Nature is still in control of our lives. Because of freezing rain, Christopher and Tisha had to stay home from New Year's Eve frivolities and so there was no need for an Evan-sitter. It was a disappointment for a five year old and his doting grandmother but we made the best of it by Skyping with noisemakers and shouts of "Happy New Year".
Snow upset friends' plans in England as well, though nothing could keep Bernie from celebrating fireworks in Amsterdam. Meanwhile, I am trying to contact friends halfway around the world in Queensland, Australia to see if their homes are safe from raging floods there. In my youth, we would have waited anxiously for letters from those abroad. Now we find out in a matter of minutes how loved ones are faring.
Thus the internet keeps us in contact with friends and family. It is one of the great blessings technology has given us.
Happy New Year to all!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Eve
Most of my end-of-the year-tasks are done. I've had the 2010 photos printed but I've left putting them in the scrapbook for last because tonight Gary and I are Evan-sitting. (At five, my grandson is NOT a baby, and would object to any term that would make him so.) I will have him sit beside me as we look at a year's worth of living.
I have 35 of these scrapbooks with the same imitation leather covers. Most of them cost me around $4. I don't "scrapbook" as a hobby so nothing expensive is required. These serve as records of my life and times, something that Evan can look at in years to come. They include my scribblings, maps, pictures, and various pieces of memorabilia. At the front of each one is a calendar with each day's activities briefly noted. I treasure them all.
However, the digital age has taken over and I can no longer find the same kind of scrapbooks. Perhaps the bad economic times put yet another company out of business. I watch rummage sales. That's where I found this year's. If I ever find a supplier, I will buy dozens. I intend to live a long, happy life with pictures to prove it.
I have 35 of these scrapbooks with the same imitation leather covers. Most of them cost me around $4. I don't "scrapbook" as a hobby so nothing expensive is required. These serve as records of my life and times, something that Evan can look at in years to come. They include my scribblings, maps, pictures, and various pieces of memorabilia. At the front of each one is a calendar with each day's activities briefly noted. I treasure them all.
However, the digital age has taken over and I can no longer find the same kind of scrapbooks. Perhaps the bad economic times put yet another company out of business. I watch rummage sales. That's where I found this year's. If I ever find a supplier, I will buy dozens. I intend to live a long, happy life with pictures to prove it.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Looking ahead
Eighty-one days until spring, but Gary and I can plan ahead during these frigid days of winter.
On January 21st, we'll be at the annual camping and recreational vehicle show at the Green Bay arena. We'll spend an afternoon wandering through campers and big RVs, comparing our little camper to the big guys. Gary will ask about gadgets he can add, but for me the highlight is buying our annual pass to the state parks. We make a big production of slapping it on his windshield.
About that time, we'll get our annual application in to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to work as guards for the annual sturgeon watch in mid-April. We always volunteer for the twelve hour night watch because it is our first chance to "camp" along the Wolf River as we watch the giant fish, some over a hundred years old, crash against the rocks on the shore. They and their ancestors have been doing this ritual since the age of the dinosaurs. We feel small compared to that.
Mid-February, we'll be back in Green Bay for the annual boat show. This year, we're considering kayaks. Around then, I'll sign us up for the crane count which also occurs mid-April.
Early March will take us to the Mosquito Hill Nature Center in Green Bay for a concert by folksinger Bill Staines. Then it's back to the arena for the Home and Garden Show mid-March to think about what we will plant in the gardens in late May.
The following week is the Spring Equinox and camping will start soon after. Meanwhile, Gary is finding campgrounds for my summer tour and making reservations as needed.
For the winter months, we can only think of the joys to come.
On January 21st, we'll be at the annual camping and recreational vehicle show at the Green Bay arena. We'll spend an afternoon wandering through campers and big RVs, comparing our little camper to the big guys. Gary will ask about gadgets he can add, but for me the highlight is buying our annual pass to the state parks. We make a big production of slapping it on his windshield.
About that time, we'll get our annual application in to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to work as guards for the annual sturgeon watch in mid-April. We always volunteer for the twelve hour night watch because it is our first chance to "camp" along the Wolf River as we watch the giant fish, some over a hundred years old, crash against the rocks on the shore. They and their ancestors have been doing this ritual since the age of the dinosaurs. We feel small compared to that.
Mid-February, we'll be back in Green Bay for the annual boat show. This year, we're considering kayaks. Around then, I'll sign us up for the crane count which also occurs mid-April.
Early March will take us to the Mosquito Hill Nature Center in Green Bay for a concert by folksinger Bill Staines. Then it's back to the arena for the Home and Garden Show mid-March to think about what we will plant in the gardens in late May.
The following week is the Spring Equinox and camping will start soon after. Meanwhile, Gary is finding campgrounds for my summer tour and making reservations as needed.
For the winter months, we can only think of the joys to come.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
End of the Year
For me, the period between Christmas and New Year's is an intense work time. My year end schedule includes:
-- putting the year's photos and memorabilia in the year's scrapbook. It's not a fancy scrapbook, just a record of what we did. I've placed an order for photos and will pick them up this afternoon. On New Year's Eve, as Gary and I babysit with grandson Evan, the final pictures and notations will be added. I have 35 of these scrapbooks.
-- sorting through the cards and letters I've received during the year and placing the most meaningful into the scrapbook. The rest are cut up as bookmarks, tags for presents, or simply put out for recycling.
-- writing all the birthdays, anniversaries and other special events on the new calendar.
-- paying the final bills of the year. I like to go into the New Year owing nothing.
-- making a list of goals. These are not resolutions, but specific projects. For instance, I may want to lose weight, but my goal will be to go to the fitness center three times a week. I set that up on the calendar.
-- sending all magazines and newspapers go to the recyling center at the end of the year. If I haven't read them by now, I never will.
-- going through the filing cabinets and finding more to recycle. Anything that I haven't looked at in three years is a candidate.
-- clearing out old e-mail. Delete, delete, delete.
-- Finally, making up a tax folder with everything I need to file listed. My accountant gives me a list of what I can deduct and I set about totaling mileage, accommodations and restaurant receipts.
All of this will be done by midnight of 2010. I will wake up on New Year's Day with a clear head and an organized life. Isn't that better than going out drinking?
-- putting the year's photos and memorabilia in the year's scrapbook. It's not a fancy scrapbook, just a record of what we did. I've placed an order for photos and will pick them up this afternoon. On New Year's Eve, as Gary and I babysit with grandson Evan, the final pictures and notations will be added. I have 35 of these scrapbooks.
-- sorting through the cards and letters I've received during the year and placing the most meaningful into the scrapbook. The rest are cut up as bookmarks, tags for presents, or simply put out for recycling.
-- writing all the birthdays, anniversaries and other special events on the new calendar.
-- paying the final bills of the year. I like to go into the New Year owing nothing.
-- making a list of goals. These are not resolutions, but specific projects. For instance, I may want to lose weight, but my goal will be to go to the fitness center three times a week. I set that up on the calendar.
-- sending all magazines and newspapers go to the recyling center at the end of the year. If I haven't read them by now, I never will.
-- going through the filing cabinets and finding more to recycle. Anything that I haven't looked at in three years is a candidate.
-- clearing out old e-mail. Delete, delete, delete.
-- Finally, making up a tax folder with everything I need to file listed. My accountant gives me a list of what I can deduct and I set about totaling mileage, accommodations and restaurant receipts.
All of this will be done by midnight of 2010. I will wake up on New Year's Day with a clear head and an organized life. Isn't that better than going out drinking?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Miles to go
I've totaled the miles I will travel during the summer reading program tour. It looks like the Mercury Sable will chug along just short of 6,000 miles and that doesn't include side trips to see scenic wonders. That sounds like too many, but they are spread out over forty days, so the most time I'll spend on the road on any given day will be five or six hours mostly on weekends with no performances.
I like driving, so it won't be all that bad. Gary wants to install a GPS system but more than that, I would like to get a workable CD player so I can listen to books. I have a small notebook computer, perhaps I can get a CD attachment for that. I am marking my maps wherever there are likely trails, swimming spots, laundromats, or Mom and Pop restaurants. I'll visit friends and make new ones.
Along the way, I'll take time out to journal, write articles, and check home via Skype. Being alone and loneliness are two separate things. These solitary days on the road renew my soul.
I like driving, so it won't be all that bad. Gary wants to install a GPS system but more than that, I would like to get a workable CD player so I can listen to books. I have a small notebook computer, perhaps I can get a CD attachment for that. I am marking my maps wherever there are likely trails, swimming spots, laundromats, or Mom and Pop restaurants. I'll visit friends and make new ones.
Along the way, I'll take time out to journal, write articles, and check home via Skype. Being alone and loneliness are two separate things. These solitary days on the road renew my soul.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Refreshed
There are two days, Christmas and my birthday, when I go nowhere, do no housework, put storytelling aside, don't scribble or edit a novel or short story. Those are completely lazy days.
Yesterday, Gary and I watched DVDs, snacked on leftover Christmas food, and read books. I left blogging alone other than posting something I had written the day before. For exercise, I turned on Christmas lights and walked to and from the refrigerator.
At the end of the day, I felt frustration and the urge to get out and do SOMETHING! Today, I go back to planning and scurrying, with my mind refreshed and re-activated. Sunday services and church and a drive to visit a friend will start me functioning again.
Happy Boxing Day to my British friends. How clever of you to add another day on to the festivities.
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