It seems like every year I wish for a better year than the one we are leaving. In reality one year is about like the others. There is less faith in God, sickness, friends and family members that pass on, poor economy, politicians that suck, higher prices on things, and many other calamities. Then I look at the new picture. God still performs his miracles in spite of us humans. Every year a new cure is found for a sickness. I can still get enough to sell at whatever the prices are to live. Once in a while the politicians surprise me by doing something that actually benefits the voters. Prices are too high, but at least most of the time I can find it on the shelves. My wish is for people to get along, human life to become worth something to the killers, lots less of our friends and family having health problems and looking at the obituaries without knowing most of the people in them. Whatever your wishes are, I hope every one of them comes true.

I came home Christmas Eve to a major water leak at my meter. I could not get it shut off, so at 9:30, at night I called the police to see if they could get someone to come help me from the water department. In a few minutes a guy showed up, and before I got out there, he was gone, and my water was off. I was washing dishes in the hot water I had put in the sink when Cleo said he was back out there again. Suddenly, the water came back on at the sink. I went out and he said part of my meter was cracked and it was all better. I couldn't see who he was, but to the super city employee that came out on Christmas Eve at 10 p.m. and fixed my water, a big thank you and have a blessed new year.

My ag teacher and lifetime friend Don Rudy passed away the same day as my great grandson Drake did. Don was just 6 years older than his students when he taught me. He always seemed so easy going until I screwed up. He left no doubt in my mind crossing him was not a good idea. Over the years I always told him I was glad to see him every time I ran into him. Then I would tell him it was because there was at least one guy older than me wherever we were at. Rest in peace Don, and God bless your family.

Bubba told me he was having a jungle party for New Year’s. That's where the women go bare and the men go ape. I asked if he had forgotten what happened the last time he tried this. The only one that showed up was his wife, fully clothed and with a tazer. He decided on chips, root beer and watching the ball drop instead.

Whatever you do to celebrate, please be safe, drink less and get into the new year healthy and not arrested.

God bless one and all.