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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Yay, I was right. BTW, I still use that shawl you made for me after I broke my ribs. It’s so soft and warm!
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I’m so glad you are still using it and that it is still keeping you warm… 🤣
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Ah, I think I know who you are even though the comment came in anonymously. Good luck with your knitting – I hope you win! If you’re who I think you are, I’ve seen your work and know how excellent it is. (Cody says thanks for the treat and hug.)
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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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Thanksfully, it’s ok now. I had two people whose comments came in as “someone”; it was a little confusing.
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LOL, the “stopped listening” comment is because he never shuts up. As much as I love him, if I listened to every little thing he yammers on about, I’d go nuts. Heck, I’ll go into the bathroom for some me time, and he stands outside the door telling about whatever latest TV program he just watched! I don’t really know why this is, I suspect it’s a sign of advancing age and he just can’t help himself. So I just go with the flow and tune him out most of the time, at least until he says something that is, in fact, important – like telling me that he already gave Puppy Cody her meds so I don’t have to
As for the rest of your comment – yes, current politics suck, and yes it’s sad that we seniors have to struggle in our later years. Maybe someday that will change, but I’m not optimistic. Like you say, we just have to do what we can.
Hugs to you, too.
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Oh my goodness…I was just writing in my personal journal about my blog, how I’ve let it mostly lapse in recent years, just not sure what to write about anymore. My children are grown and while baby adults still require parenting, I don’t feel comfortable sharing what is technically theirs. Absolutely ditto on writing anything about the current political/societal environment. I, too, have had that weird kick-up in readership, even though I’ve barely written anything. Now I’m freaking out about AI bots. DANG IT!
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Sorry to cause you any concern. I just assume AI is everywhere and taking over everything.
I understand your current blogging situation. Not all that long ago, I wrote a post in which I relayed a situation my oldest daughter (“Cordelia”) was going through, I thought I was being helpful because so many people knew her from her own blog, and I thought maybe someone could help – but she got really mad at me for violating her privacy and didn’t speak to me for more than a year! We’re ok now, but that year was awful.
And I suspect my Facebook problems were a result of having inadvertently said something negative about the current administration. First the FB page for my blog was suspended and then about a year later my personal FB page was suspended, with no reason being given for either, and all attempts to contact FB went unanswered so I just gave up.
Of course, none of that are any reason reasons to stop writing, and I hope both you and I will continue to find stories to tell, even if the frequency is a little less than before. If nothing else, just re-blog some of the older posts that newer readers might not have seen. I find myself doing that more often these days.
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Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry all that happened to you! Honestly I don’t think “losing” FB is much of a loss at all. It’s a cesspit anymore.
You weren’t the only writer to mention the bots today. I could NOT figure why my views had gone through the roof when I’ve hardly written anything lately. Now it makes sense.
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I should post on my WordPress… I just might once I’m done!
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I’ve always enjoyed reading your posts.
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Thank you so much. This comment warms my heart, on a day when I really needed it.
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Wow🌷
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Thank you.
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