Although my body grows weaker, and develops more aches and pains all the time, every year seems to hold more treasures. Yes friends, life gets sweeter all the time.
I went back to read the entry I made last New Year's Day and was actually impressed by it. I still feel the same way. If you haven't been reading me that long, click HERE to see what I'm talking about.
Why has it been such a good year?
Well, I went with my daughter and her three kids to Mission Texas to visit my sister in mid-February. It was so much fun to see my grandchildren wading in the gulf of Mexico, collecting seashells. And watching them pick grapefruits off my sister's tree.
My grandchildren started riding my horse, Blue, this year. So did the little neighbor girl, Anna. I'm glad I can share the pleasure of owning a horse with others.
Cliff made my dream of having a cabin in the woods come true, in April. Mandy and I spent several nights there, and I often head back there to steal a couple of peaceful hours during the day.
At some point in the spring, I gave up my job.
I've had some amazing horseback rides around the countryside with Blue, and came upon a train wreck last spring.
In May, one of our cows had twin heifer calves. And the horse my daughter was considering buying tried to kill me. There's still a dark area on my upper leg that the doctor said will always be there. But I consider it a miracle that I wasn't hurt worse.
On Memorial Day weekend, my daughter moved to my little town (which she used to say would NEVER happen ... but I digress).
And I started babysitting my granddaughters part-time.
In June, our other cow had her bull calf. And I went with two grandchildren to Van's Warped Tour for the second year. And loved it.
My son's family came to visit in late June, and while he was here we had a family reunion with Cliff's side of the family on the weekend of the Fourth of July. My son and I went together and bought Cliff a Glock, which really surprised him.
In July I had several Internet friends come to visit, and enjoyed seeing the local sights with them.
In August two granddaughters and I went to the Missouri State Fair for three days. And I attended "Ya'llapalooza", a country concert, with my daughter and Natalie.
In September, Cliff and I went to "Harley Days" with his sister and her husband, which was probably the final push we needed to make us look around for a motorcycle to buy.
In October, we sold our beloved Allis Chalmers tractor and used the money to buy a Honda Gold Wing.
In November, we rode the motorcycle to Branson and got stranded there. But it was fun. And for Thanksgiving, we went to Wisconsin where Cliff's oldest sister lives.
December has been great too, with the exception of the terrible night my neighbor's house burned. But it's been wonderful to see the outpouring of love and concern that has come about because of the fire.
I wish my son wasn't so far away, so we could see more of one another. But as long as he and his family are healthy and happy, I'll not complain.
Happy New Year to all my readers. May next year be good for all of us.
God bless you, every one.