Despite what Facebook thinks – it was not a great year. So I’ll start my yearly review with the worst stuff:
- My husband, Bill, died on October 5th. I miss him everyday. I’m having mixed feelings about the new year – I’m glad 2014 is over, and yet I’m sad to be leaving Bill behind in it.
- Towards the end of November I had to have our dog, Shadow, put down. He had a fast growing cancer and as much as I hated to see him go, it was time. It would have been worse to see him suffer any longer.
But there were good things in the year:
- In March, my picture book, Dear Flyary, won the Saskatchewan Book Award for Children’s Literature.
- In February, I turned 55.
- I got to go along on two Great Horned Owl banding excursions. Something new to me and very cool!
- I participated in two Christmas Bird Counts this year. Great learning experiences.
- I added some new birds to my list – or I should say, I have some new birds to add to my list. Soon. So much to do and so much time – a bad combination for me. 🙂
- As of the start of this school year, I’m working in Pre-kindergarten all day now. I love working with the little ones. They aren’t embarrassed to be excited, and everything new is exciting. You can’t help but become more enthusiastic about life when you’re around them. I’ve been off since the end of September, but am looking forward to returning on Jan. 6th.
- At the end of November, I hired a personal trainer to set up an exercise program for me. I’m mostly enjoying it (hate the elliptical, but it’s only once a week, thank goodness) and my winter coat is fitting a little less snuggly. The new Martensville Athletic Pavilion is a great facility, similar to Saskatoon’s Field House.
Thank you to all my friends who have shown me so much love and support this year. Here’s to more good things in 2015 for everyone and a Happier New Year!
Hi Dianne,
I read and enjoy your blog. I love your bird pics. I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I can’t imagine the loss you are experiencing. Sending you a hug and lots of prayers.
Shelley F.
The moment I saw the title I thought about the mixed feelings I had leaving 2011. I remember crying on New Year’s Eve because I was leaving the last year Tripp was in. I so relate to how you are feeling about leaving 2014. I will definitely be thinking of you today and am going to light a candle for Bill tonight.
Only just now got around to reading what you wrote about 2014; yes, it was quite a year for me too (with my little Mum passing away). I loved reading what you are up to, and the happy and hopeful things you talk about. Circumstances in our lives change, but as Mum used to say, “you have to keep soldiering along.” Or should that be “air cadet-ing along?!” Anyhow, one of MY favorites, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” You hang in there.