TROUBLE WITH ARTHUR

I have not been motivated to write lately. I have an old friend (I say that advisedly) named Arthur who shows up in my life once in a while and just saps me of my strength. When he is around he has a way of making every occasion tiring. I find myself wanting to stay home and not see anyone or do anything. I guess you would say he causes me pain and he depresses me. I would rather not have him in my life but he is one of those who is not easy to get rid of and makes Tylenol pretty useless. I've known him a long time and his tempermentalness and behavior is worse than that of a child or a husband. Children grow up and husbands are expendable but Arthur just keeps hanging around me. When he is here he is always in a bad humor and I have yet to find a way to cheer him up or settle down his lunatic like ranting and raving. Anyone know a cure for arthritis?

WHAT A DAY

Wow, what a day! The Colts and the Bears. Does it get any better than that in one day?

FINALLY SOME WINTER

We are having wonderful winter days this week--temps in the low 70's during the day and mid 40's at night. I did some outdoor work today--weed eating, pruning, etc. It felt rather good to do the physical activity and also have a cleaner looking place. I also got Xmas decor crated and stored away for another season. I always hate to have to take down the pretty lights and decorations. Things look rather bare for a time but eventually I get used to it and as all my friends know, my place is far from barren at anytime during the year.

My new room is finished except for hanging a new door to the laundry room and filling holes and painting. It is filled up with furniture already without buying anything. Why does that not surprise anyone? My brother did the construction work and we used a lot of recycled materials. He did a very masterful job and helped me make a lot of decisions allowing me to prevail with my ideas when it was important to me. He was a real sweetheart about it all. He never asked for help--just needed coffee--and cleaned up pretty well after himself. I'm sure that the neighbors are happy that we are no longer running power saws, nail guns, and a loud compressor.

The holidays so quietly swept by and are now a sweet memory full of family and friends. Old routines return so easily and one almost forgets that it was ever varied. I wish for all of us peace and goodwill in this new year.