I have a roof over my head, a job, money in the bank, a car, food, good friends and good family.

Do I have a special someone in my life? No. Am I open to the possibility? Yes, but in my elder years I'm much pickier than I was in my past.

For now, I am content with what I have and I feel blessed to have so much.

Life goes on and I plan on savoring every moment.

~

I've just re-discovered the old silent movies.

Sometimes it's nice to watch a story unfold without bothersome dialogue.

If I want snappy dialogue, I'll watch a 1930's comedy.

Sorry, you have to be a cinema buff to understand.

~

I am 66 years old. I lost the love of my life over 40 years ago. Through everything I've done since and all of the women I've known over the years, none have filled the spot in my heart like she did.

Yes, I've tried to forget her. I got rid of most of the photos (unless my family is in them) and the keepsakes that remind me of this time in my life. What I can't get rid of are the memories... the ones that come flooding back with a song or a movie from that time period.

Trust me. I am an intelligent man who knows that obsession can be the ruin of a person. 99% of the time I'm fine. I can turn off the music or the movies, can avoid the places we used to go together. But when she enters my dreams, there's nothing I can do about that. I wake up a little sad, but go on with my life and do my best to forget those enticing dreams.

Lately she has been in my dreams repeatedly. I know that this is like having a song stuck in your mind until it finally goes away. Eventually this segment will pass, too. Until then, I just have to keep a positive attitude and fill my thoughts with other things.

What is it they say? This, too, shall pass. Soon?

~

Tibetan Mastiff puppies:

After 4 days off, my Monday checklist:

1. Morning workout with yoga stretches, pushups and hand weights (starting to work off all that turkey)
2.. Showered and shaved (four days of beard growth made shaving a little longer)
3. Fixed my lunch to take to work (yes, there's left over turkey for a sandwich)
4. Morning coffee (16 oz. mug)
5. Check weather (cold front coming in, get out winter coat and gloves)
6. Send sister in California my Christmas list (will have to wait a week on hers)
7. Post pictures and answer messages on FB (how I keep in contact with old friends)
8. Write blog and look at new pictures on NN (of course!)
9. Eat before leaving for work (oatmeal, toast, juice and milk)
10. Finish dishes, brush teeth, grab lunch and newspaper
11. Out the door to drive to work (and back to the old grind)

Only 25 more days until 5 day Christmas break!

~

My last day off of my four day, Thanksgiving weekend.

It's back to the salt mines on Monday, so I'm getting outside for a while.

Enjoying it while I can... 55 today, 38 on Monday, 29 by Tuesday.

~

I went out to the local Walmart on Black Friday. Sure enough, the store was full of frenzied shoppers, except in the grocery department.

I got everything I wanted and was out of the store in nothing flat.

I'm definitely remembering this for future use!

My kind of Black Friday:

GOBBLE 'TIL YOU WOBBLE!

~