Day: December 27, 2024

Typically I talk about the books I’ve read this year in slightly more detail, even though for the most part I discuss them as I read them. But, since I cannot for the life of me recall which books I read this year, after reorganizing my shelves, and having given away four hundred or so titles. I cannot seem to locate them, and I don’t see the point in discussing a partial list. Maybe in a few weeks of thinking, and even more searching I might figure out what/where the gap is, and I can do so then. But for now, no further book talks.

I spent a great deal of time in spring of 2024 in Florida, all around the state. From the Keys, to Orlando, to Tampa Bay, and Clearwater. It was hot, and sunny, and a whole lot of fun. Unfortunately our kids kinda missed the boat on Disney parks. My eldest and I like mega/giga coasters, and the youngest isn’t exactly infatuated by walking silent mascots or characters. Plus it was above 93°F the whole time, and we nearly melted. We much preferred SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens to all three of the Disney parks we visited. I’m glad we went, but next time we will go to Universal Studios instead. Yeah buddy!

We took in our very first NHL game at the Tampa Bay Amalie Station Arena. I bought us some amazing seats four rows back from the ice, just off behind the net. Besides the fog horns, and the smoke machines it was really awesome. Weird to be walking around in ninety degree weather, then sit in an ice rink to watch hockey, then head back outside to overheat once more. Epic! And definitely memorable.

Clearwater beach was absolutely gorgeous too, if a tad crowded. We don’t stay down there so we have to sort out our parking situation on the fly. But renting a cabana with lounge chairs for $50.00 is clearly the right move. We’ve done it twice now, and I can’t complain. It’s great to get out of the direct sun, and not have to sit on the ground in the sand. The white powdery sand is really nice too. Gets hot, so hot. But takes great photos!

Work did pick up in the fourth quarter, so I’m not anywhere near as far behind as I once feared. Which is great! I have work lined up for the new year as well, which is pretty fabulous. This year is good, but to also know I’ve got several thousand dollars worth of work in the winter is a load off my mind. Keep the ball rolling as we head into winter, then head long into tax time. I don’t know what the future holds but I do know I have a couple items lined up, and that’s better than nothing by a wide margin.

This year my wife’s uncle Fred passed away leaving the bulk of the farming to my father in law, and my brother in law. Along with that came all of the jury rigged farm equipment that was well and truly fubared. Spring and fall were both a mess due to weather delays, and various component breakdowns. They got it all in though, and got it all out of the ground too. So there is that accomplishment. We’ve just had the scrap metal salvage people around the farm picking up bits and pieces. So it looks a lot cleaner, even if they could come back every day for a week or more and still not be finished taking every single item lodged in the tree lines, bushes, fields, and drive sheds. Still looks better than it did before, and that’s what counts.

I did not do anywhere near as much wood working or sculpting/painting this year. I replaced my airbrush and took some time to paint up various board game pieces. I also bought some cheap 3d printed D&D minis to paint up with the airbrush for practice. I started on priming my resin kit with it, but due to travel I didn’t get that far along. I can pick that up again in another few weeks if I have a lull. I played a little more guitar & bass this year since I bought all those inexpensive foot pedals to get me a better sound, and to boost my morale towards playing. I noodled on the piano fairly regularly though i did not learn any new songs.

We cleaned up the exterior of the property and removed several trees, and all of the loose brush. Winds storms have added some of that back to the old piles, but that’s a fact of life when you have mature trees in your yard.

We had to trade in the old van for a new one, so that was a pretty big deal for us. But boy is it ever nice to drive something a bit more trustworthy. Nice and roomy on the inside too. Less crowding for when we head north to the cottage next.

This summer two of my brothers came to town with their families and we visited idly Whitby, the Playdium, mini putt, and Wonderland. The day trip to Canada’s Wonderland was brutally hot, but lots of fun. We rode the mega coasters and screamed until we were hoarse. Got on a bunch of rides, and also some got soaked on the White Water Rapids. It was very pleasant, and I hope to do it again with the whole family. Which reminds me, we will soon need to purchase our seasons passes again.

Lots more went on around here, but I have to retain some semblance of mystery! Hope you all had a good year, with another equal or better one on the way. Ciao Bella.