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2015

I have been reading reflections on the year about to pass, 2015.

Some do not mourn its passing in any way, can't wait to slam the door on that one.  Others muse philosophically on the lessons learned over the past 365 days. Still others look forward, making prediction for the unfolding of 2016.

You other bloggers!  You make me wish I was clever and thoughtful and smart so I could sum up 2015 in an entertaining way.

Truth is--I can barely remember 2015.  Did it actually have 365 days?  Because it seemed a heck of a lot shorter than that.  I have some advice for 2016: Slow Down!

I spent the winter in Florida--did some volunteering, did a lot of yoga, did some writing.  Five months gone in a blur.  When I got back to Vermont, I noticed that my grandchildren, babies when I left, had grown.  I guess I really need to update those pictures on my sidebar.

I know I spent a lot of money, starting with the installation of a new furnace. Thinking about what I needed to update and repair in order to eventually (I was thinking spring of 2016) sell my house escalated into a whirlwind of activity with a long string of contracted electricians, chimney guys, plumbers, environmental engineers, and carpenters making their way through the house and relieving me of a sizable amount of cash.

My house sold in five days and then I found a new place to live.  I had to pack and downsize.  It was stressful, I do remember that, but I was happy with my new town house closer to town and with no large yard to mow.  I only spent six weeks there, so it is justifiable that that time seems pretty short.

I did not have the time nor the money to take my grandkids on much of a vacation, but we did make a couple small trips.  We went to Ausable Chasm, Lake Champlain (many, many times), and played a lot of soccer--enough so that my grandson has dreams of going to the FIFA World Cup someday.

My grandson eventually forgave me for selling the house.

My friends continued to sustain me throughout the year.  I know that I am truly grateful for family and friends, including blogger-world friends, who add so much to my life.  Florida friends, new friends, are great; and some will be enduring.  Long time friends are the best.

So that is the blur that was 2015.  Now I will have to contemplate the start of a new year.

Be safe, everyone.

Comments

  1. Meryl BaerDecember 30, 2015 at 9:46 AM

    You remembered a lot! A very busy year, begin 2016 enjoying some R&R time basking in the Florida sunshine.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RianDecember 30, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    Olga, you have certainly had a busy 2015. I'm not surprised that it went by so fast. Selling your house had to be a difficult decision - and moving... can't imagine having to move. But it sounds like you like your new place and are adjusting well. I think you are the type of person who can handle change and having family and friends to support you is a wonderful help. Here's wishing you a wonderful happy 2016!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda MyersDecember 30, 2015 at 10:35 AM

    That's a pretty good summary! I had to stop to catch my breath to keep up with you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousDecember 30, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    Sounds like a good year to me. At least, there were no deaths in your family. I lost a mother and brother in law in 2015.

    ReplyDelete
  5. BarbDecember 30, 2015 at 6:15 PM

    Do you think it's true that the older we get, the more time seems to rush by us? You had an unusually busy and productive 2015. I hope 2016 gives you time for relaxing and regrouping.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TomDecember 30, 2015 at 10:04 PM

    I'm afraid each year goes by more quickly, and each one gets a little blurrier. But selling your house and moving -- that's a BIG accomplishment. I remember going to Ausable Chasm, about a hundred years ago when I was in fifth or sixth grade.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda ReederDecember 30, 2015 at 10:50 PM

    I reflect when I write our Christmas letter, but that was done in early December, so I have forgotten already. :-)
    Like you, I think 2015 went very fast, and we spent much of it just living.
    For you, it was momentous, selling your family home and moving into your townhouse. That is a milestone.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotteDecember 31, 2015 at 12:17 AM

    When I learned about your fast house sale I figured it would keep you very busy and that it has. Yes this year went by fast but many experienced health issue this year my hope is itwill be a calmer year in 2016.

    ReplyDelete
  9. SextantDecember 31, 2015 at 12:45 AM

    You did OK in 2015, Olga, and you do write a good blog post about it. I hope 2016 is even better. May you, your family, and your friends have a Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownDecember 31, 2015 at 8:11 PM

    2015 was kind of a whirlwind for you! I can understand wanting to slow down and I hope 2016 will be a happy and peaceful one for you. Happy 2016 Olga.

    ReplyDelete
  11. SakuJanuary 1, 2016 at 2:46 PM

    2015 was definitely a full year for you. Hopefully 2016 will give you a little more time to relax and enjoy your two homes and grandkids too!

    All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Granny AnnieJanuary 2, 2016 at 7:33 AM

    I hope I do not end 2016 as broke as I ended 2015. Why my expenses were greater than ever is beyond me but with Social Security not going up because there was no cost of living increase I am left to ponder. Yes friends do keep us going and I hope to be a better blog friend this year. Happy New Year Olga!

    ReplyDelete
  13. KayJanuary 9, 2016 at 2:35 AM

    Gosh! I never did a 2015 summary. I guess I've been so distracted lately. It was an OK year with ups and downs, I guess. However, it is a very memorable year because our grandson was born. So on the second thought, it was a very good year after all.

    ReplyDelete

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