November for Better or Worse by Suzanne Rossi

Hi everyone.

November is not one of my favorite months. As I sit here at my kitchen table, the view outside my windows is dark, dull, and gloomy. The forecast is for rain all day, and the Memphis area is under a wind advisory. Having lived in South Florida for twenty years, I know something about wind. However, down there the strong winds usually come with a name--like Andrew, Katrina, or Wilma. So, a wind advisory for this area doesn't worry me.

Because of an unusually warm October many of the leaves left on the trees are still green. However, my lawn and pool cover are a sea of gold and brown from those already on the ground. November is a harbinger of things to come. Winter in the Mid-South is often cloudy, wet, and cold. I'm not looking forward to the next few months.

November is also my birth month. This year I turned sixty-nine, which means next year is the dreaded big 7-0! I didn't mind turning forty or fifty, but sixty was not pleasant. It signaled that sixty-five and retirement wasn't far away. It forced me to pause and think about my life. Did I accomplish what I wanted? Was there still time to accomplish more? And do I have the energy and stamina to do that? Does turning seventy mean I am officially an old woman?

I did have some positive events this past month. I ordered 8' X 10' and 5' x 7' rugs for the living room. It's a large area and needed something to soften the hardwood floors. They arrived this past weekend and look spectacular. I also bought a new sofa and love seat. It's due to be delivered the middle of next month. And then, there's the dining room table. I knew what I wanted--a square table that would seat eight. I couldn't find it anywhere, so resorted to the Internet. I don't normally like to shop on the web. I'm a hands-on type of person, but if I wanted a table in my dining room, I had no choice. I found exactly what I was looking for at Wayfair--and for a cheaper price than the furniture stores. Unfortunately, my procrastination meant that it wouldn't arrive in time for Thanksgiving. But it did finally get here and looks great.

Thanksgiving was a total success. My youngest son and his wife hosted sixteen people. Both the table and the guests groaned with all the food, which was delicious. It should have been since my son is a certified chef. I have to say that last Thursday was one of the best days I've had in a long time. Family and friends made me thankful we decided to move. My oldest son and his family will be joining us for Christmas. It'll be the first time we've all been together for any holiday in close to ten years. I can hardly wait.

So, yesterday I dedicated some time to think about this past month. Other than the weather, which I can't control, November really wasn't so bad after all. Maybe it's just getting older that makes me so reflective.

As to those questions of earlier--Have I accomplished what I wanted? Do any of us? (I have a bucket list that includes a dinner at Hell's Kitchen during filming of the show. That probably won't happen, but it's good to set goals.) Looking back on it, the answer is yes. I raised two wonderful boys who have between them given me seven wonderful grandchildren. I bloomed late with a writing career that has given me tremendous satisfaction.

Do I have more to accomplish? Oh, yes. I plan on renovating my kitchen and adding on a sunroom. I also plan to continue writing. In fact, I just signed another contract with The Wild Rose Press. Will I have the energy and stamina to succeed? I don't know. I'll find out come spring. By then I really, really hope I have all those boxes unpacked. LOL.

And no, turning seventy in 2017 means I am only old in years, not in spirit. I expect to be around for a while longer.

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was as wonderful as mine and hope your Christmas/Hannuka/Kwanza holidays will be, too.

Suzanne