December 29, 2016
11:24 a.m.

Okay, first of all, you all need to get back up; I know it floored you to see a post beginning in the a.m.
I know you don't believe it, but I do get up in the morning. I just don't accomplish much until after noon.

I know I said I was done with 2016 a couple of days ago, but apparently, 2016 is not done with us. One day after losing Carrie Fisher, we lost her beautiful mother, Debbie Reynolds.

I get it, really. Losing a child must be the most devastating thing that can happen to a mother. Debbie Reynolds was heartbroken; of course she was.

They are together again.

I suppose we could call 2016 a year of great reaping, at least in terms of celebrities. I'm sure the total numbers of all deaths is comparable to any other year; I'll never know that for certain, of course, since I am not going to do the kind of research it would take to arrive at an unquestionable conclusion, but I'm assuming it averages out. However, my perception of losses in 2016 is that we've lost more people in a year's time than ever before.

Many of my friends lost family members this year. Several lost parents during this holiday season.

I personally lost a very dear friend who died suddenly at home, and a cousin who battled brain cancer and lost while still in his twenties.

Christmas week in Wyoming was difficult for a couple of families, one who lost a young daughter and another who lost a father/grandfather.

God must be in need of some good helpers to be calling so many home; what else could it be?

But as I bemoan the awfulness of this past year, those around me have been reminding me of all the good things that happened this year, for them and for me.

1. New granddaughter
2. I was hugged several times by Cary Elwes. Yes, from The Princess Bride. Great hugger.
3. He hugged two of my grandchildren, too, and was very kind to all of us. Denver ComiCon.
4. I have spent a good deal of time in Wyoming with my parents this year. Priceless.
5. I was blessed to be able to provide a place for my daughter and her family to stay while they rebuild their lives. It's not much, but they have a roof over their heads until they can get their own.
6. My brother made that roof less leaky. Yay.
7. My children and grandchildren are well.
8. My parents are well.
9. My siblings and their families are well.

It's sad how making this list suddenly caused me to be scared that I might be jinxing something!! Oh, me of little faith! Pray for me; I need it.

Speaking of having little faith, I am one of those people who order things and then stress out about delivery. This year everything got delivered in a timely manner except presents for two grandchildren. So I sent my daughter last minute shopping so they'd have a gift from Grandma--and then, of course, the packages were delivered. Oh well, the kids got extra. Nobody loses, right? Haha.

(Anyway, who can blame me for a lack of faith in the post office? Do you have any idea how many things they have lost for me over the years? Mortgage checks. Utility bills. Packages. I was justified in my faithlessness.)

Two more days, and I can start stressing out about 2017.

Nope. Not gonna do that. I really am hoping that 2017 will bring better things to us all.
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12:25 p.m.

I tried a new shampoo today. Something sulfate free. My hair feels great, but I'm not going to tell you what it is until I use it over a course of time and see how it does.

Oh my gosh, I sound like I'm planning to do product endorsements. Excuse me while I go laugh.
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1:42 p.m.

No, I didn't laugh that long. I put clothes in the dryer, ate lunch with my Mom and did a few chores.

I'm back!

Just read some news reports and learned that President Obama is sending some Russians home. How about that?

Ah, I could  do some major complaining about politics, but I think I am done complaining for today. It doesn't do any good anyway, makes me feel grumpy and you all get sick and tired of me.
So I will spare us all.
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Good book time! Read The Fireman by Joe Hill. You will thank me later. Honest.

https://www.amazon.com/Fireman-Novel-Joe-Hill/dp/006220064X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483044807&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fireman

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Okay, book recommendations mean I am ending on a positive note. At least, that's what I think!

Have a great day!