A Blog Adieu: Gratitude 2024 from A-Z

~ snakesinthegrass2014
I await the cease and desist letter from Warner Brothers! Source: Wikipedia

I hate goodbyes. First there’s all that sentiment with tears, laughs, hugs, promises, etc. It can be so exhausting, It’s also the later realization that I forgot to visit the dessert table. Less tears and more apricot danish, is what I say.

Staff at headquarters are forcing me to announce that the time has come to close up shop and end this blog. The six of you out there have probably taken notice of my rather anemic output this year, with long periods of inactivity. Worse yet, I’ve also been ignoring all of my wonderful blogging compatriots, who have collectively been carrying on and creating their usual level of high quality. But for those amazing writers, I’d have never kept up this charade for as long as I have. All of them have inspired me to no end, in addition to providing so many easy opportunities for plagiarism.

The reason for all of this is that Gorgeous and I have decided to pull up stakes next year and move from our abode here in Florida. There’s been an emotional tug in the last couple years to be closer to family in Michigan, a place where I haven’t lived since 1983.

I should probably buy a coat.

At some later point after we move and get settled, I will start a new blog and chronicle the adventures of the returning prodigal. But for now, I wish to offer my heartfelt thanks to all who visited here over the last ten years.Your many comments have meant more to me than you can imagine.

The best way that I can end Snakes in the Grass is to offer my annual post of gratitude; and this year also by shining a light on so many of my WordPress blogging cohorts. They’ve not only offered virtual solidarity and kindness, but also helped to make me a better writer. My sincerest apologies if I’ve missed mentioning anyone!

So with Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away…

… I once again submit for your annual approval, all the things from A-Z for which I am grateful:

(A) Auto-payments. For years I avoided them like the plague mostly out of budgetary fear. But now I find solace in the knowledge that the lights will stay on no matter how forgetful I am.

Also…. blogger Ally at The Spectacled Bean, who introduced me to the most excellent phrases of “flapdoodle and twaddle.” For that I will forever be grateful.

(B) President Biden, though it’s not what you think. It’s actually a bit of a backhanded compliment. I am grateful for his unintentionally reminding all of us that there are limits to one’s staying power. As the song goes, you gotta know when to fold ’em.

Also… blogger Betty at Chambers on the Road, who along with her husband, Dan, shows us how much fun road trips in retirement can be. There is also Bernie at Diary of a Dublin Housewife, who will keep you laughing with her verbatim dialogues with family members.

(C) Political commercials. I’m so grateful that we’re finished with them for another two years!

Also… we remember blogger Cordelia at Rapid Cyclist blog. Her posts, which often chronicled her brave battles with both depression and breast cancer, remain as testaments to how we can face such challenges with grace, beauty, and the best of the human spirit. May she rest in peace.

(D) The delete button. See above political commercials, although I’m still hitting delete on email solicitations even though the election is over.

Also… there are a couple of bloggers named Deb to mention: Deb at Widow Badass Blog is nothing but fearless in her pursuit of outdoor adventures. She also has a dog named Bowser who, believe it or not, is a writer too (which I find nothing short of amazing). Rock on, Deb! Then there’s Debs at Debs Despatches, who is a wonderful raconteur of travel stories (past and present), books, and current thoughts.

(E) Although the election didn’t turn out the way I had hoped, I am grateful for the fact that it was free and fair. I pray it remains that way now and well into the future.

Also… although she hasn’t updated her blog in a year, blogger Sarah at Extra Dry Martini is one of finest writers on WordPress (writing is also her day job); Elizabeth at Thoughts and Commentary writes about mental health and related topics. She is a Ph.D. in psychology and someone who always offers an interesting point of view on any given subject; Erica is the wonderful writer and talented photographer at Behind the Scenery. She also writes for a local Canadian magazine and has one of the best Instagram pages around. She’s an incredibly sweet person.

(F) Faith. In spite of all the turmoil and division in the country and world right now, I am surprised by how much of my faith has been restored by those close to me: friends, family, and (current) neighbors. I am grateful for those who are in my life.

Also… blogger Jane Fritz at Robby Robin’s Journey, writes about so many things from stories of her years in education, to farming, to excellent essays on social justice.

(G) My Gorgeous, who never fails to amaze me with her resilience in both body and spirit. I’m going to get in trouble with the below picture because it wasn’t cleared ahead of time, but I love it because she’s in her total happy place and it shows.

(H) Handymen. Good lord, your humble blogger has absolutely no ability to fix anything other than perhaps a browser that’s acting up or pesky remote which requires new batteries. This year, however, was the year of the handyman in our home. After several starts and stops with few duds, we actually found three –count ’em, THREE — who are the Real Deal. They’ve built closet shelves, fixed doors that wouldn’t close, did a little painting…. and most important, none of them made me feel like a complete waste of space. Gotta love a good handyman who happily takes my money and keeps his thoughts to himself.

(I) International food stores. You might refer to them as “ethnic” stores, but I need something for “I” so we’re going with international. One thing we’ll miss about living near Jacksonville is the wonderful Baymeadows neighborhood, which is filled to the brim with Asian, Middle East, Hispanic, Indian, and European speciality food stores. I don’t think we’ve bought a bottle of grocery store olive oil in years.

Lebanese olive oil purchased at Al Basha Groceries in Baymeadows, Jacksonville.

(J) Jazz. I listen to a lot of jazz each day, particularly at the start of cocktail hour and through dinner. What I love about it is that it’s a genre absolutely filled with so many strands and forks in the road. I’m certain I’ll never catch up with all that I’ve missed, which makes it even more exciting for me. My current favorite is guitarist Emily Remler, who tragically died way too young at 32. Check her out.

Also… blogger Janis at Retirementally Challenged is a multifaceted blogger who makes nearly everything interesting because of the passion in her writing. Her posts from a long trip to Mexico a few years ago were fascinating, as was a memorable trip she and her husband took on the old Route 66.

(K) The 401(k) was created in part as a way for employers to jettison their responsibilities with providing pensions to long-serving employees. In far too many respects it hasn’t been a success for those who haven’t saved enough and are struggling in retirement. But I am grateful for my own efforts during my working years. To those still working, please keep socking it away in those accounts. You’ll be glad you did.

Also… there is blogger Kate at Views and Mews by Coffee Kat, whose blog was the first I started to follow on WordPress, and she in turn became the first follower of Snakes in the Grass. Nearly all of my early attempts at blogging here were copied directly from Kate. Think “Gorgeous” is a novel alias for my wife? Nah. I merely copied the idea from Kate, who affectionally refers to her spouse as the “Beloved Husband.” I probably stole more ideas from Kate than any other blogger ( i.e. my “Idle Thoughts” during lockdown were a complete ripoff of her weekly Random Five). Kate, I salute you!

(L) Three bloggers to feature for this letter: Laura is at the appropriately named Laura Bruno Lilly blog, which just happens to be her actual name. Laura is an accomplished performing musician and songwriter along with being a poet and craft artist; Linda at Retired Introvert has blogged extensively about her own retirement journey, including now building a new home. She also includes the occasional mouth-watering recipe to share; and Laurel at My Journey Into The Dark and Twisty World, writes in a salt-of-the-earth style that comes straight from the many people she’s met on her own journey. Laurel’s speciality is in serial short story posts that grab you immediately. I see she hasn’t updated her blog in a couple of years, but I know she’s still around because she’s commented on some of mine this year. I hope she returns to her blog.

(M) Mom. I struggled for many years after my mother’s death to work through aspects of our relationship. Early on in this blog, I wrote a post about that which received a fair bit of traffic at the time. Time heals, and I now certainly do miss her. I’m grateful for all the love we both shared with one another. I love you, Mom.

Also…. there is blogger Moisy at Rosie’s French Adventures and Irish Shenanigans, who literally just ended her blog after ten years. But the journey she and her husband Rich took in relocating to France, and then to Ireland, is a fascinating read, and I do recommend your taking a deep dive into it. On a personal note, Moisy was extraordinary sweet as Gorgeous recovered from her breast cancer surgery. Good luck to both of you, Moisy! ❤️

(N). Naps. I used to be ashamed and somewhat chagrined about this secret habit of mine, but no longer. If you’re a kindred spirit, then I hope you are equally out of the closet about it too. Say it loud, say it proud: naps are the best.

Also… New England Garden and Thread is written by the always interesting, Judy. Judy is a master gardener who lives in New Hampshire. She writes about her home garden, of course, but also about the many volunteer gardening activity she does in her community. What I love about Judy’s blog is that she takes sometimes arcane topics, such as soil, roots, bulbs, etc., and makes it all interesting and fun for the reader. She’s also been an awfully good spirit with my oft-juvenile comments on so many of her posts! Also… blogger Nikki at Notes of Life will take you all around the UK, particularly in her home area of Mid Wales, and show both beauty and history with her pictorial posts. While gardens and flowers are a big part of Nikki’s interest, she also has this knack for finding great ancient churches and libraries.

(O) The Older Fatter Happier blog is written by the always entertaining, Alisa. In addition to making me green with envy with writing about all of her wonderful traveling destinations, she has a gift of turning a phrase (or three) about those in political power. If like me you inhabit the left side of the spectrum, I think you’ll find Alisa’s thoughts to be validating.

(P) Poll workers. Isn’t it funny how now that election is over, none of the conspiracies about the polls being rigged ever came to pass? Let’s take our hats off to these wonderful volunteers nationwide. They are the first line of defense to our precious democracy.

Also… the Artistic Pension blog is written by Tracey. As the name suggests, Tracey features wonderful artists that are worth your time in investigating. She too is a fabulous traveler who shares much of her trips in her posts. Her adventures are always fascinating. Also… blogger Pat at Retirement Transition took her adventure into retirement seriously enough that she literally wrote a book on it! Pat takes an analytical look at retirement with interesting dives into activities and friendships. I’ve always learned something from reading her posts.

(R) I absolutely love retirement. It’s full of both deep challenges and rewards on a daily basis, and it sure beats saying “hi” to the same people six times a day as you pass them in the office corridors.

Also… someone who embodies retirement more than any other blogger I can think of, is the blogger Donna at Retirement Reflections. Name a retirement activity and Donna’s either done it or it’s on her bucket list. There’s hiking! Cooking! Book reading! Traveling! Blogging groups to organize! There are even posts for which she’s asked others to guest blog! (she nabbed yours truly twice) Donna is our own blogging Energizer Bunny. Plus, she gets it all done with class and a noticeable sense of humanity.

(S) Music Streaming. I always said that I would never pay for a music streaming service. But for reasons too long to explain, we ended up starting a subscription to Apple Music earlier this year. Although I will always love vinyl more, I have to admit that I am enjoying the relative luxury of ordering Siri to play me the X-Pensive Winos at the drop of a hat as I merely sit on the couch.

(T) My Thesaurus. Where would I be without it? Although I’m equally grateful for my copy of Strunk & White, if I had to choose between the two it’d be the Thesaurus hands down.

(U) Uber. Far for be it for me to shill for a corporation, but “grateful” really is the word I can use to describe how I feel for this well-known ride sharing service. On a recent trip to DC, we used Uber quite a few times when we knew hailing a cab would be next to impossible. Each time they found us and delivered us to where we needed to go. It was the best time saver.

(V). Two Australian bloggers to mention for the letter V: Bruce at Vinyl Connection will take you on a sonic journey to all genres in pop music and modern jazz. His theme posts, for example, on album art or a particular year’s releases, are always the most fun to read. Also… blogger Vy at Dewy’s Place will transport you on fascinating and beautiful walking tours of cities and towns (mostly Melbourne), plus she takes pictures of the most mouth-watering entrees that she orders in restaurants and coffee shops. Vy also blogs about her love life with language and details that might not appeal to everyone, but there’s always this great sense of jaded humor from her that comes out in those particular posts.

[W] Although it often makes me irritable and frustrated, I do wish to thank WordPress for the opportunity to try my hand at writing, and also for providing a platform that has allowed me to interact with so many talented and interesting people.

(X) Great news! We switched earlier this year from Xfinity to a service called BlueStream. Why is this good news? Because it gives me something to talk about for the most frustrating of all the letters in the alphabet. 🤦‍♂️

(Y). In addition to having a truly hilarious blog name of Yeah, Another Blogger, blogger Neil writes about everything from travel, entertainment, books, and also his beloved city of Philadelphia. My favorite of his posts is a regular feature where he takes walks and snaps pictures to fit a certain theme (i.e. trucks, signs, etc.). His sense of humor is always what brings people back to his site.

(Z). Catch your Z’s, always!

Thanks again for your readership over the years.

We’ll meet again…

53 thoughts on “A Blog Adieu: Gratitude 2024 from A-Z”

  1. I hated to “like” this but I had too. It’s so well written. You are the third person in a month that has told me they are moving from Florida. It must be a conspiracy! Best of luck on your new adventures and yes, buy a coat or two.

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    1. It just can’t be all the hurricanes or our numbskull governor, so I guess we all just are hankering to wear snow boots again! Kate, you’ve always been my blogging north star. Thanks for all the inspiration and support! Hope you and the Beloved have a wonderful holiday season!

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  2. Hi, Marty – I’m choosing to read this post not as a “goodbye” but as a “see you soon.” Best of luck to you and Gorgeous on your move to Michigan (beautiful photos of her, by the way). Definitely invest in a coat…or twelve!

    As a recovering English major, your mention of Strunk and White made me smile and reminded me of a favourite Dorothy Parker quote:
    “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second-greatest favour you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first-greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”

    And speaking of mentions, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words—they made my day. I’m grateful for your thought-provoking posts wrapped in tremendous wit. But most of all, I’m forever thankful for your friendship.

    See you again soon!

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    1. I love that Dorothy Parker quote, Donna. I’ve never read it before. Good grief, she was right.

      Thanks so much of your inspiration over the years. You have been one of the “tribe” that’s helped me keep going as long as I have. I wish you and Richard well, and hopefully we’ll make contact again down the road. Have a wonderful upcoming holiday season!

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  3. Yet another welcome and witty blog post from you, Marty. Thanks for the shoutout and for some juicy hints on what new blogs I might follow, but, you know, WordPress IS available in Michigan!! And, please, please, please don’t think that you can’t blog again once you’re settled just because of this PA. Think of all the material you’ll have on the “moving to be near family” experience to share with the blogosphere. How much fun you could have with that!!! In the meantime, I’ve already been missing your blog posts, Marty. Welcome back to the North! 😊💕

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    1. Yep, I think I’ll have plenty of new fodder that’s for sure! The plan indeed will be to eventually start something new, perhaps not quite as silly this time. I’ve been wanting to try a little fiction writing, but this blog was never the right platform for that. So I’ll have time to ponder about all of that. Thanks, Jane! Have a wonderful upcoming holiday season. 🙂

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  5. Oh my! Thank you for your kind words, Marty…and best of luck with your and Gorgeous’s relocation. I hope you do resurface in the blogosphere and you will definitely be missed in the meantime. Keep on napping despite your ambitious plan – naps are one of life’s best things ever (says Bowser, and I heartily agree with him). 💕

    Deb

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  6. Say it isn’t so. No emails from Marty. What will we all do for a dose of snark and financial info. Now, I have to be truthful and say that I’ve been thinking of closing down shop myself. What happened to all of us after the pandemic? Did we all get tired of writing? I don’t know, but so many of us cut back or quit, it is kind of interesting. Thanks for the mention, and I always enjoy your posts and comments. Michigan? You not only need a coat, but grab some boots, gloves, hat, scarf, and snow shovel. See, there is a wealth of posts right there. All kidding aside, I hope this is a great move for you both and that you are happy with the change of scenery and being closer to family. As we ‘mature,’ being close to family becomes a lot more important. If you do start a new MI blog, please send out a note to us all. You’ll be missed. Safe travels and good luck with the real estate on both ends.

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    1. That’s a very interesting point, re: what effect, if any, the pandemic had on all of us bloggers? Writing certainly surged during lockdown, though that might have been more out of a lack of options than anything else. I’m awfully grateful for the virtual support I received from you, always encouraging me to get another post written!

      I’m not sure of how the actual mechanics will work with a new blog that, at least for a while, will run in parallel with the old one. But I suspect (hope?) everyone who was already subscribing will receive notifications for the new one. I guess I’ll find out! Thanks so much, Judy. I’ll try and look in on your doings for as long as you’re still keeping a blog! You know my email. 🙂

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  8. Nooooooooo…..

    Marty, I am so sad to read you’re going to be leaving blog land, but hope against hope you’ll find much fodder in your move back home to start a new one. Thank you for your always kind words about my blog, and for the links to many blogs.

    Wishing you & Gorgeous as smooth a transition as possible, and hoping to see you back sometime again.

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    1. “Noooooo” is right! So many kind people like yourself! Thanks, Debs. I feel like I’ve been pushing a rock up the blogging hill for the last year in trying to come up with new ideas. So a long break was needed, plus this blog, born out of anger related to an alimony fight with my ex-wife, was always about retirement. It’s time to set up a new theme — literally and figuratively– and figure out something that’s different.

      Thanks so much for your kind words. You have each of our emails, so we can keep up that way too. Have a wonderful upcoming holiday season!

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  9. You’re right, when you get to the stage when it feels like hard work, there’s no denying it’s time to stop and to find a new path. You’re a great blogger, I get that you need new fodder to feed the enthusiasm, and I hope this will provide it.

    I actually already had an emails in my drafts to you, so will get on with finishing it.

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  10. Marty, I’ve always enjoyed reading your posts, and I’ll miss seeing new ones from you. Thanks for this one – it was a lot of work, I can tell. I’ve subscribed to several new blogs because of it. And thanks for your kind and thoughtful comments on my posts. I am always grateful for those who take time to read and comment, but I never give a thought to regulars who aren’t around for awhile – life happens. I do hope you return to blogging some time – for selfish reasons – because I enjoy your posts. It seems such a life change would inspire new ideas. My husband and I have often discussed moving to Michigan – to my favorite place. But, if we do – it’ll be when everything seems to fall in place for it. So, I am curious as to what city you’ll be moving to. Best of luck to you as you and Gorgeous go forward and north.

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    1. You’re so sweet, Betty. You and Dan remain role models for me — hittin’ that road and enjoying everything as it comes to you. Your recent experiences in Texas volunteering at the LBJ home is a great example.

      I know we have Michigan in common! We both have siblings and extended family in the Ann Arbor area, so that’s where we’ll most likely settle. I have cousins in the Detroit suburbs (where we both also grew up), so that’ll be nice to be close to them again too.

      I have no doubt I’ll return in some form, but definitely with a new blog. This one fulfilled a specific purpose and probably outlived its original objective, so I’ll want to try a new voice and mood. Stay tuned!

      I hope you both have a wonderful upcoming holiday season. Be well!

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  12. Dear Marty,

    I am deeply touched by your kind, thoughtful words and to be included in your Blog Adieu. As with most words and gestures, they say a lot more about your character than about me.

    I greatly enjoy(ed) all of your posts, Marty, and especially your A-Z gratitude list. Interesting how you highlighted “…you gotta know when to fold ‘em.”

    It is amazing how we (and Gorgeous) have found each other on our vast planet. Even my husband (Handsome) knows who Marty and Gorgeous are when I share with him your anecdotes, gems, and witty spin on life. My heartfelt thanks for you being you, Marty.❤️

    I look forward to seeing you and Gorgeous on Instagram, and maintaining our connection.

    Jusqu’a ce que nous nous revoyions je vous souhaite bonne chance a tous (Until we see each other again, good luck to all!) 💕 Erica

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    1. Erica, your comment created a strange bit of moisture emanating from my periorbital region. Such a strange phenomenon! But you are indeed a sweetie. I know, it is amazing how we all managed to become long distance friends. So glad to know that Handsome is a part of the grouping too.

      Indeed, we will remain in contact on Instagram, Threads, etc. I even promise to become more active there! 😀

      Be well and have a lovely holiday season. ❤️

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      1. Hi Marty, I have not used threads? Yet, I am on there? We will stay in touch and I look forward to watching you reinvent your new blog and following/reading all, if/when you choose to go ahead. Re: your move, as you know, ‘home’ is wherever you and Gorgeous are together. 💕

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      2. Hey, Erica. Threads is weird with their “suggestions.” I recently decided to enable my account there, and I immediately got a notification that all of these people, you included, requested to be following me. I figured that was bogus. 🙄 But, yes, we will definitely stay in touch!

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  14. Oh, Marty… not you too!!! As your posts have become fewer and farther between, I was worried this might be the final outcome, but I hoped that was just me fretting over nothing. Although I follow way more blogs than I should (and now even more due to the list you sprinkled throughout your Adieu), seeing an alert of a new SitG post always made me so happy.

    Although I completely understand moving out of Florida, landing in Michigan baffles me. I’ve heard it is beautiful, but I’ve also heard they have a thing called winter. I can understand wanting to be closer to family, though.

    Thank you so much for being a true blogging buddy. If you ever get close to SoCal, I hope you’ll let me know. Also, if… no, when you start blogging again, I will happily subscribe. I saw that you mentioned trying your hand at short stories… you’d be fabulous, and I look forward to reading what creative tales you spin.

    Best of luck to you and Gorgeous! You will be missed. But, like Donna, I won’t say “good-bye,” instead I’ll say, “I’ll see you again soon”.

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    1. Janis, you’re so sweet!

      My blog output was a victim of both outside commitments (our synagogue is like velcro!), but also just that I found myself devoid of anything new or novel to say. I hate repeating and that’s what I feared doing. So instead of a joyful outlet, the blog was booming an albatross. I knew “Snakes” had to be put to bed and something else had to rise from the ashes, so to speak.

      There’s snow in Michigan? That’s terrible news! 😫 I know, I know… believe me it took some convincing on Gorgeous’ part to get me to come around on that aspect. But we just felt that it was time to get back to our loved ones (Gorgeous has a daughter who lives Chicago too), plus…. these hurricanes keep a comin’ here! But to be sure, I’m not looking forward to big, huge down coats, boots, and gloves again.

      I still think of myself as a Californian, at least in spirit, and you represent the best of the Golden State. I have family who live in Orange County and also in Temecula… so i will let you know when we make it back that way. It would be wonderful to meet up in person.

      Until then, I’ll try to check in with your doings; and I will eventually come back to the blogosphere in some form. Be well!

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  15. I will certainly miss your blog posts, but will keep an eye on you through Gorgeous’s Instagram account. I can relate to your decision to pause writing. It takes a lot of focus to relocate without the pressure we put on ourselves to be creative, follow through on our volunteer commitments, etc. Good luck in Michigan. After a long military career, moving all over the place, my folks decided to retire in Michigan. They loved it. Even the winters. People know how to drive in the snow there. Thanks for the shout out! Tracey

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    1. I always said once I moved to California in the early aughts that I was a warm weather boy forever; the change was complete. Yet here we are! Admittedly the constant storms here have had an impact. I’ll somehow make the adjustment, especially since there are jets to fly one out now and then. 😉. Thanks, Tracey!

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  16. Thanks for the shoutout. I appreciate it. I will definitely miss you but understand that sometimes it’s time to move on. Writing a personal blog takes time and effort. Clearly I’m at that crossroads, too— trying to decide should I stay or should I go. Take care of yourself. I’ll look for you via Gorgeous’s Instagram account.  *bye*

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    1. Promise not to be gone forever, Nikki! Many thanks for all the kind comments on my previous posts here. I’m not sure what kind of direction I’ll take with the next one, but I apparently have some time to ponder it. 😆 Have a great upcoming holiday!

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  18. Glad to see you and Gorgeous are leaving one of those bass-akward Southern states and moving up north to a saner clime. I can say this as a native Californian who escaped from TN and is now semi-settled in MI myself. Even though the state went red at the top of the ticket, I was heartened that we retained a blue senator!

    Though I would probably never choose to live in FL (for the reason state above, though there are others), I’m going to give AZ a try for the winter. It’s kind of similar to MI, but without the snow!

    Let me know where in the state you end up. I mean, it only took me a year to finally dip my toes in Lake MI, though I have not yet made it to the Huron side of the state. The farthest north I’ve been in my 3 years was a drive to Newaygo last week. Look me up if/when you’re in SW MI in the spring or summer.

    Best of luck with the house hunt and the move.

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  19. Best wishes for your new adventure. I will miss your wit and do hope that when things settle down, you rejoin the blogging world. And yes, buy a couple of coats… it’s damn cold up there! (But no hurricanes.)

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    1. Many thanks, Pat. Gorgeous has been pushing for brutal winters to get away from the storms here. So I guess we’re replacing the brutal unknown with brutal certainty. 🤷‍♂️ I shall return in some form. Best of the upcoming holiday season to you.

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  20. No, you can’t stop writing!! I so enjoy your wit and even though I’m a little late reading this, I always read your posts. Most people would say you’re moving in the wrong direction, but I understand how the weather can be an issue. We may get snow up here, but at least we can stay in our homes and watch it without too much fear. I think it’s easier to live in the north when you’re retired. Just stay home when it’s nasty!!

    Thanks much for the mention in your post. I’ve been a slacker lately too but I’m not ready to hang it up.

    I look forward to seeing what you come up with next. Take care.

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    1. You’re so sweet, Linda! Thanks so much for the kind words. My main thing is that I feel I’ve said all I can say at least on this particular blog. I need time to figure out a new focus and way of getting across what will remain that same silly take I have. 😉

      I’m going to bank your words about cold weather now for when I’ll need them later. I agree, just stay home! I hope I’ll be able to do so. I grew up in Michigan cold winters, so we’ll see how tough I am as an old man in them. lol.

      Have a great upcoming holiday season!

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    1. Hi, Ana. I’m mostly distant from WP for now, but the notifications nevertheless keep me somewhat engaged! So, thanks so much for your thoughtful message. You arrived in FL last year, and we exited this year! I hope you are enjoying everything and living your best life. I will come back to the blogosphere with something new later this year. Be well!

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