Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 ~ I'd give it a seven

In a few short hours, 2013 will be a memory that we revisit in blogs, photographs, and journals. It's been an interesting year, and one of progress I'd like to think.
But in looking back, I must say it left a few scars.
We lost four of our beloved dogs -- ones that were with us many years. Astro and Black were big Labrador mix dogs. Both belonged to our niece at first, but as time passed, they were drawn to us.
It was difficult seeing them go. Taylor was a bulldog mix that we found in a roadside dump.
But Ol' Buddy snuggled the closest to my heart. The last few years since I retired, were inseparable. If I sat on the couch, his head was on my lap. If I went anywhere in the truck, he was standing at the door hopping like a miniature kangaroo trying to get in.
They are all buried under the wild cherry tree in the side yard. 
We also lost a nephew, an aunt, and a number of friends this year.  
On the upside, we've made progress with Jilda's health. We've been married almost 40 years and we took our first cruise in June. At times we got cabin fever, but out on the deck with nothing but ocean as far as the eye could see was a remarkable experience.
We completed our first CD together. It was a long time coming, but we made it happen. Playing the Johnson City Folk Festival was another highlight that will make the reel. There were many other significant accomplishments that I won't bore you with.
If 2013 were an Olympic event, I think I'd give it a 7.




8 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry about the loss of your nephew, your aunt, your family friends and also your beloved pets: Astro, Black, Taylor, and Ol' Buddy.
    In the spring, I think the cherry tree will blossom with beauty and fragrance as a gentle reminder of the love your four-legged friends shared with you and Jilda.
    I am happy to hear that you and Jilda took your first cruise this year...and I want to wish you a wonderful, happy, and healthy 2014.
    The photograph of the sun's reflection on the water is a perfect ending to your blog post this evening. Lovely....
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your photographs and your smiles with me this past year.
    Happy New Year, my friend....
    Jackie

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  2. Anonymous9:27 PM

    I can't add anything to what Jackie expressed so beautifully!!

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  3. Amazing picture... I think I would give 2013 a 6 or 7... It wasn't all bad but I lost a great deal more than I gained... :-/

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  4. I am so sad for your losses, Rick.
    It's good to know that there were many positive experiences to balance them though.
    It has been a strange sort of year for me too...the loss of a dear friend to cancer and many small annoyances...I'd give 2013 a cautious 5!

    Here's hoping 2014 will be a much happier one for us all...and your stunning picture is a brilliant start...:)

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  5. This was a beautiful post about your past year.
    I'm so sorry for your losses...I hope 2014 is a healing year for you and your wife.

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  6. Sadly endings are a part of life, and the further you go the more there are. But it sounds like you're making the most of the in betweens (which is all any of us can do, really). Wishing you a happy 2014.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  7. Lost my best friend of many years this year,...more like a sister than a friend, but I will always carry her in my heart! Loss is always difficult, but had a new granddaughter born this year, and that was wonderful!

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  8. I think a seven is pretty darn good in the grand scheme of things! I wish your 2014 to be a 10!

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