It has been quite the year for sure, with three members of our small club passing unexpectedly it was sad. They were friends on the water as well as at the cabin. The news from Connie's back guy that she could change direction in life or retire in a wheelchair was disappointing for us both. Selling the Island Packet was also a disappointment but also a kind of blessing for reasons discussed on this board. The skis are leaning against the wall in the family, pretty doubtful that they will ever see snow again now. Buying the new Hunter is an unknown at this point, on paper it looks like the answer, but does not "feel right".

I was thinking about things the last few days that I probably should have thought about many years ago. How many times did I sand teak/oak/pine without a dust mask in the last 30+ years? How many cans of spray paint did I go through in my life without that "proper ventilation"? Might have been a few too many greasy cheeseburgers and beers along the way, not quite enough vegetables (especially if you don't count the deep fried ones). I never did get my knee taken care of after laying my motorcycle down in '84......between that and the leg I broke skiing I can tell the weather better than most on TV these days. Hearing protection while shooting guns and sawing down trees? Nahhh, didn't need it.

I won't be surfing or running a marathon but there sure are a bunch of things I would like to do before it's my time. It's supposed to snow all weekend here, might be a good time to sit by the fire, drink some wine and make some decisions.

Happy New Year everyone.