Another year over, a new one begun... Many people are saying they are glad to see the back of 2016 and in some ways I agree. There were a lot of big tragedies, an appalling presidential election and losing so many celebrity icons of my youth.
But on a personal level it wasn't as bad as 2015, thankfully. Though the most troubling event was learning that my mom is in the early stages of dementia and all that entails. She's suffered from depression and Borderline Personality Disorder most of her life, so in some ways, this is just an exaggeration of some of those symptoms, but the delusions are something very different and difficult to handle. I'll probably write more about this at a future date, since there's much that I've learned and am continuing to learn, in various meanings.
Because of that, I haven't been able to have as many outings as in years past, but there were some afternoons where I attended the book group or went on some sketching trips to parks and nature centers. My sister & I went to both local antique shows and to a neighborhood farmer's market.
Artistically, it was a good year; winning 2 ribbons in a community art show, learning the basics of Zentangle, being in 2 new craft shows, trying to paint en plein air(on location). That last one had mixed results, but is one of the things, along with Zentangle, that I hope to do more of in the coming year. These are in addition to my "official" artworks, so I must be feeling ambitious.
Aside from regular flare-ups of my usual chronic diseases, there was no big health issues this year with myself or my sister, unlike last year. Rollo stayed pretty healthy all year, too, except for that brief bladder infection last winter. I've been giving him some tablets that a friend recommended with cranberries, etc. in that is supposed to help keep rodent plumbing in good working order. He really likes them and I call them his "special treat". He remains outgoing and playful and my sister is completely charmed with him and they have several games they play together.
A number of Tv shows that I liked ended or were cancelled this year. "Downton Abbey" and "Mr. Selfridge" on PBS after long runs and "Indian Summers" after 2 brief years, due to falling ratings & expensive on-location filming. Larry Wilomore's political comedy show ended abruptly, even before the election was over. Since I don't watch a lot of Tv, it was disappointing to have these favorites gone. I've found a couple new shows and am looking forward to some of the PBS dramas coming this year, but new shows don't always meet the standards set by old favorites. I have enjoyed hearing a lot of new music courtesy of Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert, especially since I never liked radio and MTV has morphed into a reality channel. *sigh*
As we go into a new year, I'm feeling somewhat optimistic, despite horrid election results and my mother's illness. I'm going to try to do better at handling each, as well as meeting some personal and artistic goals. Hope springs eternal.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! May your holidays be filled with love and joy as you create wonderful memories.

December has been a busy month. The craft show on the 3rd went very well, a fun and profitable day. There was a good crowd, many of which were serious shoppers, some bringing their own large tote bags. I had all my new work on display and got lots of compliments, plus people were buying note cards and small matted paintings. Lots of friendly people & a great atmosphere, it's my favorite craft show to do. I probably won't have any more craft shows till next fall.
With the show being so early this year, it allowed me to start on Christmas decorating sooner than usual, though as always, that is interrupted by shopping and errands. But I finished putting up the tree and other decorations, and even got the Nativity set up by late last night. I think this is the earliest that's ever been accomplished, at least in recent memory. I still have to go to the mall for a few more gift items and hope to do that Monday or Tuesday. It's good that I only have my mom and sister to shop for, since I don't know how other people buy for a large number of friends & relatives. I don't think I could deal with that.
It's been snowy for much of the past week, including a day of lake effect snow, where the cold air passes over a warmer Lake Erie & causes an excess of wet snow that accumulates quickly. We've had some regular snow since then and the ground is white, I'm hoping it doesn't all melt by next weekend. We'll see...