Monday, January 1, 2024

Sifoddling Along

 


By Marilyn Carnell

New Years 2024


    In the 8th decade of my life, I find myself still planning for the future. My goals are more modest than in the past, but are goals, nevertheless. I long ago gave up on New Year's Resolutions. They were quickly abandoned anyway.


    This year I have only a few objectives. I have put them in outline form for clarity.


I. Follow my advisor’s suggestions to move from my house to an apartment for senior living

    A. Why? Although I have a very nice and comfortable home that is well equipped with the safety features I require, the upkeep and maintenance - mowing, snow removal, housekeepers, grocery and meds delivery, repairs, insurance, pest control, and on and on – are onerous. It will be a relief to write a single check or have an auto payment made.
    B. This will force me to at long last tackle downsizing so that I don’t leave a mess for my family to sort out.
    C. I have been told by several knowledgeable and trustworthy people that moving while I am still active will allow me to make friends and participate in social activities.


II. Finish writing a book in progress about the Civil War in southwest Missouri. The title will be Cowskin Prairie or some version of that. It takes place in 1861-62 when the war was raging in that part of the country.

    A. I have a first draft finished and think this is a possible task. It is an opportunity to tell others about a beloved part of my past and my ties to the Ozark Mountains.
    B. Continue to write for Pencil Stubs. I enjoy sharing stories with others.
C. Continue to work on remaining as healthy as possible.


I know this is brief, but it represents a lot of hard work. I am looking forward to it.


I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year!


Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the latter.


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