Another year down.
Once again, I have allowed my WordPress subscription to renew automatically. But at least this year, it was an active decision. My stats have increased ten-fold recently, and while I’m pretty sure it’s due simply to an AI glitch of some kind, I would hope that at least some of those new readers are actual people. Just in case, I opted to keep this site live so all those newly found fans can catch up on those hundreds of wonderful posts I’ve published over the years.
Yes, the cost of the renewal subscription is a bit of a strain on an already stretched-to-the-limit budget, but hopefully will be worth it. ‘Cause, you know that somewhere among that plethora of new fans must be at least one publisher who’s dying to add me to their roster of ups-and-comings.
One can only hope.
Of course, any such interest would have to be based on past posts as I so seldom publish anything currently.
These days, I don’t have much to say. Most days are humdrum, with no events so exciting or so devastating that I feel a need to write about them. Probably that’s a good thing. There’s much to be said about living life on an even keel.
Sure, there are many national events that I could write about, but these days in the U.S. it’s best not to say or write anything that could be even remotely construed as critical of the current powers that be. Heck, even writing a negative review about a book or movie could probably get one branded as a “domestic terrorist.” ‘Nuff said.
So basically I just muddle by from day to day, taking paid surveys to build up a little extra cash for my Amazon orders, and listening to hubby yap 24/7 about this, that and the other thing (don’t ask for specifics, I stopped listening a long time ago). At this time of year, it’s been too cold and snowy to even go outside, so mostly I’m housebound except for medical appointments. Perhaps come spring I’ll manage a little more motivation – who knows?
The good news, however, is that thus far we’re able to just squeak by on only our Social Security benefits without having to dip too much into the limited savings. Of course, it means giving up all the fun stuff like eating out, ordering in, or buying wine, but I’d rather sacrifice those than have to give up my home. Puppy Cody loves her backyard, and hubby and I love our privacy. Squeaking by is good, right? And it did help that although we were unable to qualify for SNAP benefits (food stamps), we did manage to get HEAP – so at least we don’t have to be overly stressed about those heating bills during the current cold snap.
Things could always be so much worse.
How’s it by you?
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Image by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
Good to see a post from you and know how you’re doing. Know where you’re coming from as to cutting back on luxuries. The budget has born up for us and we are warm and cosy in the cold weather. Had a lot of expense lately with the car, the dog, and new glasses, but it was all covered so I’m pleased.
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Glad things are going well for you, too. It’s tough getting older, but we both seem to be managing somehow.
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Good to know.
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Taking stock of the year in retirement always requires that look ahead at the finances. It’s been cold here, and we had a wallop of snow, but we’ve dug out and are doing our best to stay warm.
Hang in there. The days are getting a little longer each day. Spring is coming.
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Ah, spring! Definitely something to look forward to. Since we’re already into February, I just keep telling myself that there’s probably only a month or so left of the cold and snow.
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Glad to hear you are managing and keeping safe and warm! I have missed your presence, even just discussing daily stuff.
Lots of snow here this winter and like you, I’ve been mostly house bound except for appointments, shopping days, visiting with family.
In the meantime, I’m working on my knitting. Worked up a bunch of winter wear and now I am doing a shawl in lace weight yarn as a fundraising project for the Canadian Cancer societies February Daily Knitting challenge.
Keep on taking care of yourself, glad you have stayed online for another year (looking forward to seeing you here for a little longer 😉.)
Sending hugs your way, and please give Cody an extra treat and some loves from me too!
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Ugh… didn’t mean to post anonymously!
Ryl
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Please don’t take this the wrong way, but a few things in your post struck me as so very sad – and that is not to say my life is any different from yours – but “stopped listening long ago” – is that a sense of comfort, or of boredom? And the fear of writing words that could get you in trouble with the current government – positively fearful, harkening back to the days of Hitler. And yet, the government continues sowing fear and hatred, and those that could do something about it continue to follow like very obedient sheep, in silence. Then there’s the reaching our “golden years” and, instead of having the freedom to relax and enjoy, we’re giving up tiny luxuries, like a dinner out or a bottle of wine. The idea that we work all our lives to “make it”, and end up still just “surviving” is, to me, so very sad. I guess all that can be done is that we stay strong, and gather our pleasures where we can, when we can. Hugs.
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I did not mean to post this as from “anonymous”, and I’m not sure how it even happened. Let me see if I can correct that.d
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