Wow.

Another year that passes into history. I don’t have much to say about this year, but for us here at the Richard hacienda it’s been, by and large, a good one. A few rocky spots at times, but that’s to be expected. My family and my friends appear to have all come through the year in pretty good health and spirits – at this stage in my life i think that’s the best one can hope for. Tracey and I have remained employed, with all the kinds of things we all take so much for granted. While my sister-in-law lost her beloved rabbit Cookie, ours all made it through the year – even our elderly gentleman rabbit Cosmo. Atta go, Cosmo!

Don’t know what 2014 will be like. I fear for this country and the lack of leadership and political courage by our supposed “elected leaders” in Washington. Personally, I think we’re heading for socio-economic collapse one of these years, but I just hope it holds off for at least another year so Tracey and I can finally eliminate our credit card debt and hopfully keeping the Saturns running without the thousands of dollars of repairs they needed this past year. For me, there’s another Eades Diet planned to start in another week – after all, with just a couple of months before my annual trip to Vegas with my Goodboys friends I can’t show up all out of shape, can I?

I don’t know what you can say about years turning over anymore. All one can do is hope for the best and cope with the rest, control what you have control over and deal with what you can’t. It’s important to cherish the small things: the sound of palm tree branches rustling in the breeze, a hot cup of coffee on the patio in the morning, a little nitecap under cool moonlight while the rest of the world seems fast asleep, the ear for music my parents gave me, the joy of whacking a few golf balls out in the warm sun, being able to use the bathroom every morning without someone (or something) to assist. I mean, I get it – I’ve never taken for granted the stuff most people do. Good health, a job, food on the table, clean water to drink, a circle of loving friends and family. It means the world to me.

Finally, before calling it another year, I would like to say to all who continue to make Goodboys Nation weblog a part of your daily Internet experience, a big “thank you!” for your patronage and comments. Like I said this same day a year ago, I have a feeling the next year is going to be a rough sled, but hopefully I’ll be here to tell it all as I see it. Maybe a year from now we can all look back and say, “there, there, Great White Shank, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” One can only hope. To all of you and your families, my best wishes and prayers for the happiest and healthiest of New Years.

OK, enough. As is custom every year at this time we say, take us outta here, George!