Change - I was having tea with my Mom the other day when she mentioned at church the Sunday before, the sermon was about being able to accept change with some degree of ease. She said at 89 it was almost impossible. “Doesn’t everyone know we older folk do NOT like change?” I noted that at 59, I am tending to notice more and more resistance as I age too, but I want to tell you I am fighting that resistance, I really am!

What about YOU? How do you like the change in the magazine, here with this first Issue of its 20th year? Many of you have told me I do not need to go to gloss but perhaps a glossy cover would be acceptable. Like this one? And notice the magazine is a half-inch taller too. (Unlike those of us who are aging and shrinking at the same time!) I have changed printers, and needed to start off this 20th year with a few other changes so even made a few on the front page.

Did you notice too that the ad on the outside back page has new copy? The four stores listed all carry this magazine for you, including the new PriceSmart foods and Cooper’s Foods. Sometimes change can be in YOUR favour. (Check pg. 74.)

I have had an interesting time adjusting to my body’s changes that have occurred since I lost all this weight, this past eight months. Down to 140 pounds now, I can move around with greater ease than ever before but it seems some of my joints are loose! Ongoing process to train my muscles to tighten up and behave!!!

The Christmas season will have come and gone by the time you read this but as I am writing to you in mid December, I am right in the midst of it all and thoroughly enjoying myself! Nothing turns my crank more than the Christmas festivities, lights, colours and gatherings. Changed my gingerbread house production this year, doing only three but still enjoyed doing a major candy shop for them this past weekend. My apartment’s kitchen does not have the room to do the usual 17 but you would never know that looking at all the candy spread about now, waiting to be used!!! Fun play to me!

The different groups I have joined are all having Christmas parties coming up this week and next. Then comes the family ones and all the excitement. Ohhhhh, I’m loving just talking about it. The local IMAX has Tom Hank’s new Christmas movie Polar Express playing and I almost disrupted the whole audience with my excitement as I watched it last night. I had to sit on me to keep me quiet!

November was a grand birthday month in my family and just like in yours, the kidlets are growing like weeds and the time is speeding by. Thanks to the powers that be that all are healthy and happy.

My ability to do the TaiChi and Yoga and Curves exercises is still present, tempered with the occasional trip to the chiropractor and massage therapist of course. Finally found me a dentist and family doctor, and feeling more and more settled here in Victoria. Actually I am really enjoying living here, even when the snow and windstorms visit us and the city comes to a grinding halt!

I am really looking forward to seeing you all at the two upcoming Mainland RV Shows in February and in March. First comes the EarlyBird RV Show, February 1 - 4 (see ad on page 18) at the Abbotsford Tradex building. I have my permanent location by the washrooms so you can’t miss me. Please stop for a “Hi”.

Then comes the Humdinger RV Show (see ad on page 27) March 15 - 18 at the Chilliwack Heritage Buildings. I have asked the planners to move my booth this time, putting me in the row with the others, rather than around the corner by myself! But as always, you will be able to find me by the noise and activity level!

No RV yet, so no RVing this January for me. Those of you going south this year can have some fun for ME while you are down in the sun – playing and tanning! Then write me all about it so I can enjoy it all through you. Meantime, I am finding news ways to play, here at home!

Go RVing ANY WAY it suits YOU! Having fun your way is what it is all about. Happy New Year!

~ ~ ~ Luv ya,

Sheila