The Year in Review

I love watching the news--actually, all the time. But at this time of year, I particularly enjoy the bitter sweet quality of news. Assuming there are no really big stories--other than snow storms causing havoc hither and thither in the U.S. and Canada, or errant misguided radicalized youth donning various articles of clothing rigged to blow up planes--most news channels begin the year in review process.

As the year draws to a close, the news focuses on what happened in the past year, who died during the past year, etc. These stories always give me the chance to say--oh yeah, I remember that. Or, oh, she just died? I thought she died years ago.

Well, this approach to news gave me the inspiration to do a "year in review" post from KGMom's life.

(Hmmm--tapping finger lightly on lips. Should I do the biggest story first? Or should I go chronologically?) Chronologically, I think.

We began the year full of hope and expectation as we watched a new President sworn into office.

Mid-2009, we celebrated my father's 90th birthday. Amazing, isn't it. And the best part of his reaching 90 is that, other than being 90, he is in good health--sound in mind and body. He notes that his mind no longer pulls words out at lightening speed, and of course his muscles are more frail, but that's about it. We held a celebratory party for him at the retirement village where he and my step-mother live. At least 90 people came--fittingly, one for every year of his life.

In July, my nephew got married. Family weddings are always the best way for families to gather. We had a great time--although I didn't get as many photos as I wanted.

Several times through 2009, our daughter visited. We were working on a project.

Oh, yes--in October, our daughter got married. My brother had wondered why we were so busy with all the planning, as he allowed how when his son got married (see two paragraphs above), he--my brother--didn't have all that much to do. Harrumph.

Our daughter got married--everything was perfect. The wedding was lovely. The reception was a grand party in complete grand party style.

Then, just to show we weren't totally tired out by the wedding, we had our kitchen redone. In fact, we packed up the kitchen one day after the wedding, and two days later, the workers came in and began demolishing.

October was a full month, as in addition to our daughter's wedding, and the kitchen project, my husband retired. Completely, fully retired.

As we look ahead to 2010, I think we'll try to take things a bit easy.

Here's to a happy prosperous New Year for all.