We've had a year marked by minor life changes - nothing too dramatic but just enough to add a little spiciness. Retirement seems to be agreeing with the Mrs. Work is definitely agreeable with me. I've learned quite a lot not only in my field, but in the application of the software we use. I still have much more to learn, but I'm grateful for both the opportunity to learn as well as the capacity.

Number one son is doing well, although he's experienced more upheaval that we have. Hopefully it will be a small bump in the road for him and he will grow stronger from the experience. I've appreciated very much the opportunities it's given us to connect again.

As our world continues to change and become more hostile to those that don't subscribe to whatever the current "group think" is, priorities are being rearranged and real value is being applied where it should be. Contrary to what some may thing, social media, internet (aside from the utilitarian uses), etc. has little to no lasting real value. We lived without it at one time, although that may be hard for some to believe.

Try a 4, 5, 6 day or however long stay in a small cabin in the woods alone (or nearly alone) with no cellphone or internet. Your real needs become apparent very quickly.

My prayer for you is that you have a full life, whatever that means for you where your faith is the 1st priority. A faith that you live out until the day of fruition.