End of the day.

Yesterday we had plans.  But waking up to several inches of rain, a persistent flooded creek that kept us up on the hill, and the knowledge that this too would pass, changed them.

Today dawned bright and brilliant.  A perfect time to get things done.  We made our delayed trip off the hill, spent the better part of the time running errands, trying not to think about how much of this glorious day we were spending in town, driving from here to there.

As soon as we climbed the hill this afternoon, we were in Superman mode.  Unpack the car, throw the groceries in the fridge, shed our town clothes and put on our walking stuff, lace up our boots and away we went down the hill.

Perfect temperature in the high 50's.  A little breeze.  And coming up from the valley to our east the faintest hint of smoke.  We think that probably someone was taking advantage of the good weather to burn a dozer deck or other pile of unwanted debris.

Down the road to the east.  And then turning to the south.  A flock of birds was circling over head.  Trying to identify them, we paused and listened to hear a call or a random peep.  Nothing.  They circled to the east, headed to the north, came back overhead.  And then I saw it.  The faintest hint of golden breast.  Meadowlarks!  I heard one calling a day or two ago...just one faint call and nothing more.  But here they were.  A whole flock of them dipping and diving and finally coming in for a landing just to the west of us, at home in the grass made golden by the setting sun.

Walking down along our pine grove we could smell that wonderful scent of green needles.  Soft wind was blowing the tops but no birds or creatures moved near us.  Down to the "new pond"...up to the banks after the  generous rain yesterday.  And then on to the "old pond" to check where we had left a stick to mark its high point.  Down an inch or two.  This pond used to be so lovely.  Clear water. Lots of life.  But then a few years ago its bottom turned over and it has suffered ever since.  We think it must have a hole somewhere because it loses water rapidly.  But it was so good to see it looking like its old self.

And then on up to the house.  The sun setting.  The glow of red and yellow outlining the distant hills, the house, the tree.  Just a perfect evening.  And many more to come.  At the end of the day.

And so we begin....

Here we are.  Perched on the edge of a new year.  365 days ahead of us....a perfect blank slate.  Resolutions to get control of things that are out-of-control.  As if that is an easy thing.  How long has this been going on?  A few years, or months, or perhaps, decades?  You know the drill.  "I am absolutely going to do better this year"  Just name it.  You Can Do It.

Or so the feeling goes.  There is determination.  There is dedication.  There is resolve.

I'll not bore you with my long, long list of New Year's Resolutions.  Besides, they will go by the wayside as soon as this first month is over...or even before.  I know.  Been here many times before.  And that is how it goes.

But this year is going to be different.  I have learned some things about myself in the last twelve months.  Just as I learned things about myself each year I have lived.  I am a steadfast believer in examining what works...and what doesn't.  And the futility of banging the same rock with the same hammer, hoping for results.  

Taking out my mental broom I am sweeping out the dusty corners.  The places I have allowed to become crowded with negative dirt and dust, the detritus of broken dreams and ruined plans.  I will not lug this junk with me into this new year...not for a single day.  I can't change the past.  I joyfully empty my dustpan out in the clean air of the new year and see all that dirt blown away, never to return.

Here is a blank page in the book.  What will I write in it today?  Will it be something that is good and bright and helpful?  Or will it be a complaint about the hard road I have to travel.  Did I not notice that others have the same troubles as I?  Did I not see them stumble over the same sharp stones and grab onto something to give them hope..out there in the darkness.

The sun shines.  Even if I can't see it for the clouds. I will not take tomorrow for granted.  My job is to live right now.  To do my best to make my life count for something....making the sun shine for someone somewhere.  Even if they don't see it.

Perhaps at this time 365 days ahead I can look back and see that I have made a difference.  At least I can begin...today, right now.  

Happy New Year to all of you, from me.  Wishing you sunny days even when rain clouds gather.  And balmy winds even during the storm.