We had a nice visit on Zoom with our old neighbours from professors lake in Brampton. We first met these folk 40 years ago and still get together a couple of times each year. Covid-19 has forced some changes but once we are able, we will be back together again.

I could not wait until 2014. 2013 has been such a good year for Carol and I that it deserves to be ushered out. Later tonight (9PM PST) we will watch the new year come in as a New York broadcast. That is as it should be for people our age. The new year should come in 3 hours earlier if you are past 65. Midnight should be left for those who are not snoring at that time.

Earlier we drove into Palm Springs and had a Margarita at Las Casuelas Terraza. Just one though. Margaritas make Carol silly. A friend recently told me "having one is having a Margarita; having two is drinking". Earlier, we had a call from the Powrie home in Collingwood. We have spent many a New Years Eve at the Powrie's with good friends from the old neighbourhood. Carol and I both miss them tonight. I miss the Mushroom Soup too. I am in my PJs (we are home now). It is dark in the court yard. I will BBQ by flashlight this evening and love every second of it. We have chairs for the table, and a loaner for the top. All is good.

After dinner we will settle in to watch Dick Clark. I know he is dead, but somehow we will keep the tradition going. Happy New Year! to all friends and family. You are very important - take good care of yourselves. See you in 2014.

Top Ten List for 2013

• Ten: November - getting out of Toronto early enough to save our sanity from the Rob Ford insanity, and miss the "Catastrophic Ice Storm". We had already had our ice storm in Texas. Enough with the ice already.

• Nine: November - Carol cruising with the Euchre ladies to celebrate their 30 plus years of friendship. As they boarded the ship, they all donned tiaras so the staff and crew would be able to guide those who wandered off, back to the group. A wonderful time had by all.

• Eight: March - making the decision that we had sighed up at the blue sky and palm trees with contentment enough times that we should purchase a small shack in California and enjoy it over the next few years - while we can.

• Seven: discovering that tennis does not have to hurt; the right training, and the right medical attention, and tennis can be pain-free.

• Six: May - attending Erin and Jono's wedding in the Dominican Republic. A handsome bride and groom, the blue sea and warm sand, along with Sue, Dave, and Bronwen - a cherished family occasion.

• Five: September - celebrating the "Debut" of Billie Grace Garland at our backyard party in Collingwood. Friends and family gathered from all across Ontario to meet the new gal in the family.

• Four: June - attending the Spring Concert for the Festival Wind Orchestra, Bronwen dancing with the troupe, and meeting Glenn.

• Three: working with the dedicated volunteers from the Collingwood Food Coop. The Coop itself may not be all that we planned or wished for, but the people that I have met are amazing. I wanted some community involvement for 2013, and I could not have wished for a better engagement.

• Two: changing - it seems very strange to be in California for Christmas. It has broken a tradition for me that goes back to the day that I was born. Even after Carol and I married, Christmas was always with my mother and father, until my mother passed away. Then my sister took over all of the work of having Christmas for both her family and mine. Christmas tradition seemed to continue without skipping a beat for over 60 years. From California, our thoughts and wishes are for a great holiday season and terrific 2014 to all.

• (drum Roll) - Billie Grace Garland