WELL, HELLO THERE!

Hello there dear imaginary readers, been a long time. While I may not have posted for a while, know that many conversations to you all have taken place in the ole brain pan! Feeling that I was in a place to actually type has taken more than a wee while. Today being my 58th birthday, I felt it was time to get the ball rolling again so to speak. A time to celebrate what this past year has held, the challenges and then move on down that tightrope. I have made good progress during my time away.

January started off with a trip to Chitown with Valderah and KB - great fun, laughs, and a birthday celebration for Valderah at the Purple Pig along with a wicked snowstorm got the year started off right.

When we got back it was time to celebrate Teach’s birthday. She has had a great first year teaching and finding her way in the Big Smoke. She and her Engineer have just moved into his first house very exciting times! LLB and her Scot spent some time in Scotland, then she returned and absolutely rocked the Bar exam - such a smart cookie, so proud! They are now close by in Efforttown . Pumped to be able to see them more often!

Next up for me was a trip to Costa Rica with the Vet and a couple of her kids. We hung out at the Playa Junquillal Eco Resort - OMG! What a lovey, simple, relaxing spot that is! So happy to have been introduced to the owners, Elisabeth and Tibor and hope to make it down there again soon!

I was a bit sick while we were there, hitting the wall the day after we returned - lucky me came back with a tan and pneumonia! This turned out to be the beginning of a rough winter for me. Every bug that found its way to me stayed around for quite some time, sicker than a dog for most of the winter. It forced me to slow down, in cases not doing the things I enjoyed. I had to force myself to sit still and allow my self to gain strength and get well. Things, chores, heck all the stuff began to build up - not something I allow. When I was feeling better I began the great clean up and out! I have had to repeat to myself almost every day - doesn’t have to be perfect - just better. This was applied (honestly still is!) applied to everything, made things a bit better mentally ya know?

The only thing yet to be totally completed is the ironing - mountains of it. Oh how I HATE ironing! Now that TLOMIL is back in the game it never seems to end! Heading to the Big Smoke everyday to work = ironing for Jillie! YUCK!

I digress - of course the big event for all of us this year was the wedding and parties to celebrate the union of The Boy and DC. What a time(s)! It was the wedding that just kept on giving - all events were flawless and enjoyed by all. I will cherish the down time TLOMIL and I got to spend getting to know DC’s family better. Time with our whole family together is rare, loved and remember it - hold it as close as can be to my heart. I was and still can be a blithering idiot when a think of it! I know, I know - soft touch. I wear my badge with honor.

I have been lucky enough to go to concerts and vineyards with Valderah, dinners and laughs with my Amigas, lavender farms, food and wine with my artist and our Singer. I have taken the time to hang with friends at special birthday parties with special people - time to go slowly and regain my health and mental strength. Some days are easier than others - no matter what - ALWAYS worth the effort. Better is kinder than perfect allowing baby steps toward the beginning of the tightrope.

On that note, I will prepare to take Ollie to go hang out with his buddy Murphy. Then off of the Jays game and dinner with TLOMIL - thanks for sticking around dear imaginary readers. Cheers!