Year In Review

Christmas Tree 2016

As we approach the Holiday Season and the end of another year, it is traditional to take a look back and to see how far we’ve come; to tally our blessings and, if necessary, lick our wounds. And whether we give thanks for the past year or can’t wait to see it end, one thing seems to be universally true: we all hope that 2017 will be better.

When I review 2016, I am aware that, all my fervent statements to the contrary, I have yet to install an elk defying fence around my backyard. And, thanks to the ridiculous amounts of snow we’ve received this month, my poor privet hedge is looking a little pancaked. So I’m hoping that 2017 will be the Year of the Elk Fence.

My backyard hosted a wedding this summer and even without a fence, both the elk and the rain stayed away and everything turned out beautifully. Love is always a blessing and I am so thankful to be surrounded by it. 2017 will continue that trend and I have yet another son that has asked his Beloved to marry him. 2017 will be a year that we add yet another Mrs. Sume to the family. My heart is very happy.

Hunting season 2016 saw one less elk menacing my petunias. But before I could finish savoring that victory, a renegade elk tangled with my son’s pickup truck on Highway 12. Thankfully he was unhurt, the truck was insured, and---as Shane used to say---they make new parts every day.

However 2016 treated you, whatever it is you see when you stop and look behind you, may 2017 be a better year. May we be kinder to one another, may we be gentle with ourselves. And, in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, may “God bless us, everyone!”