Lately, I have had a lot of pain in my neck and back. There was no new injuries or incident to cause more pain, and the pain was just there, and there was nothing I could do about it. I thought I was going to die!

I don’t get much sleep, and I’m often grumpy and sad. I often wish I could leave this body. My pain was with me for a month or so. Then about three days ago, sweet relief. I wish I could do something about these cycles I go through.

At least my pain released me before Christmas. We had a good time. My kids and I met with friends on Christmas day for dinner, and I don’t get to see my old friends very often. It was good to get together for a holiday.

We had a traditional South Carolina Christmas dinner (according to my friends). Carolina BBQ. We had smoked pork shoulder, mac & cheese, a savory broccoli salad, and butter beans & rice. All of it was pretty delicious. There were also two types of pecan pies, a variety of chocolate fudge and cookies.

It was great to get together with my kids and my friends. And the day before Christmas, my son and I had dinner with his mom and her husband and exchanged gifts. We all had a great time as well. I guess I should consider myself blessed

New Years Day Meal

I will probably make corned beef and cabbage on New Year’s Day, with potatoes and carrots. It is one of many traditional meals in the U.S. and is becoming one of my favorites. I have made it for the last three years, and I’m getting pretty good at it.

My two kids certainly love it. There are rarely any leftovers when I make this meal. Corned beef is one of many long cooks of meat I love and an excellent, tender piece of meat. What’s not to love?

What are you guys having?