As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to take a look back…
This year was a series of ups and downs for me, personally. Obviously, I didn’t get a single new book out, as writing has been an ‘issue’ for me due to some physical issues. I did get a couple of short stories out, but that was about it. But Cedar, Ian, and I continue to do the YouTube chats on Tues/Thurs and haven’t been kicked off yet! And we’re sneaking up on 600 subscribers that are willing to waste an hour listening to us yakking about stuff.
I lost quite a few friends this year also. When you’re over 70, this becomes more the norm than the exception, but it still hurts, and forces one to confront your own mortality. This is not something you really want to do, but you don’t get an option. My ‘goal’ is to continue to do the best I can, taking care of myself as well as I can, and look toward 2025 with optimism, and get at least one new novel out.
Sadly, we didn’t get a single hunt in, so no meat for the freezer, but I happily cheered on friends who were able to get out in the field and got meat (or birds)!
The family is doing as well as they can under the circumstances (living in California), and are making ends meet, so that is a good thing.
As a result of the election, 2025 will bring a ‘significant’ change, IMHO, to the way we are governed, and I believe that will be for the good. And hopefully, we will see prices get back down toward affordable, since it looks like Social Security and my pension are only going up 2.5%… sigh…
Last but certainly not least, I am thankful for the group we have here now, and the friends who’ve reached out to me this past year and made things easier for me to cope with all that is going on. THANK YOU!
It’s always nice to know you can reach out and somebody will pitch in to do what needs to be done, even if it’s nothing more than listening to a phone call. The main thing ALL of us need to remember is that we are not alone, there are friends out there!!!
Yeah. Another year with people dying whose ages are the same first digit as mine, same as yours, and come April mine advances another. Yippie shite.
You sound a little down. I was too, so I went and adopted a Boxer pup and he has made me forget my problems and now my concentration is on training him. No time to think about being 76 and worrying about what time I have left, just enjoying every day and thanking God Almighty for each day I open my eyes.
Hang in there Jim. Look at it this way: At least we don’t have to deploy anymore.
Sir.
I seldom write here.
No idea how I found you (I suspect The Salamander) about
12-13 years ago.
You are a daily read.
I’ve nothing to contribute, so I “lurk”.
Was down in Houston mostly. Very appreciate any others from there. Even Lambert’s friend in England.
Even more so as I’m on tdy in SE asia.
Hang in there sir.
You are valued and appreciated.
Juan
We survived another year around the sun. Take care, and here’s to 2025 being better.
All- Thank you! I do appreciate it very much!
For me as well, this was a tough year for losing old friends and my long time boss, the college president. Retirement seems a possibility now, as to what to do in retirement, that is a puzzle to be solved. Enjoy every day, make sure you let people know they are appreciated and/or loved.
Hurry with the new novel. I wouldn’t want to have you knocking on heaven’s door and not be able to read it… better that it’s a multi-year series.
Even if 2025 brings little or no improvement at least the criminal cabal that was working feverishly to destroy America over the last 4 years has been temporarily sidelined. All we can do is keep plugging along till we are called home.
Where is calif. are your family? I am in the Central Valley. So far not a bad place to live. It IS very hot during the summers here, no snow during the winters, unless it is very cold for a month or so. Other than that people are friendly here. Say Hi to them you get a Hi back. Not too crowded like sf and la are.
Hopefully it will be getting better. Fuel here is mostly under 4 a gallon. So, the price is going down, just not fast enough and low enough for me.
Have a Merry New Year.
The smaller towns in the Central Valley are generally alright. Visalia is good as far as big towns go, but that smog… and state income tax… and fuel prices… and cost of living… and lefty politics…
Nothing good to be said for Fresno, Stockton or Bakersfield.
We made it through another year, Jim. I enjoy our chats in Chattanooga and look forward to many more. Here’s to another go around in 2025.
All- Thanks! Heltua, Sacramento and north Lake Co.
Ah, old age. I’m now the clan patriarch, a position I never wanted.
Hang in there Jim. Still looking for it but I have a Guantanamo Bay poem somewhere. A leftover from a RefTra in 1981. You might find it amusing. Will send it if I find it.