My life is a compendium of serendipitous events, places we’ve moved, people I’ve meet, paths I’ve crossed. Entire groups of friends are based on chance.

The approach to the new year has slowed a bit. It’s still two days away, and while I know I’m going to reassess my budget next year that’s about the only thing I know for sure. Today feels like a big pause…

Here comes the end of the year. The time for reassessment. This year I’m taking a hard look at my budget. Where have I been spending money and where do I want to spend it in the future. Not really fun, but it might mean a lot to my retirement…

Almost bought an angel. Did buy a Santa. Angels were my wife’s thing, until they weren’t. One Christmas she said no more angels. I guess we were full up. Santa’s just appeared, irregularly. So, it wasn’t very strange for me to buy a Santa.

This is all about the blog and the email that has now started appearing in inboxes. A behind the scenes look at 21st century technology.

There’s a benefit to getting around. You learn things. You can learn about other people and their customs, and some of them are pretty interesting. Take Boxing Day. It’s today.

It’s a day of rest as we get ready for Christmas day and the little parties that go around it. And there’s time to think of the missing, of course, some of whom made all the parties possible.

Got my flu shot yesterday. Should have done so in October. I got sidetracked. But, better late than never. I even got the senior dose. Since I just had a bout of COVID I’m semi-protected on that front although the virus is proving highly adaptable with lots of mutations.

Did something yesterday I seldom do. Wrapped Christmas presents. Now, it’s not that I never wrap Christmas presents, it’s just that I procrastinate. Most years I would be wrapping on Christmas eve.

I’d be such a slug if left to my own devices, sitting home, reading, watching TV, piddling. But luckily, I’m covered up with friends who do things and often invite me along.

Kissed the kids goodbye yesterday and made the long drive home. I’ll see everyone again on the 23rd when we gather for the family Christmas.

It’s that time of year when memories seem to be the focus, especially for me. I made some yesterday.

In the early days of video cameras, when they weighed 20 pounds and occupied a large spot on your shoulder, I refused to participate.

I had about a week to remember what it was like in the early days of my marriage when space heaters were the thing, and nights were spent under mountains of quilts. It was a nice trip down memory lane, but I’m ready for my modern conveniences.

One of the things I appreciate about the task of this nearly daily blog, is the opportunity to adjust my psychic state as I start my day.

Every once in a while, you have to wrestle with the gods of the internet. I had my bout yesterday.

Wow. Simple task. Clearing space for the AC repair to get to the fan in the attic. Move a few things. Except one of the things is a little heavier than expected.

…life is full of little things that end--ball games, rounds of golf, songs, books, movies, meals, TV shows, relationships, concerts, the day, careers…

Here I am again, in Houston, babysitting the two little grandchildren. We had the place to ourselves last night. Their mother took the evening off to be with friends.

This new epoch of mine, the Guadalupian, which came to me after I reached the top of Guadalupe Peak last month is proving to be quite the thing.