Looking Back

Another year is coming to an end. They whiz by so quickly now. I long for the years of my youth that seemed to take at least 3 years to complete. Now they are gone in a few short months.

This has been a monumental year for me. I became a grandmother - twice. But more importantly, I've been blessed to experience a year in which my children became the people I always hoped they would be.

My daughter is learning patience - with the help of her daughter - and the value of relaxing. She's learned that anything is possible with the right person at your side. And she's learned that home is the most wonderful place on earth.

My son, who has always had a big heart, is learning that his capacity for love is boundless. He's learned - from his son - that he is truly not the center of the universe and his time can always be better spent taking care of someone else. And he's learned to finally trust someone with his heart.

Me, I've learned to trust my children. Although they both still come to me for advice and guidance and unconditional love, they don't need me like they used to. They're doing fine. That was hard for a control freak such as myself to learn, but my children have patiently taught this to me through their actions. They have good lives.

Dummy Lights

I love the little dummy lights that are on the dash of cars. The newer the car the more lights. I don't have someone at home to periodically check all those mechanical things, so having the car check itself is great.

Cars have always had the oil/engine one - but if it came on it was almost too late already. The light should come on when it's just beginning to veer off the norm, so you have time to get an appointment at the garage.

My car has one that tells me when the air pressure in my tires is not what it's supposed to be. Isn't that great? I no longer have to cajole my son into checking the air pressure, or listen to him admonish me for not learning how to do this myself (some things I just don't want to do.) Now the car tells me when I need air.

Now, when they invent a car that fixes itself I'll be all set.

Soup

I love making and eating soup. For me, soup is not just a winter food - it's a constant!

The only thing I don't like about soup is recipes. I never use them -- well, except for ideas. Soups evolve from ingredients at hand, ideas seen elsewhere, current mood of the day, and spontenaity.

Last night I made bean soup. I use the packaged dried beans that have a dozen or so varieties in one bag. (I skip the flavor packet that come with it because it has too much sodium.) Into this mix I added ham (leftover from Christmas), carrots, onions, garlic, barley, and a myriad of spices (most notably cumin and black pepper.) The end product is wonderful!

So, today my lunch is bean soup. As it will be tomorrow and the next day. The only thing I'm missing is the thickly-buttered homemade bread to accompany the soup . . . but I'll remember it when I pack tomorrow's lunch.

Calendars

With the new year approaching, I've realized that I haven't gotten a new calendar yet. I'm not a huge fan of calendars. I can have one hanging up and forget to change the month for several months. I keep most of my appointment information on my Google calendar - which sends me texts to let me know what is coming (cool, huh?) But everyone needs a calendar hanging somewhere in the house (typically kitchen) that they can refer to when you are making plans and need to know what date is the first Saturday . . . or something like that.

I used to have multiple calendars. I'd have a desk blotter calendar, a kitchen calendar, a planner in my purse, a little stand-up calendar that my insurance agent sends me, a calendar in my office (often the shirtless cowboys one)and a little card calendar that I could keep in my wallet. Somewhere along the way I stopped needing calendars. I'm not sure why.

My need for calendars ended only a few years after I stopped needing a watch. I could try to say that it has something to do with a changing philosophy of life and living as opposed to being a slave to a schedule, but it probably is just another facet of getting older.

Sunday Morning

My favorite TV news program is CBS Sunday Morning. I like it for a lot of reasons - most importantly, it's more relaxed, never rushing through stories, no epileptic sequence of video clips, just telling stories. I also like it because it's typically "good" news. It often features artists, musicians and writers. It gives wonderful commentary on real life and real people and just a touch of comedy. It's like lounging around with the Sunday paper, only on TV.

But, I've got to go now, I've got to make my tea before it comes on.

Bed

I read an article once that money truly can buy happiness - sort of. There are certain things that you can spend money on that will give you a happiness return on your investment.

I cannot remember what all the options were, but one stuck in my mind. It said that money you put into your bedroom comes back in restful sleep and a happier next day. I took this article to heart and made some investments.

A couple years ago I bought a new bed. Then one Christmas my daughter got me a thick foam mattress topper. Then another Christmas she bought me high-thread-count sheets. Then this past summer I invested in pillows - not cheap pillows.

I've got to say, that when I sink into my bed each evening, it is heaven. And crawling out of my bed is very difficult in the morning.

So, it's true. Money can buy happiness.

Christmas

Today is Christmas. I'm not a huge fan, but I love any excuse for family to get together. This Christmas was one of the better I've ever had. It was noticably absent any drame (a usual staple in our Christmas celebratin.)

In fact, the weather was the only part of the day that was disappointing. Gotta love a holiday that doesn't disappoint.