Happy New Year, Friends!  Shortly after my last entry in March 2016, we lost our beloved Mom.  It is still difficult to deal with but knowing she is with her Babe, Dad, is the only thing making it bearable.  It is odd to not have her to drop in on or call or mail little surprises to.  Mom always asked when I was going to retire and enjoy life.  Oddly, I did enjoy life.  I am a worker.  But shortly after her passing I decided I would retire.  We lost her in April 2016, and in September 2017 I officially began early retirement.  But, still being a worker, I decided to become a small business owner and am a LuLaRoe retailer.  This is a clothing line make for comfort and fashion.  I love it.  Mom would have loved it and would most likely be my biggest supporter.  I know she would have wanted to go on air with me to sell and my groups would have loved her.  So thanks Mom.  I miss you every day.

As 2018 starts my first year of retirement, I decided I wanted to try my best to get back in shape, I say back as several medical issues have deterred my gym and yoga participation, become organized and revive this blog.  With you tube being so popular I think blogs are losing their popularity.  But here I will regale you with tales of clothing, knitting and interesting tidbits.  My knitting has taken a backseat to my business.  The hours are very long but so much fun.  I have outgrown my room in the house and Kevin needs a garage for one of his many antique vehicles so a structure is being built.  I will gain lots of space which make the business much easier to run.  I have just celebrated my one year anniversary, it went by in a whirlwind.

My darling grandson is already 2 years old and has settled on calling me Shashel.  I love it!  He is inquisitive and bright and daring and social and loves most everyone and everything.  He is a character and likes taking on the persona of characters. Some days he is Tom Brady, sometimes a wrestler, sometimes a Troopie.  He loves Star Wars!!!  He also has watched very little television in his life and I feel, as a result, has the most magnificent imagination.  I am so blessed to be able to take care of him weekly.  Needless to say he thrills us all.  It is wondrous to witness your child being a parent.  DS1 and his lovely wife are busy with life and the boy and DS2 and his lovely wife are always involved in something.  My family is my joy.

I postponed my capstone project as there were medical issues and time wasn't there.  I may get back to it down the road, but right now it is not my priority.

The animals are getting on in years.  Oliver is essentially blind and Nickolas has taken on the seeing care of him.  Phineas, poor Phineas, has lost a great deal of hearing, currently has breathing issues and it seems an eye infection.  Oliver just turned 1, Phineas will be 10 in May and Nickolas just turned 8.  The cats don't seem to age at all and are very well tolerated by the puppies.

So there you have it.  The first post of the new year.  I hope your families are well and that you hug them often