Well, here we are again! Another year has passed and what a year it has been! We have decided that having survived this year together, that we can survive anything! A 3-month addition took closer to 8, I am unemployed and we lost one of the goldies this year. Now… with that short little synopsis, we will get into things from the beginning.

The plans, got through okay, there were the usual weather hold ups but to the old contractors joke we go… Things for numerous planning errors were delayed. We were to get started March, April, but didn’t really get going till June. And didn’t get done till mid September. Even then and still now, there were little details that need to be handled, but we are so burnt out, it is tough to get them done.

Steve did so much of the work himself I am surprised he made it through it all. He did all the plumbing and gas, and all the painting of the entire house. The electrical he did with some of his buddies help. All of that and taking charge of some of the decisions while I ran away. Don’t get me wrong, I did help out some, but there were so many things going on that I was not able to do. When there was something I was able to do I did pitch in, i.e. painting, running errands, holding things.

Yes, I did run away. Things got pretty hairy around here with everything going on, and I had left my job of 7 or so years to move on to bigger and better things. Well, it was a painful decision and a loss none the less. At the time, Steve and I were suppose to have gone on vacation, but with the addition he was not able to. I was about crazy and had to get away, so I drove north on my own, just James and me. (You know he had to go with me!)

I drove straight through to our best friend’s driveway. I was so close I didn’t want to stop and pushed through the last 4 hours. It was a 16-hour drive, but with enough CD’s and pit-stops along the way it really wasn’t that bad. Once you get going it just goes, so it was fine.

As it worked out, it was great that Steve wasn’t able to make it as I got to spend most all of the time with my best friend up on top of her mountain. She lives in Washington state, and it had been a number of years, since we had been able to visit, and it was wonderful. And when I got home Steve had a new appreciation for the things that I normally take care of!

Thinking about it now, with the little solo trip I took on my own around June I feel really bad that Steve never got away this year. Yes, the one week solo trip I took by myself for myself just to prove to myself that I could do it. I took Steve’s truck and towed the trailer towards Tahoe for a weeks get away. It was a learning experience and a great confidence builder. Of course, James went with me too, but Nick also stowed away. He had just cost us another chunk of change with another abscess and it worked well that I took care of him for Steve.

But guess what! That whole story is on my web site! Yes, I now have a web site! With not working I have been grabbing every available computer class until the January semester starts. At which time I will be getting a certificate for Business Software Specialist. After that the plan is to get something in the school system so that Steve and I work the same 9-month schedule. That would really enable us to take off in the trailer more often. That will be especially nice now that we will not be having any construction interference. Everything that we had planned for this house is now done and we can relax and enjoy it.

My ultimate goal is to have a little home based business, getting people started with their own homepage. I had tried for a number of months to get one going and hadn’t had any luck. I think there are a lot of other people out there like that, so I will see if there is a market for the little guy. I like helping and found making the page quite a bit of fun, so it will be nice to help and maybe make some money at the same time.

Oh by the way Steve is back at his original school that he started with over two years ago as Computer Lab Tech. The change of location is working out very well with him. In his own words, " I’ve spent a year and a half in a technological desert, and have found my way back to the oasis." He is busier than ever and is really appreciated by the faculty, staff and students.

Well, it has been a trying year in one more way, the Muddy Foot Tribe is now one less. On Nov. 7, James’ sister, Christi left us, she was 13. Her poor body just gave out, she did not suffer and it was all very fast. I have to say though that I can only hope it is that beautiful for the others in that she was able to go from home surrounded by those that loved her. We all miss her, and there is a little story to her in the Muddy Foot Pages, of my web page.

Geesh!!! So, with all of that, you would think I might not have anything good to say, huh? Well, you are wrong, because I know in my heart, like I know my name, that all things, no matter what, happen for a reason, and that things always work out for the best! Now, I may forget that once in a while, but deep down inside I know it is true. Next year I will share with you all the wonderful things that have come of this year! And if in the mean time you want to check us out, go to Susan’s World.

Our wish is for all of you to have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season! We think of you all and enjoy taking this time of year to let you know how grateful we are that our paths have crossed. We look forward to the next time we are able to cross paths.

P.S. Please remember to stay in touch, and always feel free to contact us.