Reflections in Time

Here we are on the final count down of hours left for 2017, then it all becomes history and memories. As I reflect upon the accumulations of the past 365 days, I may see days of sorrow or when I fell short of being my best. Don't stop to dwell on those moments, but the lessons learned, strength built, challenges overcome and the accomplishments no matter how grand or small.

So here are my grateful moments from the past year:

I am thankful for my health. There may have been days I fought off a cold, had some aches and pains but "walk in my shoes" because they traveled. I averaged 20 miles a week with walks with my pups that equals 1040 miles I walked this year.

Loving the Gorge! The hikes I ventured on from short and easy to all day and seeing sights I have not for years. We may have dealt with a terrible fire and it closed the Oregon side trails, but on the Washington side there is much to explore from Wind Mountain to, Dog Mountain, Trapper Creek Hamilton Mountain, Beacon Rock, Grassy Knoll, Lewis River Falls trail, Hardy Falls, Mt Adam's Killen Creek Trail and my favorite I do 3 times a year, Lower Falls Creek I covered over 130 miles in those hiking boots.

Viewing wildlife is one of my favorite adventures (especially if I have my camera). I can't count how many time I watched the elk, deer, eagles every time I drive down on Hwy 14, saw bobcats, cougars and so excited 10 bears this year!.

While I lost 8 pounds this year ( not mentioning the pounds I gained before I lost), we took on 2 new mouse hounds and I am a cat person too. I leave behind the career I started with White Salmon schools in budget cuts but this opportunity has given me additional precious time to spend with my 88 year old dad and be able to help him, enjoy our time before his time is up.

I am thankful for our precious family. Family took me to Indiana twice this year as I can not get enough precious moments with my beautiful grand daughter. I have enjoyed and loved being a part of the family close with the pride as we watch the accomplishments the grand children and children make in life.

Life is full of challenges, difficult moments, loss of loved ones, health challenges, financial burdens but, life is full of precious moments, wonderful blessings and the love of the people in your life. Life is not an adventure without some excitement and ups and downs.

So the clock is counting down and the year coming to its end, we will pack it away as memories, learn from it and take with us into 2018 the strong belief. We must Believe, to accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream, no only plan but also Believe. Await the adventures , new memories and there will be new obstacles, but continue on the wonderful journey into 2018 as we reflect back on 2017.