This last day of the year, I have mixed feelings. I grieve for the loss of my dear aunt, for the illness of my brother which will soon take his life, for the loss of Forrest's mother and for our estranged son who remains out of my life yet another year.

Some good things happened too. We got Nikki and Jedi. They are both very sweet miniature poodles, and both with extremely different personalities. Funny how it works. Nikki is mine and has a personality much like mine. She worries and frets and has a keen sense of fairness. Jedi is Forrest's and just goes through life letting it happen. Nikki is a dainty eater, taking small bites, her meal lasting quite a long time compared to Jedi who swallows things whole and is through in no time. Nikki is extremely neat, doesn't go where she is not supposed to, won't lick your mouth, while Jedi gets into everything, makes messes, and licks your nouth if you don't get out of the way. Each was made for the personalities of their "person." They are the best thing that has happened to us this year.


S got a great job with Hallmark in KC, which is only about 3 hours from here so we get to see him every so often. He is happy, at last, after quite a few rough years. Has a wonderful apartment on a hill in a woodsy area. I don't thinkI I have ever seen him so relaxed and happy.It makes me feel good.


We see C almost every weekend. It is nice to have one of our sons coming around. He and Forrest go to movies together and occasionally do other things. I am a stay-at-home and enjoy my space .


J & D are healthy and happy and the two girls they are adopting are gorgeous. Just wish we could see them more often but they are 2000 miles away.


Healthwise, nothing major with Forrest or me. I am thankful for that. Still have "miles to walk."


I have taken several classes on-line to help motivate me to keep on writing. Being so depressed much of the time, it is easy to let it go unless you have to account to someone...or a group! I have felt close to the people I am working with, especially this last time. They are all beautiful souls and I am grateful to be in their midst. Soon I will be taking another class with them. I am looking forward to that.


And I am closer to getting my memoir book together. Have done quite a bit of work with it but still much to do. Would like to have it finished by next Christmas.


So, as I said, it has been a mixed bag. I really didn't realize how good this year was until I started thinking about it just now. One must take the sorrow with the joy, though, and it puts an edge on everything. I hope 1998 will be a better year for everyone.

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