Looking for the Good Stuff

      Looking back over 2011, a quartette of events made my year . . . .

      To begin with, I went to Ireland, traveling by car from Dingle to Derry and from Blarney to Belfast and points in between.  Centuries ago my maternal ancestors came to America from the Emerald Isle—the O’Sullivants from the south and the Armstrongs from the north.  In some countries I have stood out like a sore thumb with my blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin, but not in Ireland, where I was occasionally stopped by tourists and asked for directions.

      The second thing I did this year was not so eagerly anticipated.  I had cataract surgery after being pronounced a “woose” by my friends for neglecting the relatively safe and simple procedure.  I’m not into having knives and needles poked in my eyes, so I held off for as long as possible.  Finally, I succumbed.  It was either that or get a tinted and magnified windshield installed in my car.   My friends were right, of course, and I can now see Chicago on a clear day.

     Thirdly, my new book was accepted for publication!  It will be available in bookstores on February 1 (or pre-ordered on Amazon).  I have written history, biography, and motivational books, even cookbooks, but never a book that was strictly humor.  So, on the occasion of my 78 birthday, I am taking a more fanciful course, giving advice and writing absurdities—a pursuit that Dr. Seuss advocated because it “wakes up the brain cells.” I asked myself: “What would Erma Bombeck be writing about had she lived to be my age?” With that in mind, I produced “A Little Help from My Friends.”  Give it a read and let me know what you think.

      Last, but not least, was the birth of Tom and Lisa’s fourth daughter.  Traveling and writing are great, but they can’t beat being a grandparent.

      On to Twenty-Twelve . . . We’ve got some elections to win!