2020 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

 Okay, so the rest of my 2020 reflections will be quite random.  I find it therapeutic to go back and reflect on this past year.  

WARNING WARNING WARNING!!!!  BORING ALERT!!!!

It is my purpose to post a blog entry every day for the remainder of this year, and to focus on 2020 rewind for the remainder of January.  So grab yourself a cup of coffee and go ahead and recline.   

I was saddened to read that the talented Joe Diffie died from covid.  Yes, I knew him well.  Okay then, I didn't know him all that well, but I did get an autograph and picture with him about 20 years ago at a meet and greet after his concert.  He was a great talent.  One of many victims of the 2020 pandemic.

Anvil stayed quite irritated and a bit confused.  

I will be honest, I welcomed the break from the hustle bustle of life.  I read a lot, regrouped, discovered The Real McCoys (I had never watched it before!  Can you believe that!) and spent a good bit of time in nature with my hubby and my girl, Gracie.  Oh, and yes, I was one of the many who binge watched Tiger King!  It is sick!  Do. Not. Watch.

I got a call from blogger friend Sharon's husband, with the news that she had passed away.  I felt like I lost a family member.  We had bonded through books, many she had written and sent to me.  She was a talented writer, witty and sassy and a friend I will miss greatly.

In February, Sears closed their doors.  After spending a good 20 years with Miracle Ear there, a lot of great memories flooded my mind as I said goodbye.  

That chapter in my life, over.  I settled on a chair in the empty office that once boasted so much life, and I was saddened by the death of it all... 

I brushed off the feeling of dread and left the once thriving business, now a hollow memory, behind me to look ahead, for 2020 had so much more in store...  

Goodbye 2020 Part 3

 We thought we'd lose our girl... 

And...  Where is your mask? lol

Goodbye 2020 Part 2

Goodbye 2020 PART ONE

 

Awesome God

The year in review would be one spent mostly out doors.  If I were to do a year in review.

God has been more than gracious to provide the most lovely seasons for us during this pandemic.  Spring.  Summer.  And oh, the most gorgeous fall...  

The year has stung, that's for sure, in that vacations, church, gatherings, and family get-togethers have been a no-no - thanks to Covid.    

But God's presence has been huge, at least in my experience with this year.  I am finding Him and His peace even though the world seems to be falling apart around me.  My God is an AWESOME GOD!!

As Covid rears it's ugly head in  a very big way once again, numbers climbing and some urgent changes in how we do things, I stand on His love and His peace and His protection in all things.  

Gracie says, she concurs.

 

Bye-Bye AAH

 It seems like only a short while ago I was blogging about opening my own business!!   Or should I say, our business.  My husband went in on this endeavor with me, and retired 3 years later.

Ahh the memories back then!  The big gold ear, the preparing of the office,  the wonderful, high expectations!  It was an exciting time.

That was in July of 2011.  Oh, how time swiftly passes!!

Several years ago the big gold ear showed signs of rotting, and so we purchased a replacement for it.  Only this time we asked for a double-sided ear.  Our carver put a nose on it (**gasp**) but hey, whatever, right?  Haha!

This working from home thing has been wonderful!  But Covid has not been kind to any of us, right?  I miss the talking to people without wearing a mask.  I miss the many hugs from my customers.  I miss normalcy.  But don't we all? 

I decided in late March, after having wasted thousands of dollars on advertising just days before the pandemic shutdown, (spring and early summer are some of our prime months to prosper), and having to shut down for so long -  it's time.  Goodbye - All About Hearing!

I'm still doing curb service for those in need of service, but it is doubtful that I will open my doors for real business, and on Dec. 15 I will retire the open/close sign,  and likely take a hatchet to the gold ear (anybody need some weird lawn art? haha!)  Then I will take on the title of RETIRED myself!  No hatchet job tho.  Eeeeek!

So that's my Covid related story.  I'm looking at this in a positive light tho.  This will give me more time to do the things I love.  Reading, writing, spending time with my family etc.  A new chapter in my life, is all it is.  So once again, I'm excited with this new future - and I thank God for clearly speaking retirement into my heart, mind and soul.  It is all good!