Into The Darkness? Not moi......

For anyone who cares, my excuse for the lapse in posting is being "off for the holidays".

We have a new President about to be inaugurated, and my heart is singing and dancing with optimism. Over many decades of life, I've seen the ebbs and flows of good and bad economic conditions, peace and war, high times and high unemployment. I've never, however, observed such pervasive public depression as I do today.

The immediacy of the internet combined with the advanced technological state of U.S. media inflate the gloom, doom, and apocalyptic predictions that inundate us. To remain somewhat distant from this woe, I don't watch the dire news on TV or listen to it on radio, and I keep my nose to the grindstone, not acknowledging the worst until it actually happens. Our elder generation of Americans have lived our future in their past. Knowing what transpired during the Great Depression, I pray not only for me and mine, but for all who are increasingly affected by misgovernment and misdeeds.

Instead of wallowing in the darkness, I choose to count my blessings every day.

I am employed, David is employed, Steven is employed. We are healthy, but not wealthy, and moderately wise.

David (aka Vern) and I made a quick trip to TN in mid-December to visit his kin for the holidays. His Dad has been in declining health because of kidney failure related to congestive heart disease. His mobility is extremely compromised. We hope that medical science will be able to ease his suffering with dialysis in the near future. It was therapeutic, especially for David, to spend quality time with his parents and his aunts, uncles and brother and family.

Steven continues to progress toward his Bachelor's degree from AZ State this spring. He is on the Dean's list for the Fall 08 semester and quite enjoys working full time as a sushi chef. He is immersed in cosmetic remodeling of the inside of his newly purchased home in Tempe, where he is landlord to 2 roommates.

Holidays were quiet. Steven visited us for an overnight and Christmas dinner of Big Bird. My sister sent us some kielbasi and pierogi from a Chicago deli. My God, I was in heaven! Every time I opened the fridge, the smell of garlic wafted up and stimulated my senses until I had to grab a quick bite! In no time at all, three lbs of kielbasi bit the dust. I let Vern have a few pieces, but he didn't stand a chance with me being home during the day over the holidays. Gifts to ourselves this year included a backyard greenhouse for me, a future flat-screen TV for Vern (when our present one kicks the bucket), and a stainless steel stove exhaust hood for Steven's new home.

The weather is always lovely this season in Tucson, and each glorious day of sunshine and warmth invigorates my spirit. I'm anxiously awaiting the burst of spring wildflowers and increasingly longer days. Bad karma on me, I watch the Weather Channel and secretly giggle upon viewing subfreezing temperatures, ice, and snow in other parts of the U.S. I know...I know....two steps backward on the stairway to heaven for such gloating.

On a sad note, my good friend Patty in Tennessee lost her mother suddenly on January 3. The pain of such loss is immeasurable. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family.

Until I have another original thought, I wish blessings on all who read this.