Ann Swanson

I have kept a diary for more than forty years. Of course, I do not have everything that ever happened in there, but I do have many things. A few years ago, I began doing a wrap-up piece each year. That helps me see at a glance the important things that have happened that year.

I also do a looking ahead piece so that I have some idea where I want to go in the next year. At the end of last year, I wrote that I was happy and had no big plans. Boy was that wrong. Although I had no plans at the time, my life soon changed.

We still struggle with the dogs. I seem to be the trigger. Each of the dogs wants to be with me. Then, there is the cat. We let him in during the day so he can go upstairs and sleep. Then, we let him out for a while. Before we go to bed – after I take Snaps upstairs – we let the cat in to be with my dog. No matter what we do, Snaps will not leave the cat be. He chases him so the cat runs away. Don taught Snaps to chase away cats while they were living in Russell so I guess it is his fault.

At the beginning of 2019, I had no idea that I would get married. Finally, I realized that all of the negatives were just silly. Why couldn’t we enjoy some time together?

My life is certainly different but in a good way. I enjoy being a wife again. It is nice to have someone to cook for and someone to eat with. It is nice to have someone to go places with, too.

New this year I am bowling in the senior league and rather enjoying it. Not that I am doing particularly well, but it is fun. I have met so many nice people.

I told Don I would bowl. I even had my own ball since I used to bowl in a league way back when. He had me bring my ball down so he could see it. I knew the finger holes had to be re-drilled because my fingers are larger now. When I brought it down, he was surprised, it was a sixteen-pound ball. He told me if I used that he would certainly not mess with me! We bought a new ball.

I also told him I would not play golf. I have never golfed except for miniature golf and I was not so good at that. Oh, I could make some of the putting shots but my score was never great.

Visiting Jere, Don’s son, has become part of our routine. Every Sunday we visit him. I pack some goodies to take down to the Rouse Suites where he is living. He is appreciative of the company and of the homemade treats. One of his brothers visits him too.

We are still doing Friday night date night – out to supper. Only now we just go home after! We often go with friends. It is nice to have someone else to visit with.

Basketball season is just beginning. We will go to watch my grandson play. Don is okay with basketball because he knows someone playing, but his sport is wrestling. We have started going to the wrestling matches too. I was never too fond of that but you have to do what you have to do. Life is a compromise.

His son-in-law and grandsons from Alaska came for a visit. They really came to hunt with their other grandpa. We had an open house while they were here so they got to meet some of their cousins. It was a great day. We had three kinds of soup and crackers, meat and cheese. The kids brought some goodies as well. I know that made Don very happy to have all of the grandkids together.

When I put together my piece for the end of the year it will be a happy piece. What about the piece for 2020 you ask? Who knows what that will hold? I do know that college graduation and high school graduation are in store. I look forward to both of them. Life goes on and many changes are on the horizon. Jared is applying to colleges while Carly is applying to vet school.

My family is not the same. We no longer are all on the same road and get together frequently. I miss that. I have always been part of the grandchildren’s lives. I miss those little kids that came so often to grandma’s house. We used to take walks and bake. We built with the blocks and played games. At that time, I cooked for the kids who came home from work.

I have traveled with the children to their in-laws, but even that has changed with the addition of a boyfriend for Carly. Although I was welcomed warmly, I always felt like the fifth wheel. I do not miss that part of things. I am content to stay at home and watch something on television.

May 2020 be a good year for you and your family. I will have to keep you posted about what is in store here at Hickory Heights. Happy New Year!

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, PA. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.