Another year has come and gone and most of us are asking ourselves: Where did the time go?

I don't know where mine went but I sure hope I had FUN!

I'm still in the same house and my sailboat in the front yard hasn't moved an inch since it was buried four years ago. It is currently decorated for Christmas - lights and wreath.

I was able to do more sailing this year but no major trips. In October I had to haul my boat out for a new bottom job and while in the yard, we painted the hull, so she looks great.

The sailing club (www.englewoodsailing.org) still consumes much of my time, especially on Saturdays.

My annual November trip to Palm Springs expanded with a detour through Phoenix to join my brother and his wife and we all drove over for a week of relaxation. The TRAM to the top of the mountain is still a must do while I am there. I had my picture taken making snow balls! That's all the snow I need for one year.

After our return to Phoenix we traveled up to my brothers mountain retreat in Strawberry, AZ (alt 6,00 feet). What beautiful views from the mountains. We drove to a park where my brother hikes the ridges and I swear we could see California!

Just two days after my return from that trip I left on my first ever cruise! Lasted 10 days. WOW! All in the Caribbean, with Antigua (pronounced: Ann-tee-ga) the last stop. We traveled on the Emerald Princess. Beautiful ship. While in Antigua I had my hair braided as a "dare". Most liked it. I kept it about a week - long enough for the home folks to see.

In July my son Mike came down to Disney (from Pittsburgh) for a vacation with his family. My son mark came over from Daytona Beach and I rode over with Kris and her family. We had three July birthdays to celebrate. It was great to have all of my children together at the same time.

I found a Pain Management Doctor and have been somewhat successful with a few different approaches to my lower back problems. (The major problems: Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease, and Arthritis. Pictures available upon request :-) Lumbar injections failed to do the trick (they did get rid of the sciatica) but the facet injections pointed out that much of my pain is coming from this area. Not sure what's next (surgery is not an option.). Have started using MOBIC for pain and it appears to be helping considerably and without the side effects of other pain medications.

Well folks, that sort of sums up my year. Be well and keep on playing - it's all downhill from here !