Happy New Year?



Happy New Year? Not really. I don’t want to sound like Debbie Downer here but it wasn’t the best Christmas and New Year we ever had. On the 23rd of December, a very dear long time friend of ours was diagnosed with a hideous disease. I won’t share all the details as to protect his grieving family, but this man, (I will call him Joe), was a friend of our family for over 35 years. He even spoke at my daughter’s wedding. 

Joe was diagnosed with cancer. After doing several tests, it was determined that Joe had cancer everywhere. On New Years’ Eve, he had a stroke and was rushed to the hospital. New Year’s Day, he had what the doctors referred to as a life ending stroke. He lingered in the hospital for several days and on January 5th, two days before his birthday, he passed away. His wife and children, who of course have also been our friends for that length of time, were shocked and devastated. It blew us all away. His extended family and friends were at least able to go and see him before he passed. Rest in Peace my dear friend!

I hope everyone else had a great Christmas and start to the New Year! It was a different one for us. Lisa and Jay were sick, so we didn’t see too much of them. Lindy spent Christmas Eve with Ken and I as her boys were away for a few days. They were back with their mom on Christmas day.

The 23rd of December was spent with my family, at my oldest brother’s home. My other brother and wife were in town and along with their daughter and granddaughters, we spent a wonderful evening together. Dinner was amazing as it always is when we go to their place.

Lindy had seen an old picture of my dad recently and knew that my niece had it and asked if she had any more pictures. Next thing you know, the old photo albums came out and we all reminisced about days gone by. Unfortunately, Lindy doesn’t remember my parents. She was very young when they passed. It was nice sitting on the couch with my two older brothers going through those old albums.

Christmas Day turned out better then I thought it would because Lisa and Jay were feeling better. We had breakfast with them followed by gift opening. After that, Ken and I hung out at home until it was time to go to his niece’s for a scrumptious turkey dinner. There were fourteen of us and we all ate and ate until we could barely move. We hung out for awhile after dinner but the younger ones and the older ones were getting tired so we called it a day. We had to drop Lindy and the boys off at their place a long the way. When we arrived, some of the kids in the neighbourhood were out playing in the snow so Kale and Lucas joined them. I found out the next day, that they were out playing until 10:30. 

Six of us went up to Pillar Lake for New Year’s. Ken and I weren’t really feeling like going as we were so concerned about our friend. His wife insisted, so reluctantly, we went. The other two couples knew our friend, but not that well. Ken and I chose not to tell them about Joe.
We spent two days and two nights at the lake. It wasn’t that cold, but cold enough that people were out skating and fishing on the lake. We were there I admit, to eat and share in a few beverages. We stayed in cabins which were warm and cozy. We spent our time visiting and playing a few games. Next time though, we must take more games. 

Some of the guests that were there, brought along fire works. About 11 o’clock New Year’s Eve, they shot the fire works just off shore of the lake. It was actually, a really good display.

I wish all my followers a very Happy New Year! Until next time, Enjoy!

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