I’m Not Writing a Year-End Review

Don’t get me wrong. I started one. I was not impressed.

I’ve always said that Dave Barry writes the best year-end reviews anyway.

It’s the last Friday of the year and I’m writing this today only because I don’t want to post on a Saturday.

My show at Kings Dominion ends on Sunday night. A much better ending than last year’s tragic early closing thanks to COVID.

Like I said, I started the review. I started going back through blog posts from the year. Not a stellar year for blog writing. But some other things happened.

We took our beach week for spring break and spent seven glorious days watching the ocean from the comfort of the living room.

In July, my office declared a return to work. So I went back for three days in, two days out plan.

After two and a half years of teleworking, I returned to the office and got COVID.

The worst of that was over in a couple of days. The fatigue and shortness of breath lingered.

In October, I was back on stage with River City Community Players and their production of Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

And, in early November I returned to Kings Dominion as Santa in Tinkers Toy Factory…the show that’s closing on Sunday.

The biggest news of all is that I published three new children’s books. I might have mentioned that. They’re available on Amazon. And I’ll be participating in my first book festival in early February.

You know the rest of what happened in 2022.

Usually I spend the time between Christmas and New Years working plans and project ideas for the coming year. I’ve done some of that. But I’ve also just tried to get through the week fighting off a cold while still performing every night.

And no, I didn’t get to the leaves like I’d planned.

As I wrote last year, once magical night isn’t going to make everything all better.

But we’ll take it one day at time.

Monday, I’ll post my Three Words for 2023. I know it’s technically the second day of the year, but if the Tournament of Roses can do it, so can I.

I’m not sure where this blog is going in 2023. Even if I had a plan, plans change. But I’ll be here…until I’m not.

Let’s say a farewell to 2022.

Celebrate responsibly.

I’ll see you in the New Year.



FIVE FOR FRIDAY – 12/16/2022 – Christmas is Coming

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Hang on men, new underwear and socks are coming…but you should be out shopping as well.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, wait until next Saturday. That’s Christmas Eve if you’re not paying attention.

I’ve actually finished my shopping. Mostly thanks to Amazon. Now it’s a matter of gathering the packages, remembering what I ordered, and getting things wrapped.

At the same time, tonight begins our marathon at Kings Dominion’s Winterfest. Every night through December 23rd. We’ll pick it up again on December 26 and run through New Year’s Day. If you’re near Central Virginia, come visit.

Here now, are your Five for Friday.

In the OMG you can’t be serious category…

Donald Trump spent several days teasing a major announcement coming out today. And the first thing we hear? He’s launched a series of digital trading cards that portray him as a super hero.

BREAKING: Trump launches digital trading cards in ‘major announcement’
The Post Millenial
“MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! My official Donald Trump Digital Trading Card collection is here! These limited edition cards feature amazing ART of my Life & Career! Collect all of your favorite Trump Digital Trading Cards, very much like a baseball card, but hopefully much more exciting,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Never mind that the “big” announcement was his digital free speech policy. Who was thinking about that when the trading cards were out there?

Maybe there’s a stategery I’m not seeing. But, in my book, whoever thought of the trading cards needs to be unemployed.

Quickly.

It’s hard to be as perfect as Mitt

Following Sinema’s Exit, Romney Announces Intention To Remain In Democratic Party
The Babylon Bee
“The Democratic Party can continue to count on me through thick and thin,” said Mr. Romney in a statement. “While Senator Sinema and I have both occasionally voted with Congressional Republicans, I want voters to rest assured that I will never go turncoat like her. I’m staying put.”

I Heard the Bells

Sight and Sound Productions is known for their elaborate telling of Biblical stories in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and in Branson, Missouri. They recently branched out into film with the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem to become carol, I Heard the Bells.

My wife and I saw the film Wednesday night. We actually had a private showing because we went to the 9:00 p.m. viewing and there was no one else in the theater.

It’s a nice story. A true story. But the movie pace was slow, and it was a bit melodramatic. Still, not bad for a first film and worth the time to watch.

B is for Book Release

My newest book for early readers My Book of ABCs launched this week. You can still get it, as well as the first two, in time for Christmas.


That’s it for now.

This is the last Five for Friday post for 2022. I may pop in with random holiday thoughts over the next two weeks, I may not. Otherwise, I’ll be back at the end of the month/year to talk about our More or Less and about our Three Words for 2023.

Lots of re-thinking. Lots of re-programming.

Have a blessed Christmas. Do take the time to remember the reason for the season.

There really is only one.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6