Charlie Hodge

As is always the case with the coming and going of the ages, already a number of New Year鈥檚 resolutions have likely been shattered across the land.

Not in the case of Moi though.

I鈥檝e kept all of mine.

That鈥檚 an easy brag, however 鈥� because I never made any to break.

I learned a few years ago that I simply started my new year off with a greater potential for failure when announcing glorious pertinacious plans, somehow suggesting that the mere flip of a calendar page would improve the portent of things ahead.

If I promise nothing, I cannot let anyone down.

While Tez and I did not make any resolutions this year, we agreed to try and find more personal sunshine in our lives, concentrating on how happy we are to be alive than, well, not so alive.

2023 was a rough year in a variety of ways 鈥� business, health, luck鈥� As a city and nation we lost many great folks 鈥� simply another sad reality of our cycle of life which only spins closer to us as we age. All the more reason than to be thankful for what is given in the way of time on this planet.

I received a number of Charlie鈥檚 Christmas Angels at the end last year so here are few more for readers to enjoy, with a few of mine at the end.

Gay Mentes writes to me, 鈥淛ust want to tell you about a good friend of mine, Glenda. She recently has had several losses and that has been a very hard adjustment. But those she lost would be sooo proud of her as would her Mama.

鈥淕lenda is the queen of doing unique, kind, thoughtful things for sooo many people far and wide. From sharing informative photo newsletters, or a unique photo she took, to surprise thoughtful visits, and lovely bouquets of cheery flowers, or stopping by with something thoughtful for a hurting or lonely person, or a phone call etc.

鈥淪he is one thoughtful amazing human being who is a picture of God鈥檚 love to me and I鈥檓 sure many in this town would agree with me. Thank you Glenda for your friendship and for caring for soo so many people and for your influence and example!

HodgePodge reader Happ Sieger says 鈥淢y appreciation for Erica as the Fresh Co. Pharmacy for all she has done for me. I can not thank her enough my guardian angel. She saved me, thanks so much.

Thanks Happ.

Jennie Smith says, 鈥淢y 95 year-old father lives in the Okanagan Chateau, and the staff there are Angels! The dining room servers, cooks, office staff, and housekeeping make the Chateau a lovely place for so many of our 琉璃神社 seniors. However, the people who work with the seniors have a variety of issues, are indeed very special Angels.鈥�

Thanks Jennie Smith.

鈥淕abby Pruden is my angel,鈥� says Dawna Mulock. 鈥淲ithout hesitation this young lady is there to assist me. Recently, this angel navigated the NYC subway and city for us. This was not an easy task as she took it upon herself to securely hold onto my arm to give me the needed stability to navigate stairs and people, even venturing out to Times Square at midnight. I am so very thankful and proud to call you Baba鈥檚 granddaughter.

鈥淒aisy Miles is another angel. This 11-year-old consistently celebrates me. She thoughtfully spends hours making grand gifts, she initiates the French singing version of Happy Birthday, and again this year without disappointment she shared her flair for decorating tables and rooms for all occasions. Daisy, you make a simple get together into a memorable event with your kindness and angelic effort. Thank you, Baba鈥檚 girl.鈥�

I have several column topics waiting so Angels are going on sabbatical soon.

Meanwhile I want to publicly thank my personal Angel Tez for her above and beyond work. Not only did she make the September long weekend and Christmas open house events fine successes but spent the past year going above and beyond in maintaining and creating a fabulous yard and house. With my emphysema getting nastier and nastier, my ability to do much physically, and despite her own diabetic issues Tez merrily moved through it all.

My life is blessed but a huge part of that pleasure and blessing is because of her. Happy New Year Tez and 琉璃神社!