Looking Back: Some Bad, Mostly Good

It's that time again -- when one reflects on the year gone by, and considers what might be coming in the New Year.

November and December on Whidbey Island have been stormy, with the December 11 windstorm so strong it scared us, as well as ripping our greenhouse out of the ground from its 12" stakes, and flinging it against the cherry tree.  This was on top of the damage to our cabin roof and tool shed roof from a huge maple tree falling down on November 29.  The crash came at 7:15 AM and shook the ground.

This morning my husband and I spent a couple hours combing through the rubble, trying to find the cap from our stovepipe that also blew off on December 11.  We found it lying underneath some fallen-over lattice pieces that had been leaning against the house.  In brilliant sunshine (although 29 F.), we enjoyed a moment of celebration.  Today is our 20th wedding anniversary, and we are spending it clearing away branches and broken pieces so the contractor can begin repairing the roofs.

I think we are experiencing some consequences of climate change.  After all, there is no reason to think any particular region of Earth will be spared the effects of human ignorance.  As I struggle to shove negative thoughts out of my brain, I replace them with memories of 2014 highlights:  our trip to Amsterdam and Bruges in May; a fun three days in Whistler B.C. with my sister in August; a week at Seaside, Oregon in September; a visit to Arizona for my mother's 93rd birthday.  She is in good health and still enjoying life.  Trivia parties with wonderful friends.  My smart, healthy, beautiful daughter.  So much to be thankful for, and so much to look forward to.  There will no doubt be more storms to come, of both the physical and metaphysical types.  With grateful hearts, we will weather them.

Happy New Year, everyone, and may you enjoy health and happiness in 2015.