End of 2012 Reflections

I commenced this hopefully short discussion at approximately the same time on the same day on which I discovered the "small lump" one year ago.  After the mandatory three day waiting period (waiting until offices reopened after the holiday) during which I could "take stock" of my life and envision the drama of my pending "end", the whole event was addressed rather easily.  Long story short, on Tuesday it was checked, found malignant, removed, radiated and gone by February 1st, leaving me only slightly, but not noticeably, maimed.  By following all my medical experts' directions, I expect my "end" is not pending for some time to come.   

The year 2012 was a busy one, much busier than I liked.  I am, after all, supposed to be retired.  The outcome of the busy-ness, however, is great.  My "protected person", for whom I am conservator and guardian, is now settled into an assisted living home which will, hopefully, keep her even though she will now be supported by public health care assistance.  And the application process for this assistance is going smoothly.

In addition my very dear friend and now former neighbor is happily moved to a lovely senior housing apartment, her home has been cleaned out and she has probably sold it to someone who will appreciate it.    Helping both of these people gave some the impression that I am a kind and caring person - and, damn it, I am - sometimes.

Also in this year I acquired a fifth Boston Terrier, a puppy whose papa is the litter mate of my Gracie.  His name is Lord William B, but I call him Darcy or more appropriately, Mr. Darcy, if you please.  He's nine months old and a very smart, cute and loving guy.  (Of course he's smart, cute and loving.  He's a Boston Terrier)  He is now living with his grandmother, his aunt and two of his cousins, all at my home/s.  He may even be pretty enough for a championship title.  We shall see.

Probably I don't need to mention that I was pleased (understatement) with the outcome of the election (not to mention thrilled that it was finally over) and, as of  this writing, am again a huge Vikings fan.  Also, I look forward to some fun rooting for our NBA and WNBA basketball teams, the Wolves and the Lynx.  Have to wait for spring to pass judgment on the TWINS, but they can't be worse than they were the past two years.

I headed to Phoenix on the day before the first big snowstorm in Minnesota and, except for some very slow travel on packed snow in New Mexico (slow but safe at a fuel saving speed of 2 mph and surrounded by big trucks), had a thankfully uneventful trip to my winter home.  In travel uneventful is good!

Having had a very pleasant Christmas eve with my relatives and my Phoenix choir family and a very pleasant and gluttonous Christmas day with my family, I am spending a quiet and contemplative New Year's weekend with my loving and lovely Bostons, and thinking about all the good things that have happened this year.  Among these and most important of all are the many laughs and good times I have with my dear friends wherever they are - and the blessings of love and caring I receive each day of each year.  And I wish the same blessings and peace to all of you!