from UMA with a degree in Medical Billing and Coding. Proud mama moment for me to attend the graduation ceremony! My SIL watched the simulcast, so was able to attend via video, another poignant moment for me! Chris and Annette purchased a home in Odessa, on 2 acres MOL, complete with two ponds, turtles, owls and more wildlife that they haven’t seen yet. Although further away, I’m hopeful that we will still see them as often. CJ was diagnosed as autistic, but high on the spectrum, so they will have that challenge to deal with in 2017. He’s a good boy, and I’m certain that with the therapy that he will get, he will progress smoothly. Christopher is still working driving the cement truck, and is very successful at it and making a very good living while doing so, and taking special care of his little family.
So, what do I hope for in 2017? Of course, the old standby of healthy living and weight loss, and I hope to pursue more creative endeavors, my main goal. I have been way too focused on work and need to focus on doing things I enjoy, writing, crafting and beaching!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Much love,
ME
