We Are Community 184
Thoughts for the New Year.
I woke up this morning-many did not. I woke up in America-not Ukraine, Israel or Palestine. I woke up in a warm home- many do not have a home. I woke up with electricity, running water and enough food-many did not have even the most basic necessities. I woke up with good health. I am a widow but many join me in being either a widow or widower. I will do my best to be grateful for good health and all the comforts in my life this new year and every year.
I do not have the answer to the immigration problem which we, as a country, are experiencing. I do know that my name is Steiner and that it is not an “American” name. You might think on your sur name and you too will find that it is not an American name. Most all of our ancestors did not originate in this country. Both my grandparents on my father’s side came from Switzerland. My mother’s side has many nationalities such as Scottish, Irish and English. The point here is that people have always wanted to come to America. It is nothing new. I assume that in the past, more people came legally, not by crossing a wire fence or through a river. Our elected officials have to figure out some sort of solution to this problem rather than just bussing or flying people from the border to become someone else’s problem. All people deserve better than that.
Puff and I spent a quiet New Year’s Day. Had cousins from Missouri stop by, finished the store inventory and continued to work on taxes. I am “old school” with tax information. I have three separate rows on a 13 columnar pad. With all those rows and columns, I can condense a whole year of sales, cost, profit, consignment, postage, insurance, motel costs, vehicle costs, utility costs, postage and all the other things necessary to run a business to just one page. The real triumph is when all these figures add up and come out even. I changed insurance companies in November and had new bills and refunds. Once I got those all correct, everything matched to the penny. Pretty good for a full year!
Attended the Plymouth Village Board meeting on Wednesday evening. Not much happening until one guest made a very insulting comment. Fortunately, he left in a huff.
Chaddock, in Quincy, is a very important part of our area. I was saddened to learn that Debbie Reed passed away this week. She had a remarkable 30-year leadership role with the school and accomplished so much while she was there. Our sympathy to her family and friends which certainly includes the whole school and those who have attended and worked there for so many years.
Let’s make 2024 the best possible year that we can make it. If there is something you can do to make another’s life better-do it. Be kind. Smile at strangers and at those you know too. Go to church. Eat better. Exercise more. Let go of past hurts. There is more to life than politics and right now the political climate is awful. If you disagree with someone, agree to disagree and move on. One of my weaknesses is not visiting those who are shut in at home or who are in a home. I will try to do better this year. Be your best possible self to yourself and to those around you. Try to be grateful, in some way, every day. Scatter Kindness and Love.