HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 TO ALL!

While I don’t normally make New Years Resolutions, because I don’t keep them anyway, I thought that this year I would. That one resolution being, I would try and be more active and current with this blog.

2008 ended on a tiring note; work was dreadfully slow at the office, the typical holiday stress was present, the pre-Christmas Eve car troubles, the joyous fatigue at the end of the religious celebrations and a new addition to the family all gave cause to being tired.

The current economic crisis has trickled down to the architectural profession. Clients reluctant to spend now, no bank loans, on-going expenses to keep the practice going, accounts receivable not being received all added exponentially to the normal holiday stress factor.

On the 23^rd, the Alero decided that it was a good time for it to blow the power steering high pressure line and puke fluid all over the ground in the parking lot when I got to work. That was, ultimately, a $700.00 + expense I wasn’t counting on. Have I ever expressed my growing disenchantment with US auto makers? I mean, c’mon, as technologically advanced as we can be and we still can’t build a car that will run more than 100,000 mi.? And if we can’t,…. Shouldn’t the big 3 at least stand behind and service/correct the faults they build into the product? I guess not.

It’s not like it hasn’t had the best of care….. every 3000 mi. it goes in for oil, lube, inspections, repairs… you name it. To top it off, today on the way to work, it decided to just stop running. Had gas, it just didn’t seem to be getting to the injectors. As of this hour I do not have the diagnosis nor how much. Did I mention….Happy New Year? Thank goodness Mrs. had nowhere to go this morning and the “Toaster” runs great. My apologies to all my GM friends but I’m looking to go that way to. The Alero is my last US car.

On a more up-lifting note, The Christmas celebrations at church were wonderful. Besides singing with the choir at our own church, we both had an opportunity to sing with a combined 5 church choir and the Lac St. Clair Symphony Orchestra. What a great time that was. First time I’ve ever done that and I hope it won’t be the last.

Our dearest friend’s daughter was up to visit her folks. She is a Deaconess in her church and took time to come to our house and conduct a ceremony to bless the house. Very moving. Thank you Rev. Deacon Gretchin. May your work continue to be blessed.

As was said earlier, we have an addition to the family. Her name is Alanna and she is now about 4 months old. The cutest little Welsh Terrier mix you ever seen. I didn’t think I wanted another dog, but when she was brought home and charmed me with just one look, well…..

that’s all she wrote.

She’s Mama’s puppy but she’s daddy’s girl. O.K., so I’m a sap. The cat’s, on the other hand, are not nearly as thrilled. The pecking order is still being established but already it has become apparent that the pooch is NOT #1. The Crow, normally pretty laid back and mild mannered, has taken some serious issue about being chased and has drawn the line and backed it up with sharp claws. The pup is a fast learner.

As was said earlier, once Christmas was over, the time off through New Years was nice. Got to see the Wings/Hawks out-door game at Wrigley, went to the DIA to view Monet to Dali, had an enjoyable New Years Eve with 3 other couples and got to bed early. All in all, laid back and restful. I’m getting too “experienced” for more than that, at least this year.

Now am looking forward to warmer weather, Petanque, golf, opening the cottage and……..

So, again, a most Happy New Year to you all.

We all deserve one.

Congratulations to Chad & Sheri for #3, William

and to Addy & Taryn who are expecting #2.

You Canucks do know how to have fun during the winter.

Peace,

Gumper.