Even a homebody gets a little tired of staying home :-)

I love my family and my friends.  I love to socialize.  But, deep down, I'm basically a homebody, no question about that.  But, even a homebody gets a little tired of staying home.  I've basically been staying at home for a year, as have many of you.

For me, this year has been one of introspection, one of reflection, of contemplation, and decision making.  I've always been 'okay' with my own company and I have felt grateful that the activities I most enjoy, like creative writing and reading, for example, are things I necessarily need to be alone to do.

My 'bubble' has consisted of family members plus two, and I've been very grateful that all my immediate family, daughters, grandsons, and most recently my beautiful great-granddaughter, live here in Elliot Lake.  There have been many times, though, when even seeing these loved ones has not been possible during lock-down periods.  

During this past year I have completed several Udemy on-line courses and these have helped tremendously to keep my mind alert and thoughts positive.

During this past year I have made some changes in my home, nothing major, but enough changes to keep my surroundings interesting and, for me, comfortable.   I've felt very grateful for my little house.  I've never been a lover of housework but looking after my house has kept me busy.  I'm not a clean-freak but definitely a neat-freak, so it has mattered to me that I stay busy keeping the house organized.

During this past year I lost my beautiful boy, Samson.   I always called him my 'special needs puppy'.  I loved my Sam and I still do.  Always I will remember him with love and admiration.  He dealt with many challenges and I always knew in my heart that he wanted to be a good boy.  

Remembering Samson with love.

During this past year I've learned that my lovely Lila has a heart condition that is concerning.  She also has a fatty tissue growth above her back right leg that, sadly, cannot be removed because she cannot be under anaesthetic due to the heart condition.  I treasure every day I have to spend with her.

Lovely Lila

During this past year I have missed spending time with my friends.  I've become very grateful for Facebook which has allowed me to stay in touch and to share the love.

I have missed working.  I miss meeting with counseling clients and I miss our women's workshops. I worked hard putting together everything needed to facilitate a women's workshop that I had hoped to offer in our local library in April.   I, optimistically, postponed it to a date in July.  The workshop material is patiently waiting for the time to be right.  That day will come.  For now, it sits on a shelf.   

During this past year I have been grateful for Elliot Lake's Age Friendly Shopping and Delivery Service, and I continue to feel grateful for this service.  I know it has played a major role in keeping me, and many of my senior friends, healthy and safe.

During this past year I have completed the writing of my twenty-first manuscript.   I'm currently keeping busy with proofing, editing, formatting.   Please watch for STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light on Amazon exclusively, hopefully late March or early April.  

Vaccinations are on the horizon.  I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  I've been staying at home for so long, I truly hope I won't experience a culture shock when I venture out into the real world once more.  

Spring is only a couple of weeks away. Here in Elliot Lake it has, thankfully, been an easy winter with not a lot of snow and lots of beautiful sunshine.   

The focus this past year has been on staying home.  I hope we will soon be able to put this focus onto the back burner.

Life is good, and life goes on.