As always, I’m THANKFUL!!

 

T’was the night before Thanksgiving…Yes, it’s one of my favorite days! Food prep, gift wrapping, and preparing the December calendar! This is a great day!!

Cue the brakes!  WHOA!!! It’s now Thanksgiving morning. Yesterday was a great day, it is one of my favorites, but damn, I nearly forgot it was blog day! I did indeed start the blog, but that’s as far as it went. So as I watch the annual parade, I’m finally getting this blog post out!

Let’s talk about why I’m thankful this year…because there is indeed a lot!

I turned 65 this year with a party bus and some awesome people! It was a real treat and I was showered with love!!

I went to Nashville with Katie for our annual girl’s getaway and was tickled to travel on the Drag Queen party bus and I was awed by my first visit to the Grand Ole Opry house. Katie & I had good fun, eating drinking, sitting by the pool. It was a treat to get away for a few days!

I survived some of those tough “dates” and marked five years divorced. This seems like a milestone of sorts and perhaps that’s why I feel grateful. I’m not grateful for being divorced, I’m grateful for how my life is evolving.

With my 65^th birthday came Social Security and Medicare! While I thought I wouldn’t be happy with another change, I can safely say it feels good. I know a lot of you are creeping into 65 or have entered. It’s nothing to be afraid of!!

I took a slight cut in pay at my non-profit job…because I made a few dollars more than was allowed! However, the job is worth staying for and I’m grateful, it worked out!! The good part? When I get to full retirement age, 66 years and 8 months, (436 days), I’ll be able to earn more money without penalty!!

During this year, I started a brunch group, with some friends from all parts of my life. We are exploring brunch places in Louisville. I also pulled together a group of women over 50, an off-shoot from a Facebook group. Strangers who have become friends. We will be hosting a gathering in June 2024, which is something fun to look forward to.

This past couple of weeks have been extra exciting!! Yes, I purchased two pairs of new glasses! Glasses can give you a new “outlook!” However, I had no idea how much my prescription had changed and now…I’m not only stylin’ but I can see so much better!!!

Last week, I spent time with friends from high school, college, and my first job! Six friends hanging out in a fabulous home in Saugatuck, Michigan during a beautiful, 60-degree weather week! Eating, drinking, shopping, fires, and walking on the beach of Lake Michigan! It was delightful!

Now, a big announcement for me. I bought my first brand new CAR!!! This achieved a couple of things for me. Although my Sylvia was still running well, I have had her for 11 years and 175,000 miles. She cleans up really well, but I know that it’s a little harder to get in and out of the car for my parents and that means, at some point, it’s going to get harder for me. So, I decided to go with a small SUV and it will be easier for all of us!!

I was anxious about financing, as I have not done this alone…since my first used car, over 40 years ago!! Needless to say, it was no issue and at 65 and a half, I did it! I’m pleased to present my new addition, a 2024 Mazda CX5. It has 59 miles on it. I can easily get in, I can see everything, and I feel so much higher! Still working on a name for her, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out soon. PS...Sylvia was sold to my cousin who was looking for a safe car for his son. She will have a great life!!! xoxoxo

Whew…I’m thankful for so much!! Katie and her family will not be here, it will just be a small group at our table, but we are looking forward to a Christmas together with a very busy schedule between now and then. Just another reason to be grateful!

So, from my household to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! XOXOXOXOX