What will happen in 2007

Looking ahead to the New Year I foresee several trends and events. The certainty of each item varies from high expectation to hopeful prayer.

• I will retire from the Post Office on Nov. 2 after 30 years of employment
This one is pretty certain. I have even started planning a retirement party. We are not sure what will happen after I leave the post office but I will not be licking stamps for a living in 2008

• I will take a lot more photographs (maybe even some good ones)
see Images from the Ridge

• I will get my weight below 220 and start reshaping my body building muscle tone in lieu of excess padding
This is a big goal. I made a lot of progress in 06 but it will take commitment and hard work to maintain my gains.

• I will continue my walking and bike riding exercise program
See above

• I will resume writing View from the Ridge on a more frequent basis
I have been thinking about returning to this project and I suspect that I am ready. There is so much out there thats interesting and relevant. I just need to find a couple more hours in the day to write. Oh well retirement is coming!

• I will drive my new Toyota on the beach. (Haven't done this yet but its coming)
Please note I did not specify whether or not I would get stuck.

• Nags Head will stop debating beach nourishment
With any luck this will occur on or about April 17th. The Nags Head community will choose a course for the future and we can all start to build our future rather than just talk about it. No predictions on the outcome but i look forward to being involved in the discussions.

• Our bush league president will find a new path in Iraq that reduces the human toll of this tragic misadventure.
Pray for this one daily. The human toll of the war on both Iraqis and Americans is staggering. I cannot imagine what life in Baghdad is like. Terror and death are everywhere. We, as a country, are responsible and we have an obligation to restore some semblance of order in Iraq, whether or not the solution advances our interests in the region.

• I will not run for elected office.
A prediction not a promise. I know there are people thinking that I will run for the Nags Head Board of Commissioners in Nov. Right now I have no desire to run nor do I think it would be good for the town or for me.

• Condos will become the new hot development trend
Actually they already have, we just haven't really noticed yet. (More on the coming condo calamity in a separate post)

• We will go to Ocracoke on vacation again
  
There is little I would rather do in 2007

I hope the New Year brings you joy, peace and everything in your prayers

HAPPY NEW YEAR