I don't do

New Year's resolutions. I have found that since you always break them,

it's a waste of time. The best I can do is say, "I'll try to do better

next year" without committing to one specific area...I usually succeed

that way. But I think one can't help but reflect back over the past year

and have at least a mild curiosity about what may be in store for the

coming year, when Dec. 31 finally rolls around. One thing became painfully

apparent to me after this year's Christmas holidayI definitely ain't as

young as I used to be.

I thought I

had given myself enough time to prepare but, as usual, I hadn't. Christmas

Eve found me scurrying around at the last minute cleaning, wrapping presents,

and preparing for the onslaught of "little people" into my home

on Christmas Day. It was my year for the grandkids (I have to "share"

them with the other set of in-laws) and in my excitement, I overdid. As

a result, I got only about an hour's worth of sleep, lasted through the

day, and crashed into bed with a resounding "thud' Monday night.

So, my first "do better next year" attempt will be to start

preparing in June for the Christmas holidays instead of November. Surely

that will be enough time.

This past year

I also entered into my second year of semi-retirementthe best thing I

ever did for myselfalthough I find myself wanting to do just a little

more work-wise. We are working on that one. I guess I have more writing

years left in me than I thought, although Medicare looms just a few years

awaya sobering thought for any freshman senior citizen.

I know this

coming year will bring a sad time into my life since I am living with

two canine senior citizens. One, a 14-year-old German shepherd, will not

make it to Christmas 2001. We struggled to get her through this one and

I am facing a decision I don't want to make. She has been a part of my

life since 1987 when I picked her out of her litter and have never regretted

my choice. Although she has been a pain in the behind at times (I always

pick dogs with spunk) we finally came to an understanding that I was the

boss, not her, and life has been relatively peaceful since then.

This past year

also brought a new hobby into my lifegenealogy. I plunged into it with

both feet last January and it has become a passion. I have surfed the

net, trekked through old cemeteries, and sneezed as I pored over musty

courthouse books looking for that elusive record that would break down

my "brick wall." I have made many new friends and found many

relatives. Next year, I know I will meet more new cousins and relatives

as I continue my quest to "find my folks."

Last year our

little "country church" grew by leaps and bounds and, although

I took an extended hiatus and no longer serve as organist, I am looking

forward to watching Cokes Chapel continue its progress into the 21st century.

The church's service has now spanned 3 centuries...1800, 1900 and 2000.

Awesome!

I have also

kept up with each of your churches as you have grown and progressed over

the past year. Many have already mentioned new programs, new seminars,

and changes to take them into the year 2001. I'm looking forward to sharing

your good news with the community.

I know I haven't

thought of everything, but that's enough to get me started on my "do

better" list. I have found that ideas for "New Year's"

resolutions have a way of coming to you at different times during the

year. Guess that just goes to show you it's never too late to make improvements

and changes...things that can help make our journey through life more

worthwhile.

I promise I'll

do better...

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