Happy New Year 2009

Already the year is one of anticipation. In an hour or so, Elliot will bring the three male puppies down so Tyler can get pick-of-the-litter. We've never had pick-of-the-litter, just pick of the pound. Then we'll have a little golden romping around the house for a couple of days. Ugh, and peeing and poohing.

Darla and I are going snow shoeing this afternoon. Actually, I think I am snow shoeing and Darla will wait for me in the yurt. What a nice friend. By the time I am done, Darla will have the life stories of everyone in the yurt. Before that Berkeley and I will run again today (three miles) and then I'll work out in the weight room. Kelli, if you read this before I call you, give me a call! No more "bingo arms" in '09.

As I reflect on 2008, maybe there was not more bad than good, but more traumatic than euphoric. On the down side: my car was broken into and my wallet stolen at the trail head where I run; my ex remarried (why am I so easily replaceable?); Berkeley got hit by the logging truck; a student passed away; Teena and Brian both moved away, gutting the district office of two of my favorite people on earth. Teena lives in Spanaway now. Brian and Trish are in Nine Mile Falls. And most recently, Lily, my little angel, moved to Orlando...abandonment issues, people! What are you thinking?

The good of 2008, though is pretty incredible. My friend Cheeseman and I started riding our bikes on the most beautiful 30 mile loop this summer. What a good friend he has been. He was the first person I met here in Randle. He even came and changed my flat tire this summer, and then took the spare to get air when we discovered it, too, was flat (a recurring theme). Best of all, he's still my friend after last Thanksgiving and the mashed potato fiasco. You see, he's county cop who works odd shifts. Ever since I've known him we (Bill and I ) have invited him to Thanksgiving. So, it's kind of a tradition. He says "bah, humbug" then if the shift works out right, he stops by.

So last year he came to dinner. I tried to be fancy (for me) and put all the food in nice bowls, even if it was just Tyler, Kelly, Cheeseman, and I. Well, Tyler had requested lots of mashed potatoes, so I had a huge pile...but no bowl. I looked down and saw the dog's water dish that Darla had repeatedly told me was too beautiful for a dog dish. She told me if I was going to use it for a dog dish to give it to her, but I hadn't gotten around to it. So I picked up the dish, washed it in very, very hot water then a cool bleach water (it has to be cool or it negates the bleach effect. I have a health card; I know this.) Then I rinsed it again...Well, we were sitting down to dinner, passing the food when Tyler asked (as only Tyler can), "Is this the f(*&n dog dish?"...I froze. Of course Kelly had to chime in , "Yes, look!" and point to the empty spot on the kitchen floor. Let's just say we had lots of left over mashed potatoes. And then I became the target of all the pot luck jokes at school (aren't cops sworn to confidentiality?).

Also, there are the other people in my life I've already mentioned. And then there are some who I have yet to. I haven't talked about my amazing students who make my life's work a joy, most days. Just know they are appreciated.

Day hasn't dawned here on the Long and Winding Road. I am looking foreward to it.

Peace on your journeys in 2009 and traveling mercies.