2018.
I'll turn 72 in April. An "orphan" since 2001, my folks passed within a year of each other earlier this Century.
I'll be okay if next year unfolds for me, personally, in just about the way this last one has. I hasten to knock on wood.
For me, inside the walls of the perrara, my life is bearable. My health, apart from my mobility issues, is reasonable for one of my age and exposures. Money's always an issue: I'm mostly, if not broke, then at least badly bent.
But my machines are all functional and functioning. if nowhere near 'state of the art.' I got a new HP desk-top in 2017, and it works well for what I do. Also, I would feel secure taking a 1000-mile trip in either the car ('02 Lexus GS) or the truck ('97 Ranger SLT). I'd like to get a newer vehicle, but I don't NEED one, so I probably won't--absent hitting the lottery..
After some months out of the loop, I now am reinstated in a health-care plan, this one with Humana. I had my introductory appointment last month with the new "group." My new primary care Doc is Ghanaian. I had to take a piss test to have my hydrocodone 'scrip renewed, and I had to sign an agreement that I wouldn't shop around for more controlled 'scrips. Prescription pain pills aren't my failing...That was a new development.
Late last year, I had visits with my heart doc, skin doc, and lung doc, all in the last 6 mos, and none of them said anything worrisome. No open wounds or unexp0lained lesions.
As is usual, I am still plagued by rotten tenants, though usually only one at a time. A Landlord's lot is not a happy one.
Mainly, though, this past year was memorable for the two unbelievable gifts, bestowed on me, in Smoky (aka, Nobel) and TASHA, both of who I am fostering for NMDOG.
It's been just about all the adventure I can handle, anymore, watching Smoker-boy become a real dog. He was a shell-shocked wreck when he landed here. He'd been treated well by his rescuers, but he was deeply affected by his years of abandonment. He barely moved at all the first month he was here: I had to lift him to his feet and lead him outdoors.
TAnd lately, against odds, there has been the positive pleasure of him attaching to me, becoming my dog and me his person. Watching and helping him emerge has been a genuine delight.
And Tasha's, the blonde bombshell/tri-paw, my other canine sprite/spirit. Her arrival signalled the biggest changes in Smokies' demeanor and behavior. She's a handful, strong enough to pull stumps, even though only having three limbs.
The two are just enough.
So, I'm hoping for a "push" in 2018. You never "hit" either (20 or 18) in blackjack, cuz the dealer might bust.
