Wishing Joe A Happy Birthday, And Saying Goodbye To 2014

December 31, 2014

Good morning.  It's cold today, but the sun is shining so it's rather a nice day to sit back and reflect all that has happened in this year of 2014.  The next time I sit down to type a post for my blog, we'll be in a brand new year. 

It's been a year of many changes for me, the biggest being retirement.  It's amazing how we spend most of our adult life looking forward to the day when we can retire from the work force.   Yet when it actually gets here,  are we really ready for it?  Is it what we expected it to be?

I know I always thought that maybe I would do a bit of travelling once I retired.  Now that I'm here, I'm not too excited about the idea of travelling.  I mean, the mind thinks it's a great idea, but the body doesn't seem to want to go too far from home.  Plus, I don't like to leave my little doggie at home while I go traipsing about.  It's more fun to be with him.

There are a lot of good things about retirement.  I have more time to do whatever I want to do.  I'm not in any rush to do things anymore.  If they get done, they get done.  If they don't, oh well.  I can nap or sleep late whenever I want to, and I have lots more time to play with Pogo and do fun crafty things. 

There are always "downs" to go with the "ups" in life, but so far, the "ups" are ahead.  I have a lot to be grateful for.  My family, friends, Pogo and fairly good health are among my many blessings.  There is a roof over my head and food on my table.  Life is good.

So how am I doing with my kitchen project?  Well, I'm like a turtle, slow and steady.  I managed to empty a whole shelf in the pantry, and I went through all my canned goods.  Sad to say, I found several that were outdated.  Of course, this was just more side-tracking because I had to open all the outdated cans, empty the contents into the garbage, and then wash out the containers so that they could be put in the recycle bin. 

I filled the kitchen sink with more dinnerware and bowls of all sizes.  They all need to be washed before they can be packed in a box to be given away.  By the time the glassware was all washed, I was all pooped out. 

This afternoon, I'll spend some more time working in the pantry.  As long as I'm cleaning things that haven't been used for a while, and changing the shelf papers, I may as well keep going until all the shelves are done.  Dee Dee and Eddie came by today to help me set up the new oven, but alas, I'm not quite ready.  What else is new?  I'm thinking that I'll have the kitchen ready for the oven by next week. 

Today, I have photos of some beautiful gulls.  These birds have such great character and are always willing to pose for photos. 

Tonight, I'll cook us some juicy hamburgers and rice for supper.  Afterwards, we'll attempt to stay awake long enough to watch the "Ball" drop at midnight, and to see all the beautiful fireworks on TV. 

Today is also Joe's birthday, and Pogo and I have a super neat present to give him.  Joe has been so good to us, always helping with everything.   So, Happy Birthday Joe.  May your special day be filled with happiness and good friends, 

Well, the morning has gone by, and it's time to rustle up something tasty for my little guy's lunch.  He did not eat any of the doggie food that I gave him for breakfast.  I keep trying though, because it's supposed to be good for him.  Hmmm, I wonder how come Pogo never learned that?

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.  May the new year bring you good health, happiness and prosperity.  Y'all have a truly beautiful day, and I'll see you again next year.

Hugs, Edna B.