Significant events: a year in review 2015. The death of my sister. I knew this would happen three years ago when I was informed of her original diagnosis with cancer. It closely mimics the death of my mother in 1985. I speculate about a genetic component regarding the X chromosome. Auto immune deficiency isn’t just about AIDS. My manifestation is vitiligo. The new furnace: major adult moment. I spent five NM winters without central heat due to my budget. I would hunker down in the smallest room with an electric heater. With the return of central heating I can use the entire house again during the cold months. The caregiver. Though he comes just once a week he does cleaning, laundry and shopping for me beyond what my stamina allows. He and his family have adopted me and I was privileged to spend Thanksgiving with them. David always brings a little gift when he comes. Going Postal 2015. Dad used to say if you want to get mail send mail. I decided last January to send physical mail to friends. When the box is full of bills and junk mail a card from a friend guarantees a smile. I’m nationwide and in Spain, Tokyo, the UK and the Canary Islands. By sending mail I receive mail. In this case dad was right. This project will continue in 2016. Crafting and cooking. I lump these together. I no longer have a car and don’t drive. I have plenty of leisure time at home. Making small craft projects out of paper and recycled materials. They are temporary manifestations and often don’t last more than a few days before they are sent to a friend or disassembled; a photo remains. Cooking is a great love of mine and when that magic happens it is a pearl of great price. Planning is everything. My pantry is so ready. If a dozen people showed up unexpectedly (not gonna happen) I could feed them. The prep for black-eyed peas with smoked pork hocks, skillet corn bread and mustard greens was a joy. In the New Year I may attempt to make homemade sausage. Face Book. I understand that a number of the youngsters consider FB to be so last Thursday. It’s a gift to me. I get to be in touch with so many people in real time. I have several groups there and it’s like being together in the living room. My Gal Pals. Bachelor Chow. The Hat. The Lads. Though unintended, I ended up inviting two young men to stay here at the Manse for a while. There has been a great deal of young life in the house for the holidays. Even with the problems entailed it has been an awakening and a learning experience. I teach them and they teach me. When we have a movie night and pizza we can go anywhere. I pick one and they pick one and then perhaps a wild card entry. Guardians of the Galaxy turned out to be great. Kindness. Kindness is a magic that actually works. I have been the recipient of great kindnesses and so attempt to give them as well. The Sisters. The Magic Cabbie. Again, My Gal Pals. My remainders. With the death of my sister I was intestate. The arrangements have been made to distribute what meager estate remains when I go to the undiscovered country. Charities. The Masonic Charity fund, the Barrett Foundation for homeless women and children and the Veteran’s Integration Center for homeless vets. I am down for this New Year. I try something. If it works it goes in the book. If not, I try something else next.