Song of the day:
A picture postcard
A folded stub
A program of the play
File away your photographs
Of your holiday
And your mementos
Will turn to dust
But that’s the price you’ll pay
For every year
Is a souvenir
That slowly fades away
I traveled home today after 10 days away visiting friends and family. It was a great time that I wouldn’t trade for anything, but it’s always good to be back home. A lot has happened in these last ten days, including the shift from 2022 to 2023. I saw many of you posting retrospectives with pictures and videos and thought I’d throw something together as well. Here’s a brief glimpse at what the last year was like in my world. Thanks to everyone who made it amazing.
The last week has been one of transition, not for me so much as for my mom and Frank. My mom made the most difficult decision of her life and moved Frank to a memory care facility last week. I am so thankful I arrived the day after the move to help her with this incredibly difficult change. It was absolutely the right thing to do, but so, so hard. But we know he’s getting the care he needs, and I know that my mom is not wearing herself out being his 24/7 caregiver. She did it on her own as long as she could, more than most people would have done, but it was time. The place is nice and only 15 minutes from where my mom lives. They do a lot of activities, and right now, Frank is one of only 10 people in the unit. He’s eating and sleeping well, and seems to be content, albeit a little confused here and there. Your prayers and supportive words through this difficult time are incredibly helpful. For anyone that wants to reach out to my mom directly, text me or send me an email and I’ll get you her contact info.
I’m so thankful I took the next few days off as vacation so I can get some things done around the house. This week’s theme is PURGE. I plan on going through my closets and books and kitchen and getting rid of everything I no longer need. It seems like a good way to start a new year. I don’t typically make resolutions but I do resolve to get this done by Friday so the College Hunks Hauling Junk folks can come and take it all away. It’s supposed to be raining here most of the week so it’s a good time to stay inside. Now if only I can stop myself from being distracted by something shiny…
Another thing I’ve resolved to do in the new year is to try one new restaurant a week. I tend to stick to the same 5 or 6 places and don’t branch out very often. If you know of a place in my area that you think I’d like, let me know in the comments.
Finally, I’ve resolved to resume my walking. I loved it in the early days of the pandemic but somehow got away from it and now I don’t do it at all. But I loved it and want to get back to it. At least a few days a week.
What about you? Any resolutions to speak of? Let me know in the comments.
Last night a player on the Buffalo Bills NFL team collapsed on the field after what seemed to be a fairly routine hit. The game was postponed, and all that is known is that he’s in critical condition. Yesterday morning, actor Jeremy Runner was seriously injured in a snow plowing accident, and Ken Block, a race car driver, was killed in a snowmobile accident. All of these incidents make a person remember how fragile life is and how we need to embrace each day and not take a single moment for granted. I suppose that should be our real resolution this year…and every year following.
Happy New Year, everyone…may it be one of the best yet!
Videos of the day:
I'm so very, very sorry to hear about what your mom and Frank are going through. My eyes fill with tears. Peace.
Looks good