Today is September 5,2026 and I am now 71 years old. It seems an entire lifetime was lived in the last decade. The one I didn't record here. 

Yesterday, I read some of my old posts. Two things struck me right away; I published a lot of first drafts that would have been much better with a bit of craft applied to them. Second, I had a happy life, which does not account for where I am now. But it would be poor writing indeed to just jump ahead to the punch of an ending, wouldn't it? 

So, we will start with where I am now and work back as much as memory permits. It is a distinct disadvantage compared to recording in real time. Three years ago, I moved to Texas to be closer to relatives. My brother and his wife Julie live close by. I don't see much of them, but it is hard to connect into someone else's family when you have never been a part of it, even if you are related. 

What has worked well is where I landed. I love my home. I rent; I don't own anything anymore except for a paid in full Grand Cherokee Jeep and two poodles. I don't have any debt. That is a good feeling. 

I take care of this house like it's mine it's a beautiful place.  The best part of living here is my neighborhood. I know my neighbors and they are all good to me. There is a young family across the street and I am close to the mom. She has a four-year-old boy and a baby girl who will turn one next week. I very much enjoy this friendship. When we met her son was a toddler and he was determined to walk Maybelle. She is my sweet old mama dog, and she had puppies which makes her a good mother to all young creatures including human boys. MayBelle allowed this little guy to walk her with her leash. His little head of blond curls barely over her back. So endearingly sweet. 

His little sister took her first steps here and we videoed it. She was so proud of herself! The cutest grins and her little face was lit up! Adorable. They come over to visit. It's usually because little man wants the dogs at least that's what he says, but he just wants to play. I keep a cupboard full of toys, not too many but the good ones, like A Barrel of Monkeys, a doll with accessories and a couple of other goodies like Mardigra beads. 

I have other neighbors. One couple sits outside every night in all kinds of weather having a little wine or beer and they set out rocking chairs for people to stop and sit a spell. Just like the old days, porch visits but on a driveway. I actually know several people all within the vicinity of this house because it is the neighborhood get together every evening. 

I work a private duty job and am blessed to care for a little boy. I really enjoy him. First we had to set some boundaries and now we get along very well. He has a wonderful mind, and he asks really great questions. I will put the good questions into Google AI chat and off we go on an adventure of free flight of ideas. I am learning amazing, very random facts about the Vomit Comet and how much weight a cloud can hold of water, you know incredibly interesting stuff!!!

Here we are in Texas for the last three years in November we start year four. 

We consists of myself,

Penny Francis, and Maybelle.

My life has drastically changed and that is a story.