RIP, Larry Hagman

Actor Larry Hagman has passed away at the age of 81. He was survived by his wife of 59 years, as well as their two children and five grandchildren.

As a child, I loved watching syndicated reruns of I Dream of Jeannie.  As a teenager, my whole family watched Dallas on Friday nights.  I don't really remember Larry Hagman playing any other roles than Major Tony Nelson and J.R. Ewing, although I know he got some other work over the years.  He recently returned to the role of J.R. for TNT's reprisal of Dallas.  It won't be the same without him.

Giving thanks

I am thankful that we are able to see our parents on this holiday weekend. The prognosis is cautiously optimistic that we will be able to spend Thanksgiving 2013 with them as well.

I am thankful that my neighborhood retail establishments have mostly survived the Great Recession. I'll be doing some local shopping today (and avoiding the mall like the plague).

I am thankful that my own health is relatively good, and that my husband's employment allows me to consider various career options without worrying about losing our house, cars or health insurance.

I am thankful that I have electricity and heat and a habitable house, unlike those displaced by Sandy.

I am thankful that, as serious as the fiscal and political challenges our country faces are, we do not have the severe economic problems of Greece or Spain, or the severe political problems of Egypt (where people are once again protesting a dictatorial government).

I am thankful that most of our troops will be coming home from Afghanistan, hopefully by Thanksgiving 2013 (and most of them have come home from Iraq).

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Good Riddance, October

Last month brought unexpected downsizing at my workplace and news of a parent's serious illness.  I haven't been checking blogs (or blogging) much lately, and that will probably continue for a while as I concentrate on my family's well-being.  If the Mayan Apocalypse-mongers are right, none of this will matter, but I suspect I should work towards a better 2013 instead.