Memories of '23

 Soon shouts, whistles, fireworks and other manner of celebration will be heard all over the world.  Some places are already in 2024 while we still have a few hours of 123123.   I hope you're having a good-bye planned in your own way.  I seldom stay awake until midnight but I just might make it this year.  (I took a nap this afternoon!)   As I look back on 2023 I'm grateful that we made it through without any big drama, health issues, financial problems, or the loss of any family members.  A bit different than the last few years.  We accomplished a few projects and have plans for some new ones in '24.  We managed a couple of trips and visits with family members.  I continued to work and hopefully will do so this coming year.  I like being able to make my own schedule with no call or weekends or holidays.   As always, time will tell. I'm not getting any younger.  I guess you could say that I'm the youngest I'll ever be right at this moment.  I'm going to pray for a good year ahead.  I'm going to pray for my family and friends for their year ahead. I know challenges come in many forms and I pray what ever the Lord sends our way we can handle it.  In short...I'm going to pray each day!  I have my motto for this new year.  It's: "LESS IS MORE IN '24".   What does that mean?  How about less spending, less accumulating "things", less complaining, less procrastinating, less eating, less sitting.  Hopefully it will help with more: saving, downsizing, happiness, getting projects completed, more health, more stamina, and perhaps a bit more blogging than this year. Happy New Year everyone! Here's a few pics from '23 that made our year a good one.

January:

Sister bonding when Midge made a surprise visit.

Feb:

I turned the big 70!  Don't I look surprised?!

March:

A visit to Chicago to spend my sister's birthday with her and her family.

April:

Spring arrived with a Happy Easter!

May:

We were able to go to our Temple's open house.  The Columbus, Ohio Temple had been closed for renovations for 3 years! It's been great to have it back!

June:

A trip to Portland, Oregon to see our Grandson, Taylor, graduate.  He's now a freshman at BYU Idaho and doing great!

July:

A friend reunion with former members of our church! A really fun time to gather and reminisce. We're planning another one for July 2024.

August:

A beautiful day and picnic at Lake Erie at one of Jack's high school classmates Summer home and many of his high school friends.  They meet once a month for lunch. About 30 or more show up and I tag along too! This was a perfect day!

September:

A new paint job for the living room and a beautiful trip to Michigan! 

The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island

My handsome hubby in a rare beach shot! He's not super fond of the beach. He burns easily!

October:

Celebrating the Fall season at the Pines

Decorating the Freer house for the Historical Society.

My nieces Amy and Katie at our annual Halloween gathering!  We all love October!

November:

Family gathering for Thanksgiving.  I'm so thankful for my many blessing but mostly for my wonderful family!

December:

The tree my friends and I decorated at the Freer house for the Historical Society's Christmas open house. We won the contest for the most votes for the best tree this year! Whoo hoo!

Our now functioning fireplaces make it a cozy place to sit and enjoy!

Our Hallmark town's new "Candy Cane Trail" that was a fun place to walk and enjoy the music and lights of the season.  Each month had it's own beauty and moments to remember. Time flies by so quickly and I can't believe this year is over in just a few moments.  All these pics will be in my book for this year and I apologize for all of them in this post.  I hope everyone has a healthy and safe new year and I'll be back in '24 for my 16th blogging year!

Happy New Year!!