Here's to a Happy 2020
@DeborahDiane (40054)
Laguna Woods, California
December 31, 2019 5:45pm CST
Dear Friends!
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am thinking of all of you and hope you have a safe New Year's Eve and a wonderful 2020.
Today, I walked at Laguna Beach with a friend, watched a seal frolic in the waves, and enjoyed all the flowers in bloom. It was a great way to start our New Year's Eve.
Tonight, my husband and I will snack on shrimp, salmon, turkey and various treats, while we watch all the festivities on TV. Tomorrow, we will probably watch the Rose Bowl parade and go out for a late breakfast.
I am very grateful for 2019. My husband survived his severe chronic kidney disease for another year, and will be turning 75 on Thursday. We have had multiple visits from all four of our daughters and all eight of our grandchildren. We have many reasons to feel blessed.
Let's all hope for a happy, positive 2020. 
18 people like this
16 responses
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
1 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane Yes, whatever happens this year can't be worse than the last one. Thanks Deborah.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Jan 20
@jaboUK - I think you are right. Even when we expect it to happen, there is still a feeling of shock. My husband turned 75 today and two of our daughters and four of our grandchildren are going to be here the next couple of days to help us celebrate. I am so grateful. I will be getting off the computer soon and will not be back on until Saturday.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@jaboUK - I hope the New Year is a fresh start for you, too. I know that last year must have been rough, and the holidays were certainly uncomfortable for you. You have been in my thoughts and I am glad to see you are still on MyLot, too. For most of us, it is the only way we can stay in touch!
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458008)
• Switzerland
2 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane I hope your husband can be well for many more months. I know that he must slow down, but he can still enjoy his life together with you.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Jan 20
@LadyDuck - Yes, he is enjoying his life right now. In fact, today is his 75th birthday and our whole family is taking him out for his favorite ... a lobster dinner. We have reservations tonight for 10 people at our favorite restaurant. I am looking forward to it. I am so happy that he has made it this long.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@LadyDuck - Yes, those are great wishes to have for the coming year. I am just enjoying my quiet evenings with my husband and the peace and joy that brings. If he can just hang on to his health a little longer ....
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38652)
• Midland, Michigan
27 Feb 20
Since I've seen you a bit more recently I though you were writing more too but now I see why.
How long ago was your husband diagnosed? I hope he can get the rest he needs each day so he can enjoy the life he has left and that he can live longer than the norm. At least you and your family as they are able are milking each moment with him. That should help a lot.
Bless you Deborah-Diane, and I pray that you and your family have a blessed and prosperous and healthier year also.
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38652)
• Midland, Michigan
27 Feb 20
@DeborahDiane I will pray that he continues to do as well as he had been until then and maybe even longer.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
27 Feb 20
@MarshaMusselman - Me, too, Marsha. Thank you for your prayers.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@DianneN - Thanks, Dianne. We had a stressful 2019. Our house was badly damaged by some leaking pipes, and we spent six month living in hotels. My husband's health had several severe setbacks and, even when things were calm, I just didn't have the emotional energy to spend much time on MyLot. I try to limit my time here, anyway, because I also have a successful, award-winning retirement blog to keep up, and it actually makes me money! LOL However, I like to check in once in a while and see how everyone is doing. I'm sorry you had such a rough year last year. Let's hope we all have a much better, happier 2020 (and, perhaps, get someone with a heart and a brain in the White House).
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
1 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane I’m well aware of your stressful year. Cheers to a wonderful 2020 and to someone with a brain, or even a half brain, in the White House! Congratulations on your award winning retirement blog, too.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@JudyEv - Thank you! I don't post very often anymore, but I do try to stay in touch with people on the site once in a while. I feel a connection with many of you here, especially those, like you, whom I have "known" for years! We've been on several sites together, Judy, so I have been worried about you and the fires. Glad to hear you are currently safe. 
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@JudyEv - I understand completely. We live in California where we have had some horrible fires the past few years. Our daughter in Northern California has had to evacuate more than once in the past two years, and we live just a couple of blocks from a 22,000 acre wilderness area that caught fire and burned down 190 nearby homes about 25 years ago. We are on edge all the time for fear it could happen again. Stay safe and keep those cars parked facing the road!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane Thanks for being concerned. The fires are mostly on the other side of Australia but it only takes one idiot or a lightning strike to change the situation completely.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Jan 20
@porwest - Ha ha! No, it was great! I am going to use that one with my grandchildren! LOL
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Jan 20
@porwest - Thank you, Jim! I hope that you and your family have a great 2020, too. Let's all have a great year.
1 person likes this
@porwest (78761)
• United States
12 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane I have heard that people in 2021 will all look back on it with great perspective, since hindsight is always 2020. lol. That was stupid...I apologize in advance. 
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16533)
• China
1 Jan 20
Happy New Year to you and your family ! All the best in 2020 !
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16533)
• China
2 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane Thank you ! Yes,the 25th,January is the Chinese New Year .We all look forward to it.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Jan 20
@changjiangzhibin89 - We always enjoy it here, too. There are many Chinese people in Southern California, so it is a fun event.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
Thank you! I am sending you the best for 2020, too. Here in Southern California, we will be celebrating the Chinese New Year in a few weeks, too! We just cannot have too many celebrations.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111164)
• El Paso, Texas
1 Jan 20
You're welcome @DeborahDiane
Thank you 
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@rebelann - Thank you! I hope you have a safe, prosperous and happy 2020, too!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
1 Jan 20
Happy New Year Deborah Diane and Happy Birthday tomorrow to your hubs, Every day with our loved ones is a blessing. I hope you have many more together.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Jan 20
@BelleStarr - Thank you! My husband's birthday celebration was a big success. We had a dinner party at a local restaurant with our extended family, and then another celebration the next night at our house. I'm so glad he was able to enjoy it all.
You are so right that every day with our loved ones is a blessing, and we feel very fortunate that my husband has been able to make it to another birthday.
Happy New Year to you, too! Here's a toast to a great 2020!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@jstory07 - Thank you! I hope it is a good year for you and your family, too. It is always a good feeling to start a new year full of hope and optimism.
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
2 Jan 20
so great to hear from ya, ms. d-d! 'njoy the times with family, such's most 'mportant. my condolences'n the loss 'f yer friend. stay positive 'n happiest 'f new years wishes fer ya 'n yers. 
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
4 Jan 20
@DeborahDiane oh, that's wonderful! so good to've those memories. thanks, hon :)
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Jan 20
@crazyhorseladycx - My husband's birthday celebration was a big success. We had a dinner party at a local restaurant with our extended family, and then another celebration the next night at our house. I'm so glad he was able to enjoy it all.
Happy New Year to you, too! Here's a toast to a great 2020!
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
6 Apr 20
I missed your new year post as I was away on a cruise. Glad your husband is doing well. You know I never think of peoples ages I always think in young terms. Perhaps one day I will grow up! Happy belated New Year and I sincerely hope this year is a good one for you both!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Apr 20
@garymarsh6 - Thank you, Gary! I hope you are having a good year, too. The last month, of course, has been crazy for most of us with Covid-19 curbing our lifestyles. We are staying home more than ever before! However, we are being cautious and, so far, have not developed any illness related to the coronavirus ... thank goodness. Stay healthy!
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@CarolDM - Hope you have a fun and prosperous 2020! Have a good year.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95136)
• Marion, Ohio
1 Jan 20
Hope it is a great year for all of you.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@wolfgirl569 - Yes, let's all hope for a happy, prosperous 2020.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
1 Jan 20
Enjoy your full New Year's day!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Jan 20
@JohnRoberts - Thanks, John. We watched the Rose Bowl Parade on TV this morning, which was a treat. A couple of years ago, we went to Pasadena after the parade to see the floats up close. We aren't doing that this year, but we enjoyed watching the parade and imagining the wonderful smell. It is a gorgeous day and we have the windows open, so the air smells sweet in the house! You have a good New Year's day, too!
1 person likes this
