Suzy Says

Festive shelf in my living room. Megan gave me the lit-up wax bird, and Monica gave me the snowflake ornament.

My first complete calendar year in the country. It was a year characterized by loss and sadness, not just for me, but for nearly everyone I know and love. Here’s hoping the new year is kinder to all of us.

This year also marks the first full calendar year of tracking the books I read. I read 140 books this year.

And I started tracking rainfall for this winter. So far this season, which started early, in September, rainfall totals are 29.21 inches in Hooterville through the last storm. Yesterday the flooded Highway 128 (aka the Road to Civilization) opened after being closed for a day due to flooding. This happens every year, usually more than once, making us even more isolated than usual.

As for my resolutions for this year, I’d give myself a C. I tried to keep up with my emails, but mostly didn’t. I only had one Calamity Suzy incident, and it was pretty minor, compared to last year’s rib-breaking fall from the loft. As for unpacking and organizing, also nearly complete. Everything is unpacked, but the studio and pantry are still in need of organization. I’ve been good about categorizing blog posts.

Even though we all break our resolutions, I’m going to try and worry about the cats less (and walk the dogs more). I will try and be more positive, though overcoming my native pessimism, especially in the face of continued bad luck for the past decade, may prove too challenging for the slothful dilettante. Also work on the “garden” to make it a better outdoor living space.

Here’s a recap of the year that was. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2011!

2010

January: The New Year starts off with a sob at the death of the Lovely Rita. I learn the terrible truth about Key lime pie. An earthquake reminds me who’s boss. So does a thunderstorm. The disgusting Compost Conundrum rears its stinky head. My house’s, uh, eccentricities. The first power outage of the year. Fourth Sunday breakfast (and book sale)! Escape to the City. Extreme take-out. The glitz and glory that is Cartier.

February: Dr. Karen opens her new office. The ailing Henry Etta. Banking bullshit. The haunting Gene Clark. A day at the Citrus Fair. Another power outage. The charitable yard sale. A successful adoption.

March: An evening of music and magic. Bee boots. Rain and storms, and lots of ’em. Dad’s birthday. A taste of summer. The beginning of the end for Henry Etta. New cat door. A tea party. hail storm. Henry’s last picture.

April: A sudden loss. Saying goodbye. A quick trip to San Francisco. A walk at Big River. The story of Henry. Suzy the criminal. My blog turns nine. Accidental activism. The great Dog Rescue adventure. The writer.

May: Birthday covets. Schatzi’s injury. Endless winter. Megan’s birthday. Girls’ night out.

June: My annual haircut. Megan’s knee injury. The terrible loss of the Beautiful June Bug on my birthday. Disastrous triplette to Santa Rosa to try and lift my spirits. Local bees take over our hive. The big driveway remodel.

July: The painting project begins. Megan’s knee surgery. A visit from Jessica. Ribollita soup. The slow recovery. Turkey enchilada casserole. Dream vacations substitute for real ones.

August: A room with a view. The driveway project is complete. Rhubarb and berry crumble. The high price of housework. New window. Unexpected visits. The arrival of the kittens! Naming the kittens. First vet visit.

September: Home improvement. Chicken Pilau. Megan is back at work. My house: before and after. Another visit from Jessica. New camera. A tour of my house.

October: New carpet! New plants! North Indian Style Spinach Chicken. Checking on the bees. Beautiful Audrey. Be Afraid. Kittens at play. The floor painting adventure. Anniversary. Audrey and Clyde get closer. More home improvements.

November: Halloween. The Giants’ World Series Champions Victory Parade. Day of the Dead. Solar panels at my brother’s place. Sausage and Bean Casserole. A breakthrough for Star. A trip to the city. An evening at the theater with Erica and Jessica. World’s most expensive sneakers. Back home. New Harry Potter movie. Hailstorm. The Thanksgiving that wasn’t. Thai Chicken Soup. A visit from Jarrett.

December: Holiday lights and storm prep. Meatloaf Suzy Style. Christmas decorations. New hose and rain gauge. The boys turn six months old. Curried Lentils. Sunlight and shadow. Un-Christmas presents. Paul comes to visit. Vertigo. The death of the phone. Parsnip Vichyssoise. Christmas.