Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Late

2020

Here we are in the year 2020 many years gone another year older. Enjoyed Christmas here visited with family enjoyed another year with my mother and her dinners through out Thanksgiving and Christmas. The vegetable trays, ham, turkey, cheese cake a favorite among many. The famous oatmeal cake my mom makes every year dripping with caramel icing which is my brother Eddie's favorite.   Mom enjoyed teaching my niece Kelsey how to make cheese cake.  Kelsey was a big help also to mom helping to fix fudge and of course the cheese cake.  Made it a little easier on mom.   Mom enjoyed shopping with my sister Peggy at the Sam's club.  We all spent time together individually and together as family.   Each helping out each other. 

We had a water leak the night before Christmas Eve but it was a good thing it broke through at that time because my brother Eddie was here to do the repair and keep our water on for Christmas Eve dinner and visitors.   The outside water facet had been having issues anyway.  It's funny how things always work out for the best.    

Not as many little ones as past Christmas's.  Three little ones this year,  Holden, Airianna and Shane. A couple of young teenagers.  The rest all grown now with little ones of their own.    Of course there are also those who have passed away also but who attended in all of our hearts and thoughts.  Those who have grown up and now live in other states that couldn't attend also.  But, that we are all proud of here. Of course mom holding together the family traditions of dinners and gathering us all together.   

I survived another year and year older now (51 years old).   Hard even for myself to think of being 51.   Despite all the health issue's doing pretty good and enjoying life and thankful for family and friends.   

Another blessing is even though I was bed fast for 4 1/2 months in 2019,  looking at a wheel chair.  I'm walking very well now mostly pain free.  The wheel chair sits pushed up against the wall making an excellent coat rack.    Survived several bouts of pneumonia and currently have some bronchitis but I'm getting over that to.   

The car I bought back in 2014 was paid in full in 2019.  No more car payments this year.  Despite all of the hospital bills, doctors visits, medical equipment purchases, extra unexpected expenses at the end of December all was paid up and current.   A new savings plan in place to replenish the savings account with a positive outlook.    Not going to be rich by any means but having enough hopefully to take care of expenses.   All that 2019 tossed at me I have come through it all.  Of course with the help of God above.    Looking forward to 2020 and many more blessings.  

So, here is a picture of myself reflecting on the past and deep in thought, another year older and I even took the glasses off for this one.  Looking older but I still have that spark of hope in my eyes.  A few crows feet showing and nearly solid gray hair,  But,  most of all I'm still alive.