WOW...you know (or rather hope) it is coming.  After all, every year you have a birthday.  But, today I am 70 years old,  I probably do look it but I sure don't feel it.  I have my aches and pains, but when I look around I realize how fortunate I am.  I don't have the best family genes, health wise, but also don't have the health issues others have.

Birthdays were always considered "your" special day.  Ron made sure the kids and I had that special day.  So today, I got up a little late, had breakfast and my morning coffee on the patio.  Thanked God for such a beautiful day and worked in the garden, yard and with my plants.

I intend to Skype with Jen and kids in Illinois and Matt's are here for the day and dinner.  So many Happy Birthdays on facebook to me makes me feel very humbled.

Just wanted to post a little something not just for my "big" birthday but also wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy Easter as well.

Okay...it's been a while, however I have decided that I need a little more income to play.  I have been employed by Tractor Supply.  It is not even 10 minutes walking from my home.  YEAH.  I am working partime...15 hours a week.  I started on  March 7th.  Lots of on line training.  I actually started March 11th on the cash register.  I have NEVER worked on a cash register.  AND on a Saturday.  Wow, was it busy.  Lots of questions, but, after 6 hours on it I think I did pretty darn good.  This is play money.  The only think I kind of am leary of is that the store is VERY busy and it is easy to work overtime with the staff they have.  I was a bit scared that I have never worked retail and maybe I could not handle it.  However, a lot of retail is plain ole customer service.  Take care of the customer and everything else falls into place.  I am a very outgoing person and that will be to my advantage.  I can do this!

Thirteen days into January 2017.  Gizmo (my little dog) and I have been walking at least 6 or more miles a week.  There's something about walking...you go at your own pace, you go where ever you want  and for as long as you want.  I have thought about getting back into running but I remember the feet, knees and hips pain.  I am older and walking fits fine.

 I also am into hiking with my bestie Ellen.  We enjoy the Usery Pass area.  There is a trail, that by our mile keepers says it is over 10 miles.  I think it depends where you go in.  However, we have completed this a few times and always feel so good (and tired) when we finish.  Of course it does not hurt that the views are beyond outstanding.  No picture can capture what we see.  We have a friend that lives right next to the Pass and takes wonderful photos with his phone's camera.  I love seeing those.

My garden(s) are doing great.  I have peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, peas, sun flowers, etc. all growing.  I can't wait to start eating from it.  I have tried the summer gardens and it is just too hot.  Very proud of this accomplishment, as Ron was the green thumb in our family.  Jennifer also has the gift.

Gizmo...he is a Carin Terrier.  I adopted him when his owner died.  He about 2 years old and I got him on October 25th.  So have decided that that is his birthday and he will be 3 October 2017.  He is a little guy and does shed a little but by keeping his hair trimmed and brushed it is not bad at all.  He is fiesty and loves to run and play and especially cuddle.  Ron would have loved him.  I had to think a long time before getting a dog.  For a while I was gone a lot and that is just would not have been fair to him.  He gets along great with the grand boys and the grands in Chicago have not really met him but are in love with him when they see him on skype.

Well,  that is all for now...till next check in!

WOW...it can"t be 2017!
The last 2-3 years have really past by quickly.  Losing Ron to cancer and retirement really changed my life.  I think it has taken these last few years to accept those changes.

I hope that this year I really start living.  Of course it is the time to make all those resolutions, but living is not a resolution.

I am very fortunate to have a loving family and really great friends.  I need to cultivate these friends and more.  Be more involved with my neighborhood and community.  Get out of the house and meet new people as well.

So, 2017...here I come.

(And I hope to keep up with blogging...something I have definitely not been good at these last few years.)