Columnists
Ringing out the old year
I find it hard to believe this will be my last column for 2021! In spite of all the drudgery of Pandemic Life, 2021 has flown by. My mom used to say time will fly when I got older. Well, I’m a whole lot older and she was right, time flies. Now it’s time to say thank you to a lot of wonderful people who made 2021 memorable for me.
First of all, thank you to everyone who read the Times in 2021 and a special “thank you” to all who read my column. Like it or lump it, I have an opinions on a lot of things. I’ve shared No Strings on Me with you and whether you like it or lump it, you’ve shared your opinions of my columns via email, snail mail, by phone, on social media and in person. Thank you for caring enough to tell me what you think. Sometimes your opinions are insightful. Sometimes your opinions are way out there in left field, and sometimes I wonder what you’re hiding in your cold cellar. But, I’ve said it before, an opinion indicates you’re paying attention to the issues. Thank you for sharing your opinions.
And thank you to everyone who give me ideas for columns. Some of those ideas are wonderful. Some of them are just plain wacky. And then there are ideas that have the word “weird” stamped on them. Seriously, “weird” ideas have been sent my way, but thanks. This year a person stopped me in Metro and asked “Do I know you?” That particular question always, always makes me laugh out loud. Just how the H E Double Candy Canes would I know the answer to such a strange question? One woman wanted me to write about people who had religious reasons for not being vaccinated and wanted my phone number so we could “flesh out” the column. NOPE, and I definitely took a giant step away from her, even though we were already distanced by two shopping carts. Oh my. I wanted to ask her which religion would be the one telling her not to vaccinate, or be considerate of others, but I simply didn’t want to get into it with her in the cereal aisle. I had the feeling she’d been vaccinated, but just wanted to “poke the bear”. Who knows, there could be a column about religious objectors, but it won’t be written by me, a non-religious person. Thank you for taking the time to chat, though, whoever you are. I may not have indicated this, but I’ll pass on the inspirational visit to the folks who read this column. I’m sure I’ll hear from people who don’t see science the way I see it.
Once again, thank you to the readers who have asked me to email copies of columns I wrote ten (or more) years ago. I’m flattered you remember your favourites. I often wonder if maybe you just need something to throw darts at in your recreation room, or maybe you’ll use the copy to train your brand new puppy. Occasionally, readers who ask for copies of columns I can’t even remember having written. Occasionally, as to when the column was written and published readers generously offer a timeframe like, “It was around this time of year, maybe five years ago. I remember it was winter because I slipped on the front walk and I remember stirring my rum and eggnog with a candy cane while I read the paper.” And, “thank you” to the readers who remember columns I never wrote. It’s always interesting to hear, “Didn’t you write about the year your family was in the South Pole during the holidays? I seem to remember reading that somewhere. Maybe it was a library book. I know I read it someplace. Could you check to see if you’ve got a copy of it someplace and send it to me or let me know who wrote it?”
A great big thanks to the readers who think I’ve written about them or for them. Honestly, if I haven’t mentioned you by name in the column, all I can say is, “If the shoe fits.” I’m not too proud to admit I can’t remember what I wrote in November of this year, let alone what I wrote in November of 2006. But thanks for thinking I could remember. I, honestly, can’t remember if I ate breakfast this morning, and if I don’t look, I couldn’t tell you what I’m wearing at the moment—chances are it’s comfy pants and a baggy T-shirt.
Happy Holiday, dear readers, thank you for reading the Times. You make my day when you stop me to chat. It’s been a decade and a half since I started writing for the Times and more than a few of you’ve inspired me. You’ve baffled me. You’ve surprised me. You’ve made me angry. You’ve made me laugh. You’ve made me think. You’ve emailed and phoned me. I’ve loved it all.
I sure hope to see you in 2022!
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