Author: macattack56

Age 69 Navy Veteran- 16 years military, three branches Writing is my thing! Do Poems and stories and Blogs Also use social networks and chat sites MyYearBook-Domct2002 Twitter-@BillMcCurrach

Community Center Concerns in Westborough: A Cautionary Perspective


Last night, I went to the Town Meeting here in Westborough, concerning building and providing a Community Center. I listened to the proposal, the alternatives, and what has been done so far. While I admire Westborough’s intentions, I do not agree with the way it is being done.

Some mistakes have been made, and the Boards I saw last night need to slow down, first. The first mistake, to the project as I see it was the purchase of the building intended for this purpose. A 20 year old building, was not the way to go, the building should have been better inspected from the start. A Flat roofed building has numerous problems for the New England area of Massachusetts. The roof is already twenty years old, it needs a full replacement, period. Second problem with this roof is it will need to be reinforced once redone, to carry the additional weight of the AC Units to be place upon it .It must not only hold the AC Units and be sealed properly and maintained, but be strong enough to withstand Snowfalls herein New England.

The roof is a major flaw the town did not recognize when it bought the building. The roof being 20 years old as is, needs to be totally replaced, not repaired. As it sits right now, if one small leak exists in said roof. you will need to do a full inspection of the structure in all areas. Water damage, can be devastating as we all know. Once water gets in, it will travel, throughout said building causing major problems not only by weaking the roof structure itself, but, by weaking the walls, and framing. if it has leaked anywhere along the roof, and I mean anywhere, you then face a possible clean up of mold, mildew damages, that will cost additional millions.

That is the first thing I will mention here. The next is the repointing and strengthening of the structure to hold the weight of what is being proposed and the pricing. Motar pointing up, while can be done, may not be enough if the water damage exists, from the roof, especially, if there is water damage inside the structure.

The exterior, while I believe in the appearance will need to be improved, the cost is going to get out of control for what is being proposed. Then you need to reshuffle the interior of the building to fit in what you need to use it for. My question is why so much, at one time? I am a Disabled Veteran myself, and I know what Veterans shall need. I also know that dividing such a Community Center up in the way it is proposed is very costly. You are trying to do too much at one time as I see it.

A place for the younger generation of teens to mid-twenties or thirties, should be separate and a place away from Seniors and Veterans. Not forced into one building in the way proposed here.

On top of the structure itself needing to be fully inspected and tight and sturdy. The exterior proposal of rebuilding and fixing sidewalks, and parking lots, is ok. yet, if you look at the numbers as presented and the layout of the exterior and interior of what is intended, I ask, even if done in twenty phases, the cost for this is crazy. I know, the economy in America is about to change once more, under the incoming Administration in Washington. Price will rise folks, you will get hit with maybe numbers that are twice what you have estimated already. Stop and think about what you are doing here, slow down.

Next is how does a Town the size of Westborough, Mass. intend to pay for such a building, or Community Center? Where will the funding come from folks, the people of Westborough, will not like having their taxes raised to pay for such a project. On average, you are asking Westborough citizens to add approximately eight hundred dollars a year or more to their current tax bills. This increase will anger many citizens, and you may lose out here. The Senior population that is growing here in Westborough, may be seniors, but we are not stupid either. There are now many condo complexes here in Westborough and yes the older generation and population is growing, yet, you have to remember, their wallets and purses are not. They are retired, elderly, surviving on social security and retirement funds, pensions. as it is the price of living in Westborough, Mass, is up there without additional costs of this nature.

While I agree, something must be done to accommodate the Seniors of Westborough, and it’s Veterans too, I do not agree to the cost of said project of this Community Center. We currently have a Senior Center in Westborough, so what is wrong with extending it? Is it the property it sits on, the cost of said expansion, what? Who came up with the idea of purchasing a building for this purpose, of a Community Center of such size and paying so much for a twenty year old building? Who inspected it prior to purchase, for feasibility, and purpose? That is where the first problem sits in my mind. This was not in my opinion, thought out fully, and you could see that, in the presentation at the meeting last night. The economy of the town, and it’s population which is growing in age, can’t be asked to foot a bill this high, that will hit our taxes and be reasonable, not in my opinion.

Before you start, designing and fabricating the interior of such a Community Center, you will have to start with the building itself. The damages on the roof, the ac units being replaced and secured alone is major here. One small leak in any part of said roof, can lead to a major disaster here. As one of the members of the board said, roof problems here in Westborough have occurred to many structures in the past and recently, and have cost the town bundles of cash to repair. What assurance and guarantee is there, that this building, will not do the same? A re-warranty of such a roof will not be enough, to hold. The best you may get on such a warranty of this type by an insurance company out there may be 5 to ten years not 20 to 25 as needed. A new roof may cost more initially to do here, but in the long run, may be the best way to go for safety and maintenance also in the future.

While the design of this Community Center is pretty, and nice looking, it includes far too much in one shot to get done. Go back to basics here. You made the mistake of purchasing a building, that is in need of repairs and maintenance. Fix the building and structure first. Second, find out, how many people said building can hold under the safety and fire codes of Westborough and the State. This will have to be a slow build if it is done, phased out over a lot more time, then is suggested or being planned for here. Go one step at a time if you plan on accomplishing what you wish here. A rush of any kind will only cause going back to fix what you missed, or did not do correctly.

I know, I am not a city planner on said project, and I am only a concerned citizen in Westborough looking at this from the outside in. I also know, that rising costs are about to hit this country and it’s economy, with the new Administration coming in Washington, DC. The taxes will rise folks, tariffs will hit, and people will suffer the costs of said actions. If you don’t believe that, then you are living in a make believe world, for no American can be that blind not to see it coming.

I live in one of the Condo Complexes here in Westborough, Mass. and I know, the Seniors who live here, want to have a say in how the town does it’s business, and how it pays for it all. I remind all, on the Town Boards and in the town Government here, Seniors in all of these Condo Complexes, don’t want to be taxed out of the town, we chose to come here. We are on budgets and financial plans and retirement plans. we are not, the rich, nor are we the money bags, you intend us to be, to expand your town. You need to stop and tell us now, where you plan on getting the funding for projects like this, how much it will cost the average home owner and taxpayer on each level. You can give out pretty pictures and looks of what you want to build all you like, but in the end, we the people, especially the Seniors and Veterans, want to know, what’s the bottom line and cost for each of us and can we really afford it all? That is never mentioned in these town hall meetings, by anyone on the boards is it? Why?

As it sits now and for what I have seen as a citizen, Senior and Veteran, I would vote no for said Community Center. You can’t build it unless you can pay for it folks, in a decent way that will not, coast each Home Owner and tax payer that much. Look I know Northborough, Marlboro, Southborough, all have better Senior Centers than Westborough, everyone knows that. You can’t be playing lets keep up with the Jones next door and get away with it if you don’t have the funding and budget to do so. Slow down, fix the building you bought first and foremost. Make it safe, make it structurally sound, make it adhere to Fire and Safety Codes and buildings codes as set forth by the town and the state and the Federal Government too.

Get financial assistance from The Federal government towards any part of the project that affects or is built for veterans. Ask for assistance from the State for Senior citizens that live here, and show the state the town’s population is aging and increasing in numbers and the reason you need this. Without outside assistance financially, I do not see how the Town of Westborough can come up with that amount of money to do this Community Center and make it work. Don’t fabricate it, don’t bypass the cost of it, don’t pretend here, be real. You can’t ask people who are 55 and up, to pay this bill, you can’t ask Veterans who are Disabled, or on Disability payments to do so either. You can’t tell Senior Citizens who no longer work, to enjoy and pay such taxes either, you will have a major revolt on your hands. Wake up, before you go any further, reevaluate what you are doing, slow down. It is not the Senior population, The Veterans, or even the children of Westborough, who made the decision to purchase a twenty year old building with problems, it is you the board who made that mistake. so before you proceed in any attempt, to build such a Community Center as presented or any of the alternatives, you need to go back to the basics here. Fix your eight million dollar building you purchased first, in a proper way, and as affordable and in a safe way. Once the building is safe, structurally, the roof is proper enough to not only hold the AC Units proposed for it, as well as leak proof and the masonry points needed to be fixed are done and repaired, you can then start the project if you have a way of funding it, properly, without, killing the average tax payer in town.

Phasing parts in is great as long as you can pay for each phase. The phases would have to be smaller than being proposed and the project may not get fully completed till 20230 or so, yet in the end, it would be properly funded, properly maintained and finished to be safe, comfortable, up to building codes, and worth the effort and last for many years and possibly a generation.

Please don’t think, I am saying the Community Center should not be built, or that I am saying it is not needed. I am saying, find a way to slow down, find a way to pay for this project that won’t break the citizens of Westborough’s back here. Stop, trying to outdo your neighboring towns, be logical, be economical, be realistic, at no time will this Community Center be holding over three hundred people in my opinion. While the Senior Population is growing folks, they are also inflicted with aliments that stop their participation. we slow down, we can’t drive much. we can’t afford gas and extras like we did when younger. Wake up. The Veterans are not going to be able to on limited budgets pay for this either. So, how do you get it paid for, built, and completed? Please tell us, the citizens, of Westborough, It’s home owners and tax payers, our Seniors and Veterans, where the funding comes from, how, you get it and how much it will cost each of us. Break it down, because at the point the project is at now, I see too many mistakes, and no answer for the funding other than the citizens paying for this and taxes rising. What’s the options here, and in my opinion, if they are not good, stop the project, and recalibrate here.

Why Resolutions Fail: Embrace Change Instead


Hello, January 2025, it’s already the second day of the New Year. As January begins, I am looking forward to trying to get out more, see things more and meeting new people and seeing new places. It won’t be easy to do for me, since I am going to be 69 soon, but, it is an option I am looking at. I tire of being a widower, and being alone, but, at almost 69, I am, so what to do is what i ask these days.

As 2025 starts and America rolls back to the Trump era again, I wonder, how bad it can get for all of us. How bad will the economy become under Trump, will he wage a war against his rivals and the justice system that convicted him? What will he do on the wall on the border, who will pay for it and how will it get done? How many agencies and Departments will he try to kill, or shut down and why, is education one? So many questions surround what is coming in 20 days, for America and it’s people, will anyone be able to slow Trump’s madness down and control him some? Time shall tell, I am sure.

All of the above happening in 2025, and in the end, people still make resolutions each new year! I came to the conclusion, resolutions are not worth making, why, simple, most make them, New Years Eve, and by the 15th of the month, they drop em and forget em. So, I thought about it and said why resolve to do anything, anymore, I am about to turn 69 this month? My thought was instead of a resolution, make changes to my life. For if you don’t change a thing it will all remain the same! Make an effort to meet new people, go new places, laugh more and treat people with respect and be kind. That’s a process one can do on your own, if you try, be real, be kind, be generous and laugha lot and help others. Beats making Resolutions you drop in 15 days don’t it? Try it, ya may fly it, as they say, lol!

Each day is a new beginning, each night a sleep pattern that works, at least for now. I say play nice, have fun, take care of business and your health, and in the end try to laugh and smile more. A smile a day and some laughter too, will make life better for me and for you ! When your down and worried and ya have some troubles you carry, remember to just work them through, and bring that smile back to the real you. The world does not work if your depressed, it does not work when angry. So don’t go down those roads my friends, try to smile and laugh till your end, and always know, you can make a new friend. Welcome to 2025, welcome to the present and future !

A Heartfelt Apology: Reflections on Life and Mistakes


Apologies are needed. Like most my age, I am set in my ways at times, and do things wrong, I make mistakes and errors, so like everyone else I am far from perfect. As 2024, slides towards it’s end, I think back over time and some of the things I may have said or did that were foolish, idiotic and just stupid. being honest about this, there have a been more than a few in my lifetime and even in the 3 years I have lived here, in Westborough, Ma.

If I have offended, or hurt anyone in anyway, please accept my apology. I do have my problems and I am not always a socially aware person, nor am I always socially acceptable to all. It stems back to my childhood actually, and it is hard to fight against, when it is instilled from your youth.

Never was a social type person, even as a child, I would not stay around people long. I ran for the woods, I hid there, exploring life, and animals and the surroundings. I came home only when hungry or tired. Now some, who know me today, have said I am a loner, a wanderer, some say I am strange and they don’t understand me at times. I laugh it off a lot, but, they are probably correct, in their assessment of me.

Is there a reason for all of that, well, I don’t know, if it is a reason, but I can tell you what causes it mostly. #1) I have had Hyper-activity and Attention Deficit Disorder, from birth. So at times I do inappropriate things and say things I should not. It’s one of the things, that has always been misunderstood regarding me. As a child, I was so bad, I had trouble in school and at home. I just couldn’t handle it all it seems. By, the time I hit fourth grade I was in so much trouble and at home too, my mother decided to call in the State Welfare Department for help. A year later she signed me over to the State and I was put away in an institution for what the State called Emotionally disturbed children. I would remain there for two years, until I fought to go back home. During that time, my mother tried to give me away at least three times. Twice to Foster Couples, and the third time, the State called her and told her, we are offering your ex-husband his father a chance to take him. That didn’t work either, simply put, my mother went crazy over it. In the end it would take a message I put on a dictaphone belt, in the Social Workers office to get me back home. It worked anyway, I was home again within a month, after that.

I had numerous confrontations with my mother over my wanting to meet my father. She would tell me I was just like him, a bum, a penny pitching bum, no good for nothing. I fought back all my years I can remember from age 5 to 18, over it. What bothered me more than what she said, was simple, if he was so bad, why did she keep all the old photos of him? She never answered that one.

At 18, I hopped a greyhound bus in CT and went to New Jersey to meet my father, without my mother knowing. I met the man face to face in his parents home, and with his sister present. I believed it went well, for I was invited back, in the future and even met his second wife and his seven other kids. I was content, after that for I knew it was just my mother’s anger when she spoke of him. But, Mom, well she was never one to leave things alone. She found out I had met him and she went bonkers. The next thing I knew, I was in her car and we were on the road to New Jersey. The confrontation between my mother and my father , was like two pit bulls together, and he was the weaker of the two. Sadly, she walked all over him. By the time we were leaving, I was upset once more. My father was a man who was 6ft 2, and around 250 lbs. at the time and my mother was a whole 5ft 4 maybe 120 lbs. But, she had him shaking in his boots that day. In the end, before we left that night, I asked my father to step outside with me so I could talk to him. He agreed, so I told him, if he didn’t tell her to not come back and to leave him alone, he would never see me again. He looked at me and shook his head, that he understood. As we climbed in the car to leave, my father walked around the car to the drivers side and tapped on the window. The window rolled down and he told my mother, Don’t come back to New Jersey ever again, stay away or I will have you arrested. Then he walked around the car, and tapped on my window, he looked me in the eye and said, You are welcome to come back anytime you wish. That ended my mother’s control of my father or me. When he would die in 1984, from cancer and she got word, I was in the Navy. My sister told me how she cried over his death. See, just because your divorced, it doesn’t mean all the love that brought you together is gone.

I also have a lot of Military behaviors built into me over the years. I served three branches, Army, Army National Guard and US Navy. Did 16 years folks and I was injured on duty and discharged on a Medical Under Honorable Conditions. 6 Herniated discs later, PTSD from childhood and military life, I still survived. I know crazy right, but, you learn to deal with pain the best you can, and continue on.

I went on to marry a second time, I even went back to school, after I had to get a GED for the service, and did so at 37 years old. I graduated from College in 1997, and got an Associate Degree in Hotel Management. I am a member of two honor societies. My Grade point Average was 3.7 out of 4.0. I received two Awards also. So I did ok.

I watched for 16 years as my wife, suffered through breast cancer next. I would walk with her, talk with her, bring her to appointments and everywhere she needed to go. In 2013, she went into remission, fora while and when she did, we were happy till, the phone rang. My Doctor had found, I had Lung Cancer. So while she was in remission, I was laying on an operating table for 16 hours to have a lobe and one third of my right lung removed. My wife told my sister while they sat at the hospital, she didn’t think I would make it, but I did. In the end all I needed was a device to expand my lungs, for a while.

I watched when cancer hit my wife once more in 2019. Back to Chemo and radiation we went, week after week. We took the breaks they gave her, I stayed with her every step of the way, praying. In 2020, the doctors, stopped her chemo, it wasn’t working anymore. She elected to do Immunotherapy, like her first husband had done. That held her, till March 16th, 2021.

At 3 am she fell in the bathroom doorway and hit her head. From that night forward, it was all hospitals, tests, and rehabilitation centers and Nursing homes. i would drive to see her daily back and forth, and go home to an empty house each night, missing her. The last time she went to the hospital was when I found out as she lay there in bed, that the cancer had spread to her brain. She was sent from the hospital to the nursing home down the street from me. I visited daily, talking to her, watching tv with her, making sure she ate the best she could. On July 31st, I went to see her and she was trying to eat, and no one was feeding her. I fed her the best I could and then when she slept, I went to see the Administrator of the Nursing Home. I wanted to know why they were not feeding her. I got no decent reply so, I asked how much longer she had on her Medicare Insurance. The Administrator told me 3 days. I asked for Hospice to be brought in, and set her up to come home.

I fed her, got a nurse to help keep her clean, and kept her home. On August 10th, 2021, my wife passed in her own home, in her own time and place of choice. Since then, I have been trying to recover from the loss of her and haven’t made it back to who I am as of yet. Sorry to say, it hasn’t been a smooth recovery for me. I am trying, but, I am up and down at times, crying at times, and in between, just hanging on the best I can. Yes I am not perfect, I say things wrong, I do things wrong at times, I am human. If at anytime I did or said something wrong to anyone it was never intentional. All, I can do or say as, we close out 2024 and move on to 2025 is I am trying to be the best I know how to be. If I am hyper or don’t pay full attention or don’t seem to, please forgive me. I owe some apologies for things I have done or said, in 2024, this is me apologizing to all at once. Please accept it from me to each of you! Last but not least of course, I want to Wish all a Very Happy New Year, I hope 2025 brings lots of hope, love and joy to all !!!!

Surviving and Thriving: Senior Life Advice for 2025


December 28th, 2024 is upon us all and with a whole 3 days left after today, it is time to look forward to 2025.

We can’t change the election results in anyway and yes we will now have a second Trump term of four years. For those of us who, did not get the President we wished, we must get ready. I recommend, saving every penny you can, and preparing for problems before they come. if you own a home keep it, if you owe on bills pay them off, if you can. be prepared, for who knows what is coming next.

As we close in on 2525, be prepared for prices to rise from the gas pumps to the grocery stores to clothing too. Doctor Bills will rise also as trump tries to mess with Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and the Affordable Care Act. So many priorities, will change from one Administration to another. For the immigrants who are here, whether you are here legally or not, I would cover my ass, if I were you you. His deportation plans are scary as hell, and i am sure will break apart families, because he doesn’t care. As to the Border, and closing it, be prepared to pay more taxes to do so. Mexico won’t pay for it for sure and you can bet, Trump will try to build it again. means more Border Guards and more security costs. I am sure all understand that. someone has to pay for all of it plus his tariffs he wishes to put in place, guess who Americans, you! That is the way I see thepolitical world of America going into 2525 and another Trump Term.

On a personal note, I recommend taking care of oneself, fully. Keep you money tight, pay your bills and walk the thin line and try not to fall from the black into the red. If you get into debit, it will be far too expensive for the next four years, to get a loan, interest rates will rise. So, do yourself a favor, don’t spend if you don’t need to, period.

Now, as a Senior Citizen myself, I live alone, and have since i became a widower in August or 2021, basically. Self-sufficient is the way to be, depend on no one or nothing, live on what you have. I don’t have a relationship or partner so I am lucky in that way, because I have only me to take care of these days. Track your income carefully all, ya will need to.

As to finding a relationship or someone to share my life with, well, at my age, of almost 69, it is best I find to just try to have fun and stay alone. crossing over the line into a relationship will cost, either me as an individual or whomever I am with. So, in the economy we have, best to not go there I think. maybe I am wrong, but, it’s a rough and tumble world out there, isn’t it. In today’s world, even a friend with benefits situation costs, and can be expensive lol. Beside age is alway a factor anyway isn’t it?

I am hoping for 2525 to be better, happier, and more fun for me. I want to get out more, have more fun if I can. I am hesitant to do so, even if I want to. The danger of being a Senior Citizen and being taken advantage of is real. Too many hucksters and more out there, trying to steal what you have. They attack your income, savings and more, so it pays to be careful at all costs. In the meantime one can’t just hide and do nothing can one? So, you have to be careful in all you do or not do. Life is no bowl of cherries these days is it? I just hope at some point I can find a balance and some happiness in the future, so I can live my Senior Years out in peace. Is that asking too much? I think not.

I have as of today out lived my two grandfathers ages, my father’s age, my mother’s age and even my step=father’s age. I have survived through physical pain, mental pain and recoveries. I have survived injuries and even cancer so far. I think I am hanging in there, but know, I am alone. I will probably never find another woman to be with I am old. So I wil accept it as such and not really look, why should I? LOL! Life does happen and force you to accept what it gives to you and makes you deal with it. That’s all any of us can do, folks, unless we hit it rich quick lol.

Navigating Holidays Alone: A Personal Journey


December 24th, 2024 has arrived, it is the beginning of Christmas Eve day for me. Outside it is 28 degrees here in Westborough, Mass. and snow is forecasted for today. As I look out my sliding door to my balcony, the skies are gray and overcast and it does look like snow shall be here soon enough.

As to the Holiday itself, I don’t do anything for it, anymore. Since I lost my wife in 2021, Christmas Eve and Day have become just another day for me. The normal is all I have now a days. I stay home, try to eat and drink properly and watch tv, read, and build my puzzle. Clean my home as I go, when needed. I go out these days only for certain things. 1) To see Doctors as needed. 2) Grocery shopping so I may eat. 3) Twice a week I play Mexican Train Dominos at the Clubhouse and on Monday evenings I play Billiards. While I enjoy playing them and the company of others while I do, I am cautious doing so. But, I do so, to just get out of my condo and in an attempt to be social is all. I am trying to fit in, like a square peg, in a round hole here, it is at times uncomfortable for me. Yet, it is an attempt, whether it will work or not is at times beyond my comprehension, yet at least I attempt.

At 68, soon to be 69, I have come to realize many thing regarding myself. I am not overly friendly to anyone. I try to keep a distance and not disturb others. Although invited to other’s homes, I do not attend, I hate imposing on people or being a burden to anyone, always have and will. I have never been a true social person, who interacts with others easily, I don’t have the charm, needed for that. No I am not a scrooge as some may say, nor am I really a loner, or wanderer, I just am very careful and more scared then anything. I get very melancholy on Holiday Season. I miss my wife who passed in 2021 and I am slowly trying to move on, yet, I find it hard. Is that wrong to say or do, I think not, after the 28 years I spent with her. Yes I know, I must learn to carry on without her, but my spirit remembers her too well to forget her too.

Anyway, the year is moving forward and time ticks on. Each day bring me closer to 69, and the New Year ahead. I am disappointed in the American people, because they voted Trump back in Office. I can’t change it, but it depresses me. How did the American People vote in a convicted felon as President and why? I shall never understand the logic behind it, and find it very disturbing that the American People, have fallen so low, as to do so. Yet, I face what may be my final years, living under a President who is a felon, and is being run by the likes of Elon Musk, Steve Bannon and Steven Miller. Having to live with it, will harm our place i the world, our economy and the mental health of the American People. yet, Americans chose this, so forward we go.

As a Senior citizen and a Disabled Veteran, I hope and pray we stay a Republic and Democracy, but, it does not look good for us. Sadly, I will never understand how we got here, but here we go. Trump wants to kill the Department of Education, Attack Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security and give more tax breaks to his rich cronies. he is threatening Mass Deportations and so much more. It seems to me, the American People have been conned by a con man and criminal. People fell for lies, and now the America I defended, protected, and love so well, is being taken over by a cult, led by Trump. In fact as many are now beginning to realize, Trump is not capable of running the country. It is being run and will be run by people like Elon Musk, and Steve Bannon and Steven Miller and the likes. Stop and think people, Trump is taking office at almost the same age that Biden is leaving it. Trump is physically and mentally in worse condition then Biden and will only get worse as his term goes on. You want the real scare of what is coming next, if I were you, I would pray trump hangs on till the end of his term, if not you get a President J.D. Vance, imagine that!

Ok enough politics. I have learned in my life that I must deal with what is, not what I wish. So, I go forward with a body that aches, and has it’s problems. The way I see it, I have overcome many things in my life, and at this point shall continue to do so. I believe, I am actually a miracle being in some ways. I overcame so much in my life. Seizures as a baby, Hyper-activity and attention deficit disorder were just the start for me. Battles with my mother over who my father was and where he was, got me put away for two years as a child, and she attempted to give me away three times through the state. Yet, I returned home. I overcame and persisted. By my teen years, I found a way to find my father on my own and did so, only to have a mother who had to get on her high horse and interfere anyway. After I met my father, mom found out and forced me to go back down there with her. By the end of that day, I faced my father a man who was in his fifties at the time, and scared shitless of my mother who was a whole 5ft 4 inches and 120 lbs. so, I told him, if he ever wanted to see me again, he had to make a stand and tell her, to leave him alone. He did in the end. and life moved on for me.

I served my country for 16 years in three military branches, Army, Army National Guard and Navy, and grew up there. I had no choice, I made the commitment so I lived it. I served Honorably and have a DD-214 to prove it too. I also, got injured, six herniated discs in my spine and live with them daily. I was married twice, had two daughters, my longest marriage was my second for 28 years. I did well I think, because I also went back to school and got a Associate’s Degree in Hotel Management, becoming the first in my family to do so. Two Honor Societies inducted me, Alpha Beta Gamma, and Phi Theta Gamma, not bad for a man who was 40 years old when it was done.

I have written many blogs such as this, many poems and lil stories made into small books online. I did what was right when mom died, and put her with her husband, helping my sister do so. I brought my dying wife home and hospiced her, till her death in 2021. So, I have tried very hard to do what I believed was right to all. I am not perfect, but I am smart enough to be respectful, and kind, and considerate as I go along. Whether the same consideration will be extended to me in my ending, I do not know, I only know, I had the drive to do so for others, I loved.

As, 2024 rolls now closer to it’s ending and tomorrow is Christmas Day, I shall keep going forward. I spend my holidays alone these days, and it doesn’t matter which holiday it is. I do not wish to impose, on or burden anyone in any way and I don’t. Alone is fine with me, I have my television, my internet and books and puzzles to keep me going and busy. I believe I am better off alone, than being taken advantage of by someone else in any way. As Christmas Eve gets underway, and tomorrow is Christmas Day, I Wish all a Very Merry Christmas! Remember, it is not about the material things you give or receive, it is about the time you spend with those who love you and that you love in return. And last but not least, I Wish all who read this, A Very Happy New Year, as 2025 comes rolling at us very soon. Happy Holidays to All !

Embracing New Beginnings in 2025


December 22nd, 2024, is upon us all. We have a few days left till Christmas Day, and people are rushing to the stores I say. As they do, I pray for you, that you all don’t get in each other’s way. Drive carefully out there will you please, and make it safely home, for the holidays.

I have been asked why, I stay alone on the holidays, it simple really you see, the holidays mean nothing to me. I have lost my grandparents, my parents and my wife to cancer, my children live over 500 miles away and so do my grandchildren. My sister God Bless her, is doing her things with friends, and personally I shall never impose on anyone or be a burden to anyone on a holiday or otherwise. Simple right, many don’t understand it though, but that’s ok with me.

I keep to myself, and I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and heat. I have all the lil electronic toys I need to play with too. I build puzzles, read books, watch television and movies and play on the internet is all. In my mind and heart, my children and grandchildren and sister are all better off without me to drag them down. So, by myself I shall stay, until my dying day.

As Christmas gets closer each day, I use the NFL and NBA to watch and keep my mind busy, I read books and relax. I have food and heat and a place of my own, my 956 square feet condo is my home. I moved here, so I must accept what I choose to do. The Complex is ok, the people are too, I ignore the rude and crude, the impolite and I shall survive well past New Year’s night. I turn 69 in January, of 2025, and I face my health problems as most my age do. I suffer from a bad back, PTSD, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes too. yet, I still march on in life and do what I can do.

I feel I have had a full life so far, my service years, my two marriages. all kept me going. Homes I had to care for, and people too, I think I did my best, can you say that too? It’s been a decent life for me really. I am a lucky man in many ways, I just know I miss my wife and our happier days. It’s not unusual for a man who is a widower at almost 69 to say so, it is hard for some to hear. But for me, I say, do not worry or cray a tear, for soon we all shall face the New Year. 8 days left to 2024, and onward I go to a New Year once more. I shall be fine, I shall be well, and if I am not, oh well. I did my thing, and did it my way, I have no fear or worry about yesterday. I did what was right for those I loved, I cared when I should and now they are all up above. I am alone and on my own, but, I know I shall survive, no matter what, for now, it’s a feeling in my gut. Full life i have lived and I have always found a way to smile and give.

I am working on building a Singles Group for the Condo complex here and at the same time, trying to get on The Veteran’s Board for the town too. The idea is simple for the Single’s Group, I figured many single women here and some single men, see if I can make them at least mingle and have fun. As to the Veteran’s Board position, as a 16 year disabled Veteran I believe i can help them understand what the Veteran’s need in town, and as someone else said, we need to be represented on the board for our complex. Time shall tell if it works out for me.

My thoughts on 2025 are simple. A new year, a new beginning and onward we go. As to politics, I can’t change the election results, and have to live with it. I pray we survive the next four years, I am sure we shall, we survived it before. I hope for no wars, help for the poor, and health for all mankind. I try to keep a hopeful outlook on all I see, and hope it all works out for you and me.

Merry Christmas to All and To ALL A Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Reflecting on Life as 2025 Approaches


I think everyone, gets to a point in life, where we stop and reflect on our life, and try to decide where or what to do next, if of course we are healthy enough to.

As 2024 is getting closer to it’s end and the new year shall begin, I do the same I do each year. I examine where I have been, what I have done and try to decide if I did right or wrong in certain cases. The idea is to not make any mistakes or problems in my future. I have taken to not reacting harshly to much these days, and the only thing that ever got me angry, was when a guy tried to take advantage of my wife who passed in 2021. So, unless, someone attacks the ones I call family I do not get mad. I will walk away before I will fight over stupidity.

As I look back at 2024, I find I did things as usual for me. I just go to my Doctors when needed, walk when I can, build puzzles and read. I also walk when I can depending on weather of course. I do participate in playing pool on Monday evening, and Mexican Train Dominos on Wednesday evening. I was doing Friday Afternoon Mexican train Dominos, but I won’t anymore for personal reasons.

Del Webb Chauncy Lake as a community, will be expanding soon enough over time, to a compound, of 14 buildings, 50 condos per. When you figure it out it’s 700 condos. That leaves us as one person said, a large part of Westbourgh’s, Mass. tax base. Hopefully we can maintain some kind of involvement with the town, so we have our say. We have the ability and the people to do it, if we keep abreast of all happening.

As 2025, is now not far off, I see myself, as doing what I think is right for me. I shall maintain what I have of course. As to what to do, well, I try to avoid large crowds, and I know I am not Mr. Popular anyway. Never was Mr. Handsome, or Mr. Personality, and I avoid confrontations and arguing. I find that people do not like me, most of the time. My sense of humor some say is strange, sometimes I speak too fast or soon. I do try to get along with everyone I can, but there will always be some, it doesn’t work with. Thus the avoidance factor I brought up earlier. Get angry around me or upset, I feel it is my fault I leave and won’t bother again. I am old now, so I am set in my ways, in situations, of course.

Someone accuses me of something suddenly, bye. Some judge me wrong, some think I am rude or crude. But, my humor is hard to take at times, and misunderstood. Some I poke fun at, or joke with, it is all a game is all. I have come along way from my childhood of attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. I lived with those in my childhood years and at times they get me today at 68 going on 69.

The more I stay alone, and away from people the better it is for me, I think so I isolate and stay home. It’s a crazy idea but it works, can’t see me, can’t say I did something, lol. when you get to my age, you know damn well when someone doesn’t like you, and you do avoid.

All of the above just means not many changes will happen to or for me. I don’t attend every event planned here, nor do I plan any. I try to stay away, for these are open events paid for by those who attend them. And I am far from socially as adept as many others here. Never was a social animal, have always been one to stay away and alone and watch from a distance. I think, I never had the right social skills as a kid and as an adult. Yet I survived two marriages, and the service. Not bad. As 2025 comes in, I plan on trying to open up some, but I know, it won’t be easy. It is like I told some people I just talked to about a club, I haven’t talked in front of people in a long time. I tend to avoid women. Most men here, have no problem with women, me well, what can I say. I don’t trust many people that’s for sure, never did. I still have the Navy in me in many ways also, once a sailor always a sailor they say. I don’t drink really, I am not a party person for sure. So, as I go forward, I am going to do what I have for a while since moving here. One day at a time, avoid confrontations and arguments, avoid those who don’t like me. As I told one person, I only come out of my condo for certain things these days. 1) Doctors, 2) grocery shopping 3) Billard’s on Monday evenings, Mexican Train Dominos on Wednesday evening. I walk, I mind my own business, and I try to treat all with the same respect I want for myself. That is how my New Year shall be, it’s like a resolution by me. Time will tell. Some say, volunteer for something to do, so I have. Some say go to church, I am non-religious so that’s out. if I walked into a church it would probably fall on my head. So, the town of Westborough, is like the small town I live in my my teens. All we had were bars, taverns, banks and churches. I am old and I get bored at times, I feel the loneliness of course, but, struggle through like others I had met. It’s a process is all and we live through it all, don’t we?

Embracing Life After Loss: Lessons Learned at 68


December 15th, 2024, it is chilly and cold outside today, the sun is shinning bright here, in Westborourgh, Mass. The day began for me at a lil after 6 am. Each day is different for sure and it doesn’t matter, who your neighbors may be or where you live. Time seems to move right along at a steady pace. I have now loved alone, basically since my wife died, and it is now over 3 years, since she passed. And yes I still think of her constantly, especially when someone or something reminds me of her. But, I also have learned she is not coming back and to look ahead, for I am still here. I have learned to live each day for myself, do the best I can, and have the most fun I can.

Well, sometimes, things happen, and you can’t change them, nor, did you intend them, but, wham they smack ya upside the head. Or someone thinks you did something and you didn’t, and wham again, it’s another smack at ya. I really, don’t care which it is, I just wish it would stop happening to me, these stupid things. I was leaving yesterday to go to the store and as I passed through the lobby on my way out, a lady was bending over and picking up some packages she ordered. As I was going out the door I looked back and she told me I was looking at her ass! I wasn’t of course but, she accused me of that. I told her, I did nothing wrong and she was the one bent over, not my fault, lol. I didn’t want to say what I was going to, which was, Lady I don’t give two cents about your ass! But, as usual I am too polite to do that, so I just left it and went to the store. Afterwards, I thought of seeking her out and telling her, I wasn’t looking, but, she wouldn’t believe me anyway, so I said fuck it. Silly shit happens all the time, when you live in a 55 plus community like I do. I could care less about her assor any other women’s to be honest, at 68 soon to be 69, seen enough of em. lol

Onward I go, throat was scratchy and sore this am, so I got some ice cream and cough drops for it and some chicken for the NFL games later. In the meantime, I wonder if I am doing the right thing, by trying to get out more and interact with others or not. Seems, some people don’t like me period, and because of that I usually stay at home. I don’t like people who think their shit don’t stink, or think they are better than everyone else, or smarter than all. Their not really, they just have this big ego and big mouth they use to say stupid things without thinking first. But, hey, as mom told me as a child, engage brain before you speak, is the only advice I can give these folks. Some accuse other of doing things they never did, and some accuse others of things they think we did, when in fact they do them themselves. It’s a crazy world ya know, and humanity itself, is not really stable in all ways. I know I am not loved by many, who live here and as far as I am concerned I am not worried about it, anymore. I used to worry about it, but then, I figured out, no one is going to love everybody and no will get along with everyone either, so why force it. I am me, and that is who I be, if you don’t like me avoid me and I shall return the favor for you. I think that makes better sense then hiding, or fighting with someone verbally, mentally or physically. So that is how I live, so if I don’t talk to you, much, please understand, it’s either you made it clear by your actions and replies you don’t like me, or I just don’t care for you either. I hope that makes sense. I know it does for me.

In my life, I have many different friends, and I still have some from when I was 14 years old and guess I always will, at least I hope so. I still have friends from my service days too, and my two marriages actually. I am not that difficult to get along with really. Yet, for some strange reason, some misread me, or don’t like my sense of humor or style, whatever. I can only say what I always say to some, I am me, who else can I be! So, as life goes on, I have learned I don’t like stuck up people, I don’t like people who think they are better than I. I don’t like people who think you said or did something when you didn’t, and who never stop to ask, if you did. I am not in love with liars, or thieves, I hate violence also. I think live should be live peacefully, and it should be fun. I had enough pressure situations in my life, in my childhood, my teenage years and as an adult who was married twice and in the service for 16 years. all I want is some peace, and happiness, some laughter, a way to relax. Is that too much to ask folks?

Now being 68 and turning 69 in a lil over one month, I cam honestly say, I never hurt anyone on purpose. I never was a physical person, nor did I torture or bother anyone mentally. I am not a vengeful soul either, I usually just walk away. No sense trying to change anyone else, the only time I hit anyone was to protect myself, period. Time does not change my nature or who I be, I shall always be just me.

Since moving here, I have seen many different types of people, both male and female. The stuck up woman, or the macho man images come to mind for some. Then there is the intellectual types, or those who rely on an attempt at humor to fit in. Then, there is the sarcastic ones too, they are sarcastic about everything they say to anyone and try to hide it behind a giggle, or a laugh, saying they didn’t mean it when they did. people are funny, and you can usually read it, if your patient, and smart enough to. You learn, you see, and you react appropriately, to avoid problems. That’s my way anyway. I never judge a book by it’s cover, I learned long ago, what’s inside a person may be totally different than the cover they show. All, have a way of protecting themselves in place they have learned to do, as they go along.

After two marriages, Two of everything for 40 years, I am now back to just me. No woman in my life, no children to pay for, no big homes to care for, just a decent condo, in a 55 plus community in a small Massachusetts town. A small car and all I need to survive. I read a lot these days, some politics, some murder stories, some biographies. I build puzzles, Walk when the weather is good. I play on the internet, and watch television. It is one day at a time for me now. Shop one day for food, do my laundry as needed, cook for myself and thats my way of life, simple is all. No I do not chase the women here and never will, just so that is known by those who thought otherwise.

I decided after I was asked to try to start a Single’s Group here in my community. To be honest, I have no interest in any kind of relationship. I am doing so, to help Widows and Widowers, but, I am not qualified as a grief counselor, so I had to expand it to all singles. So I did, and will see how it goes. I know at 68 going on 69, no woman wants an old man like me, and I never was a handsome person lol. Hopefully, it will help the ladies and gents here.

The other thing that has my interest, is Veterans and what we need. Many towns have places for Veterans to go and be with others and to entertain them, as well as to provide for their care. So, I was told there was a position open on The Veteran’s Board for the town, so I thought it over. I applied in the hope I may be of assistance to the town and the Veterans. I hope in my own way I can, but time shall tell.

In January, I turn 69 years old, and I have now outlived my father, mother and step-father as well as my mother. All died between 55 and 60 years old. I have one brother is older by a few years I never see, a sister I see now and then and a younger brother who I never see also. One of the five of us died at 30 years old many years ago now. My grandfathers died in their early 70’s, one at 72 and the other at 74, as far as I know. So how long I have left is a question for me, considering I have PTSD, 6 herniated discs in my spine, and more aliments. Pain is like a second constant for me, and I survive. I had Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyper-Activity as a child. I still overcame. I am the only one in my family with a college degree I believe, so I did ok. I write a lot or poetry, short stories and this blog. I do have short stories online and poems. Life hasn’t always been a bowl of jello for me, yet I never surrender or give up. As my life goes forward, I just hope, I can live it out in peace and some happiness.

Embracing Change: Insights for Seniors in the New Year


Hello all, it’s Saturday December 14th , 2024 already! The year has flown by for me and I believe for many others also. An old song said it best, Time, Time, Time, it’s telling me a story. Time does march on no matter what as we all know, and in less than two weeks we hit Christmas again and then the New Year of 2025 will be next. My hope is for a peaceful time for all, but, I know that may not be, due to changes in government, politics and attitudes. yet, asa Senior Citizen I am doing what many before me and with me will be doing, keeping my head low, saving my money and surviving, the best I can. It is a basic approach for sure, but a necessary one in today’s American world.

I set for myself some objectives for 2025 and I hope to full fill them the best I can. Every year people world wide make resolutions for themselves and try to stick to them, well I am no different. With one exception, I try to make any resolutions I make, realistic and attainable. Making resolutions that are unrealistic, just dampens down the hope one has, so make them realistic and honest and you may attain them.

I have resolved to try to get out more and be more friendly and open to others. I have resolved also, to avoid negative people with bad attitudes. Look, I am honest about this, I can not take angry, mad people, who believe no matter what, they are right, and everyone else is wrong. I can’t stand people with a stick up their ass, because they believe they are better than all of us. I will avoid them from now on. I do not like people who have what I call double standards. It’s ok for them to do something, but not for you or I right! Bull shit!

I have resolved to avoid people who can turn nasty in a heartbeat, for stupid minor reasons also. It all seems so childish and immature to me. Now I have been convinced in the past by friends, to return to the fray so to say and hold the course and give others a second chance, that’s fine. But, as the old saying goes, fool me once shame on me, fool me twice forget me. I shall just do what is right for me and avoid trouble when I see it, from now on. I am I guess set in my ways at my age, and yes I can be sometimes a pain in the ass, or accidently upset someone, but never intentionally like others I have seen. No one is perfect and I am far from that, but I am not ignorant, nasty, impolite to people on purpose like some I see.

That said, I wanted to open up the possibilities I had coming in the new year and try to help others and myself. So volunteered to open a new Club where i live and give it a try, if it doesn’t work, like some have told me, well, it’s no hair off my ass, at least I gave it a shot. I also wanted to try to join in more events and clubs where I live and talk to more people in general. Since my wife passed in 2021 and I moved here to Chauncy Lake in Westborough, Ma. I have kept to myself for the most part. I think even if I get involve din more clubs here and volunteer for service elsewhere in town, I must guard against cruel, uncaring people, with nasty attitudes. I learned growing up there are two types of people in the world, one is the competitive ones who must win at everything they do, and the second is like me, non-completive, and able to accept when we lose with a smile. Winning at silly game is not important to me, never was, it not whether you win or lose it how much fun you have playing it. For the competitive person you tell them that, and they will argue with you over it, and tell you what’s the sense if you don’t win? Simple folks, just trying to fit in and be social and acceptable counts.

As time rolls on now, and 2024 comes to it’s end and 2025 begins to come in focus and to begin, we must remember first and foremost all are human. We have flaws, we have faults, we are not perfect and we must all learn to accept the same in one another. Secondly, we must all come to realize we can not get along with everyone we meet, so we learn to adapt and choose and avoid the ones we don’t. I have learned in many ways since living in a 55 plus community, life is not a bowl of cherries so to say. You won’t love all your neighbors, you can’t be friends with all, but you can be kind, generous and you can avoid those who don’t accept you for who you are. It is what I must do, in my own life. You want to know the people to avoid, angry people, nasty people, impolite or insulting people, bossy people, and in the end, people who are two faced, liars, and just down right rude. Thats the list I avoid and will going into 2025.

For 2025, I want to smile more, I want laugh more, I want to write more, I want to live like I was dying. Try to go places and see things i have never seen, enjoy the company of people I have never met, learn from those around me. But, I also want to be able to accept the difference and move forward, and keep a good nature to me. I have never been discriminating against anyone, nor am I predijuced against anyone. I don’t usually hold hate in, and I don’t hate for no reason. So to those who do, do me a favor, look in the mirror first, for if you hate so much, you must also hate yourself. Just my belief.

As 2025 comes into focus, America faces changes, it faces things it never thought it would. As Americans we must fight against, being drawn into wars, for we have enough of our own problems here at home. Immigration and the border isone thing to fight, but it must be fought with common sense, and compassion. We can’t lock up women and children, or toss them in a haphazard manner with out caring. We shouldn’t allow the Department of Education to be shut down either. Nor should we allow, vaccines that saved billions of Americans and others in the world to be banned. This will only bring back illness and death to the world and America. So many things are being planned by Trump and his new Administration that are not logical in any way. For instance, What is Elon Musk doing, being given the control of the American budget for? I remind all Elon Musk is a South African, who immigrated here, and now he is going to be leading DOGE! What is that shit? He is going to decide for America, how many employees our government is going to have? Nice, that means an increase in the unemployment ranks for sure, and more damage to our economy. You can’ just cut jobs and benefits to working people and think we will be ok folks, it doesn’t work that way.

As 2025 comes into focus in my mind, I am glad in many ways I am over 68, retired and on my own. But, us seniors and veterans, disable or not, depend on our social security checks and disability checks to survive. We earned them, and it would be nasty to cut us. As to Social Security, future generations not grandfathered in or currently collecting, they want to strip you of this. Will Americans be foolish enough to allow it? It’s you future, and I expect you may wake up when you find out they are trying to, and all the work and payments in you made will not be there for you when you can’t work anymore. But, who am I right, I am an average American guy is all, but logic tells me this direction is not good for future generations, my kids, my grandchildren and more. It’s a sad state of affairs if it happens.

Women in the military serve daily and have now for many decades. They provide and serve strongly in many positions of importance. From Nursing to engineering, to leadership and more. Now they want to say women can not go into battle zones. Let me say this, it didn’t stop women from doing so, during the American Revolution, or during the Civil War, or any of the World Wars, or wars since. They knew their purpose, they volunteered and died in service too. They know the risk like all men do. Stop trying to take away their rights. Stop trying to tell them what to do with their bodies too. Let them have abortions, if it was you daughter who was raped, you would want her safe. Incest happens, no female should be forced to carry a pregnancy full term and give birth to a baby she didn’t want in the first place. It’s sad world, what’s next you going to repeal the right to vote for women?

2025, marks my 69th year alive, I was born in 1956. I was raised in the 1960’s and 70’s. Life was different then. We got disciplined and corrected regularly. Our parents worked hard, came home raised us even if both of them worked. We never were hungry, we never were naked, we never were cold, and we went to school, when we were supposed to. We didn’t have computers, and video games and consoles, or big screen tvs. No, we went outside and played. We played with other children, we played sports, ran the woods and laughed and cried. Mom would say, be home by dark or by supper and we did it. We survived. Look privilege is one thing, money doesn’t buy common sense though does it, it doesn’t buy social skills or logic either. You learn it as you grow up because your parents teach it to you. They should anyway and they should have taught you manners too. If they didn’t they failed you in many ways. Today, too many parents leave their children to video game consoles to be babysat. Mine never did. They taught us to clean and cook too, to dress ourselves and the normal habits you should have of being clean and neat in appearance. What happened to that America folks? What happened to teaching morals and ethics to your children? Where did that world go, America?

Let me close this way today, 2025 will be a large change for all Americans as a society. I have a prediction for America for the future. I see it as a falling Empire, like the Aztecs, The Incas, the Romans, and even the Germans. we are failing because we do not adhere to what works, we change too many things. Ever stop to remember the old saying folks; Leave things alone if they work, don’t mess with it? Well America has messed with too many of it’s core values, and it will pay a price like all the empires and societies before us. As, Ben Franklin said after the Constitution was Signed, We shall have a republic as long as we keep it! When we start to deviate too far, we shall lose it and fall from grace, and lose our democracy and republic and our rights without realizing we are. I hope it doesn’t happen, at least in my remaining lifetime, but when it does, the the last great Empire and nation on the planet shall disappear!.

Embracing New Beginnings: Community and Growth in 2024


As the year of 2024 heads towards it’s conclusion, America faces a Second Trump Presidency, high home costs and food costs too. It faces a President who shall run it like an Autocrat, and will have to fight to survive it. The battle will be to keep the Democratic/ Republic the Founding Fathers found it.

For me, I am moving forward in my own ways. Medically being checked out, because I am turning 69 soon enough. Eye appointments, pet scans, and more. Then, I am tired of being alone so much, and at almost 69, I am looking to meet more people. Loneliness kills actually so I am stepping out in two ways. First I created a singles club here in the condo compound i live in. The idea is to see if we can get the two genders to interact and get along, and go out having fun. It is not intended as a dating thing, but a friendship thing, where we all have fun. From that who knows what may grow.

Then I was told about a volunteer position for the Town or Westborough, as a member of the Veteran’s Board. I applied there hoping to join in to help fellow Veterans of all kinds and myself included. As a 16 year Veteran who was disabled serving my country, I want the Veteran’s here to have all they need and can get for help, from The Veteran’s Administration and the Town we live in. If there is anyone who deserves help, it is our Veteran’s who served Honorably.

I am hoping by getting involve in these programs and clubs, I can expand my own involve and have fun doing so. If it works out, I will be happy.

As 2024 passes for me it is now over 3 years since I lost my wife to cancer. Yes I still miss her, and yes I will always miss her. But, as I told one person, those of us who suffer such a loss of a loved one, must take the time to grieve and then move on. For with our loved once lost, we must steady ourselves, take one step at a time, into getting out again and interacting more. We the survivors and widowers and widows,, can only deal with the grief in our own ways, and for each of us, it will bea different time line for sure. If you are one like me, you will, hit a time, when you feel you are still here and must do something for yourself again and on your own. We deserve to find a partner, or a friendship with the opposite gender, to make our lives whole again.

So, as, we head into the Christmas Season this year, I want to wish all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead. I hope all can find someone, something, or someway to carry on and enjoy life in their fullest. For as the New Year of 2025 comes at us, we deserve to be happy, content like all the rest, it is up to each of us, to make the best out of what we have and can do.

As 2024 runs out at a fast pace, it is time to lift ourselves up, save our money, hold our homes and find some happiness and contentment in our own ways. God Bless all and may 2024 as it ends, disappear slowly and comfortably for all, ad Mat 2025 bring Happiness, Joy, Contentment, and relationships for all of us, who need them most. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All !