Of course, I love tennis. And, the first slam of the year is the Australian Open. I was glued to the tube. To cap off the excitement: There was a rare finalist: Madison Keys.
Madison has been on the tour for nearly 15 years. She's steady but has never won a slam. She came close -- losing to Sloane Stephens in a lopsided score seven years ago.
But providence was on her side this year.
She was in great form --undaunted by her opponents' higher ranking.
And she went for it.
She was ranked in the '20s but took down three higher-ranked players including the #2. That was a match she won by a hair. BUT SHE WON!
So, in the final, her opponent was the #1 player. She was not supposed to win.
Through focus, determination, on-the-court insight, superior playing and devotion to the plan -- MADISON KEYS WON!
She turns 30 in a few weeks. She could have retired as she reached 30. But she was there to win.
And she did.
She refused to give up.
Every new year is cause for reflection and ruminating.
I am inching toward 80 and I think about all I've done and the small amount of time I have left.
Yes. I have regrets.
Yes. I'm proud of some moments in my life -- meaningful and daunting and glorious.
So, here we are at 2025 and another whole new year ahead of us.
I have no idea what's in store. But I'll continue to be me and do me.
I'll continue to learn, explore, cogitate, ruminate and....
Resolve to be better in 2025.
So, it's almost 2025. Time to reflect on the past year and build on it.
My plan is to continue going on trips and I'm looking at Japan.
There's more: I bought a week at Playa del Carmen. That's walking distance from my favorite place for paella.
I will try to manage Rio de Secreto and maneuver in the cave.
And, of course, I'll do zip lining!
I'll relax more but not too much!
2025 will be filled with more adventures and FUN, FUN, FUN!
After my tumble, fall and shellacking, I am recovering.
I've made many trips to the physical therapist and to the doctor -- THE REAL DOCTOR! No Physician's Assistant or Nurse or Medical Practitioner. THE REAL DOCTOR!
I'm not 100% but well enough to get to Cancun for a week of fun and sun.
Only thing: Because of the scars, I can't wear a swimming suit or shorts.
But I'll be in Cancun enjoying Paella, Mexican food and the ocean right outside my villa.
So, even with the setbacks, I'm good!
I was climbing my stairs last week....something I've done millions of times. I was carrying a few things that stifled my mobility.
Because of my familiarity with the stairs, I didn't turn on the light.
But somehow, my foot got wound up with the cord and I took a tumble.
HARD TUMBLE!
That lapse where I didn't turn on the light or take two trips rather than carry everything at once -- well, it cost me!
My head hit the wall and left my face bloody. Not to mention the damage to the other parts of my body.
My left knee took the biggest hit because it seems everything landed there.
So, I was off to where I could get treatment.
I went to the physical therapist. He massaged the area and subjected me to machinery that would ease the pain and discomfort.
But Sister said: That is NOT ENOUGH! You must get medical treatment.
Sis was right.
Waste of my time when I was hurting.
I was directed to Urban Aide that, like Urban Care, Aide was a 24-hour hospital.
So, I made my way there, which was in a remote area.
The good news: Because this hospital is located in a barren area, I went in and discovered I was the only one there. They were waiting for me!
They x-rayed the areas and -- GOOD NEWS -- no broken bones.
They were so attentive and caring.
I received a prescription for pain and discomfort.
I leave for Cancun in over two weeks so I need to have it together. I won't be totally cured and healed but I'm on my way.
My great nephew turned 18 in August. He's a fine young man --very mannerly and respectful.
I asked him what he had planned now that he'd reached that magical age.
He replied: "I'm going to vote!
I was exhilarated. And last week, he texted me a "Thank you for voting" card.
He was so proud. But not as proud as me!
