And so another year that passes into history. And for us here in the Richard household we say a not-so-fond “good riddance!”. Oh sure, it could have been a whole lot worse – my family and friends appear to have all come through the year in relatively good health and spirits (which at this stage in everyone’s lives is the best one can hope for). Tracey and I have remained employed and surrounded with all those things so many of us take for granted. Unfortunately, we lost another bunny, yet gained a new one. And while we lost one of our cars in the August accident, we’re hoping all the liens presently on our house will be taken care of by the lawyers when all is said and done.

So what’s the hope for 2015? Continued good health and well-being for my family and friends would be nice. While we’ve made good progress on our debt there is still a ways to go; hopefully 2015 will be the year we’re finally out from under that shadow. Golf-wise, I’d like to reduce my handicap by three – count ’em, three! full points by this time next year – a 23.1 would sure be a testimony to my new swing and approach.

Oh, and peace on earth.

And what I wrote in last year’s “Farewell to 2013” post still holds true. No matter what 2015 might bring, 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 trees rustling in a summer breeze, a hot cup of coffee on the patio on a pleasant Saturday morning, any time spent in Las Vegas, a little late-night nitecap under the moonlight, the joy of whacking golf balls on a not-so-hot summer afternoon, 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. We may not always disagree politically, but it’s all OK as long as we respect one another’s views. Maybe a year from now we’ll all be able to 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 to you and yours for the happiest and healthiest of 2015s!

And as is custom every year at this time I’m pleased to say, take us outta here, George!