
I know, I know, it’s the last day of 2018 and I’m supposed to recap the year that was and ponder the year to come. I’m not going to do that. OK? You see, at work, I’ve been busy annualizing my 2019 budget, writing a list of accomplishments and explaining the things that should have been accomplished but weren’t. I’ve also been articulating a plan for the next several years and clearing that with the folks who will be left behind to implement that plan. A review of 2018 here would feel like work – I come here to avoid that, so I will.
I was planning a somewhat lengthy post about what didn’t happen in 2018. I don’t feel like writing that either, but I can share the list:
I didn’t buy a new car like I thought I was going to. That ended up being a mistake, as my current car required some costly end-of-the-year repairs that could have been someone else’s to make.
The Pirates, Penguins and Steelers didn’t make me exceedingly happy, but I remain a fan of all of them. That goes for the Pitt Panthers and the WVU Mountaineers, as well.
We didn’t achieve world peace, solve the problems with race relations, immigration, student loans or address pay equity and other respect issues regarding women. And despite how well they keep telling us the economy is performing, there seem to be a lot of poor/nearly poor people in this country.
On the lighter side, MuMu wasn’t brushed often enough, Maddie didn’t walk or sit enough and MiMi did NOT get enough sleep.
On a positive note, the squirrels did not starve, and the US did not impose tariffs on Mexican beer.
In the ‘technically-correct-but…’ category, I did not fall of the roof I was replacing. I did fall off a ladder that slid down the side of my workshop. I wasn’t hurt, and although the ladder knocked another ladder and some staging into the spot where the Editor had been standing; she escaped unharmed. We enter 2019 with high praise for our guardian angels and promise to try to give them an easier year.
Deleted from the list in May was the fact that I didn’t need emergency medical treatment. Six stitches took care of that claim.
I did not fly on Southwest Airlines in 2018. They treated me badly in 2017 and I vowed to boycott their airline for a year, if possible. I managed to find lower fares on other airlines, and I happily took the train to their east coast hub city of Baltimore. Take that SWA.
As for 2019, I’m not planning to change anything here at No Facilities. I will enter the next chapter of my career in November, but I don’t have comprehensive plans at this point. Let’s just say, I don’t think I’ll be bored. Since my travel schedule will be limited by comparison to previous years, my only flight on Southwest might be so that I can use my frequent flier miles before they expire.
Wishing you a happy new year Dan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ritu – we wish you the same!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥂🎊💜
LikeLike
Go topes
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! Thanks, Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy new year to you too. Not too much Corona….
LikeLike
Here is a suggestion for 2020 – re-open a cabinet shop but enjoy yourself and sell anything that sells. If necessary, work your way through New Yankee Workshop, one episode at a time. Wish I could do that but I am “stuck” in an apartment – boo!!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s not a bad suggestion. With any luck, I should be able to complete the interior changes to my garage/workshop this year. I should be ready for 2020. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Happy new year
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank You!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Should have brought this to you on Saturday, but what the heck…Cheers, my friend!

LikeLiked by 3 people
Cheers GP! I’ll try not to spill too much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hahaha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. That was a close call for both of you. Someone earned their wings this year. 😉 many things on your list mirror my own. May 2019 surprise us with miracles. I love that ladt shot the most! Happy New Year! 🎊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Cheryl. We still don’t know how she managed to get out of the way. She thinks when she heard me falling (that sound) that she just ran toward me. I saw everything falling toward her, and then I was on the ground with her standing next to me. At that point, I think the angels went for a beer.
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! And wiping their brows. 😀 Im so glad you guys weren’t seriously hurt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year, Dan! If I started photographing my cats I would never stop. Although, I MAY be including more pictures of them in my 2019 posts. There is something about when you see an animal, your Heart just goes ohhhhhhh ……. BIG (((HUGS))) 💝💝💝
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year Amy.
I have always enjoyed seeing the pictures of your cats that you’ve posted. They can suck you in with their antics, but it’s time well wasted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hanging with my cats is one of my very favorite pastimes. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this is the perfect year end post! Great shots featuring lights and reflections. But the last photo is awesome.
Maddie, you know I love you and can’t get enough pictures of you, but today the last picture of MiMi wins the blue ribbon….tongue and teeth included!! Too cute!
Gotta say, the photo of the “ladder fiasco” is a bit scary. So glad no one got hurt. Pwhew!! Close call Dan. I don’t know when the Editor’s birthday is, but you might want to consider giving her a suit of protective armor to wear when she’s helping you with your projects! Just sayin……..!! 😂😂
Wishing you and yours the very best New Year ever. Hope you each see at least one dream come true in 2019. Happy New Year! 🎉🎊🍺🍷🎊🎉
🐾Ginger 🐾
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Ginger. The odd thing is that the Editor wasn’t helping with that job, she had just come out to see if I was getting ready to call it a day. I was, and that was going to be the last of about 3 dozen trips down that ladder. We were both lucky.
MiMi regularly wins the cute prize around our place, at least on the inside. There are a couple of squirrels that give her a run for the money, but we don’t tell her.
Retirement has long been an elusive dream. It will take almost the entire year to get there, but it’s coming in 2019.
Happy New Year.
LikeLike
Judging by all the ladders and the tumbled plank might I suggest you construct Rube Goldberg like toys in your workshop ? Something that captures a poured Corona without spilling it ? Glad to hear the Editor was not injured in this experiment. And that other than your pride you were also unscathed. Hope you have a happy new year Dan. Pace yourself for November. One day at a time so the transition is a smooth one. And if you get desperate take up something like knitting or kibitzing to keep you busy. You know something that will work up a thirst and allow you time to plan your next workshop project.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John. I think kibitzing sounds like a worthwhile endeavor. I’ve been practicing lately on Saturdays. We were lucky to escape shaken but not stirred, as it were. I was even more careful from that point forward, and I think the days of my hire wire acts will be fewer and fewer going forward.
Here’s wishing yo ua wonderful new year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice recap. Yes, I do recall the tasks of recalling the accomplishments at the end of year and planning for the upcoming one. Those were the days and now it’s great to just reflect rather than list. Happy and safe 2019. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ron. All the required reports and forms for the 2018/19 transition have been prepared. Heading home in a few minutes to relax in the shadow of the Twilight Zone Marathon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you. Enjoy relaxation and life. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad nothing is changing at No Facilities. The year in review is great. Your furry buddies…..never fail to crack me up. Poor MuMu–no brushing in like forever!!! Get with the program, Dan! :) Happy New Year…and may November arrive quickly for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lois. I know you have a soft spot for MuMu, but she tends to exaggerate (in the extreme). I think the bridge instructions for 2019 are along the lines of “steady as she goes” or the modern equivalent. I hope you enjoy a peaceful and happy transition to the new year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This coming year should be a happy countdown to retirement for you. Lots to accomplish and finish up at work and lots to plan for when you finally hang up that work hat. Curious about Southwest…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Annie. You can read a little bit about the Southwest thing here – https://nofacilities.com/2017/11/11/24-hours-in-chicago/ – basically, my experience with them has been they are great when things go well, but when there’s a problem, they aren’t as responsive as other airlines.
In any case, my need to fly is being greatly reduced starting later this year. I think I’ll focus on putting a few more miles in the bank with Delta, since that’s likely the only airline I need to fly in retirement (to visit my brother).
I hope you have a happy new year’s holiday and a wonderful 2019.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Dan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John – same to you!
LikeLike
“And despite how well they keep telling us the economy is performing, there seem to be a lot of poor/nearly poor people in this country.”
I agree with this so much, Dan. I get annoyed with people who proclaim on their FB page that the country s doing great because their 401K is doing great. Meanwhile, as the poor and homeless stand in line for a hot meal and perhaps a word of encouragement…
Those comments have been silent as the stock market has become volatile and although I am also affected, it makes me chuckle and go “Ha! Take that!” at the FB commenters.
On the lighter side…yeah, not the year for college or pro football here either. The Brewers gave us something to cheer about and I will think positive for their 2019 season and perhaps a trip to the World Series.
Poor MiMi, MuMu and Maddie. So much time, so little love. Gibbs and Ziva send their sympathy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Mary. I do get frustrated with everyone talking about how good things are going. I tend to avoid those conversations when I can.
Football ends today for me when Pitt plays Stanford. I could use a win, but not expecting one. Hockey and baseball will fill the gap until August. The Pirates play the Brewers 19 times (same division) so we have some jabbing in our future.
The girls appreciate the support from Gibbs and Ziva. I’ll try to do better next year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, and it isn’t going that great because in our business people with $$$ are penny-pinching, which is odd in a good economy.
LikeLike
All in all Dan, it sounds like a positive year for 2018. I bid you high cheers and much promise towards a positive 2019. Happy new year
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Anita. I wish you the same.
LikeLike
Happy new year to all! When are you going to come over to the Gutenberg Side? Is that a plan for 2019?
LikeLiked by 1 person
If your referring to the new editor, I’ve used it but I still don’t like the way it produces photo galleries. I wrote tomorrow’s simple post in it, but I had to use the “classic edit” option to organise the pictures. They say they’re working on that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so. Any time a computer person says, “This will make things easier,” I clutch my head and groan.
LikeLike
Happy New Years , Dan ! Have a serene , productive , and happy new year . Don’t feel that you need to do all of the things you didn’t do in 2018—— but world peace would be nice if you think of it and can somehow manage that .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dan. I’m doing my part for world peace. I haven’t declared war on or invaded any country in years. There was that spat with Canada over the price of Labatt Blue, but we came to an understanding (I’m now drinking Corona).
Happy New Year.
LikeLike
The airline I refuse to fly is United! Not falling off the roof is quite an achievement. But next year try not to fall off the ladder! Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have many opportunities to fly United, and from what my friends tell me, I’m not sad about that, Jan. Yes, not falling off anything would be an improvement – I’ll aim to be less specific next year. I hope you have a wonderful new year.
LikeLike
Happy new year, Dan! I’m so happy that you care for the squirrels. I’m so happy that you love animals. One day I will tell you how a dog I didn’t even know saved me from a bad client. The funny thing was: that dog reminded me of your Maddie–that’s why she drew my attention–except she was white with dark patches and rings around the neck and tail and legs. Her face was just like Maddie’s. I say “was” because I dodn’t know if she is still alive. I will tell you how it went. I’m glad I ever knew you. May the new year bring you more blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Peter. I am very happy I met you. I’m looking forward to hearing that story.
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you include photos of MiMi and MuMu now in your posts. They always make me smile and today I laughed to loud. It was the disgruntled look on MuMu’s face following the great meow.
Glad to hear no one was hurt in the great ladder escapade …but too bad you didn’t have the same luck with stitches earlier in the year.
Hope that 2019 is incident and injury free … but it might be time to get a new car 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Joanne. MuMu doesn’t show her face often but when she does, she gives us great expressions.
The ladder escapade was very early in the project. Fortunately, it was about the only mishap of consequence.
I hope 2019 is a good year for all of us. And yes, a new car will happen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am very optimistic. So far, so good 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I truly enjoyed this, Dan. You are real, and that is always a breath of fresh air. I hate the New Year’s posts with goals . Well, I just don’t like goals, as terrible as that sounds. Like you, I look forward to the year. Glass-half-full, here. My blog won’t change, either. On a side note – tariff on Mexican beer? That would rock my house! Happy New Year, Dan. Sorry for being so wordy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jennie. This is the only way I know how to be, do I’m glad you like it. You are always welcome to No Facilities wordy. I’m glad to read that you don’t be changing. Your blog is a bright spot, knowing that some kids are still capable of learning at a deeper level than required for the test. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dan!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan, happy days ahead for all of us in 2019. Happy New Year to you & your family (including those in the yard). Enjoy celebrating 2019. 🥳🎶 Christine
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Christine. I hope 2019 is a good year for all of us!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy New Year, Dan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks John. Give the girls a scritch from us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Done. They are napping on the couch
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
So happy a few stitches was all… because then the correction to Maddie Mimi and Mumu can go forth in the new year! Hapy Happy to you and yours, xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Kate.We will keep this craziness going in 2019. I hope you can hang on for the ride.
I ope you have a wonderful year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always enjoy the pictures gallery. Cheers for guardian angels. And Ha! Take that SWA. 🎉🎆🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! There might be fewer pictures this year. Not too few, but I plan to cut back a bit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do wish the one mostly responsible for the state of your economy would be reminded that when the US sneezes the rest of us catch cold.
So glad the guardian angels were being vigilant that day. Sometimes they can be slackers. (And then they claim it was for your own good or to teach you a lesson. Bastards.)
Thank you for the squirrel photos but particularly for the captions. Always a hilarious highlight in your posts.
Wishing you a productive and happy 2019, Dan!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Heather. I’m sorry to tell you that the people responsible for most things, don’t listen to me. It’s sad, I mean, I could tell them some stuff, but…
Our guardian angels have been on duty for a good long time (mind for sure).
Thanks for the good wishes. I send the same back your way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy New Year, Dan, to all of your family members. :-) Glad you got to live and tell the ladder story. Scary tale but with a happy ending. Enjoy and prosper during this nine month lead up to retirement, and I know you won’t be bored at least for a while. :-)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Judy. 2018 had happy endings on several fronts. I’m, looking forward to 2019. I hope it’s a good year for all of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the animal photos, even the squirrels, which normally I avoid. Budgets, accomplishments, explanations of why intended projects were not completed are all on tomorrow’s to do list. Oh, and laying out a welcome packet for service recipients, which is both challenging and a welcome diversion.
Wishing you quick work days and lots more animal chats.
Fondly,
Elizabeth
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elizabeth. I finished all the reports yesterday morning. Ready to hand in tomorrow. Good luck with yours.
LikeLike
Props to you for being brave enough to recount what you didn’t get done. I would never have the courage to do that.
Maybe this year I’ll finish the back hallway or paint the main bathroom. Oh I crack myself up!
Props to ALL of our guardian angels, as mine have also worked hard this year. So glad the ladder missed The Editor and that you merely slid instead of dropping. Mercy.
Apropos to nothing, what material is your ‘deck/ramp’ made of?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. Yes, the guardian angels earned their wings long ago, but they still hover close. I have projects that aren’t done and some that haven’t been started. Maybe next year, but maybe not.
The deck/ramp is Trex over a pressure treated lumber base. Everything else (railings, posts) is vinyl.
LikeLike
Hi Dan, A lot has changed while I’ve been away. A lot! Dan, your profile photo! I miss the old one. But, then again, this one is really cool. Better even. You look pretty happy: Up On the Roof—wait, that’s a song, quite a good one, I think.
Happy New Year and thank God for guardian angels!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jill. I thought it was time for a new look, and I really liked that photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad the Editor wasn’t hurt, and you weren’t either aside from stitches.
I’m glad things aren’t changing here, and I’m looking forward to Conversations from the Bar, and perhaps a blog post on your new car hunt down the road.
Happy New Year to you and the Editor! I hope it’s accident-free, and easy going.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Deborah. 2018 was an interesting year, but 2019 shows a lot of promise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last quarter of 2018 was tough for me. 2019 is showing a lot of promise for new adventures and promises of good things. I hope that’s true for us all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I read in one of your comments that you lost Diva Dog. I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope 2019 is a much better year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did lose her to heart disease. 😭 I hope this year is a good one too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-(
LikeLike
Sorry I’ve been so scarce lately, Dan.
I get it about the recap being work. Blogging should be fun — and yours always is. Loved seeing the critter montage. I think you rounded out 2018 in great form. Although, I’m kind of worried about the amount of trouble you could get into when you retire. No I don’t think you’ll be bored at all. :D
Oh, by the way. You’ve mentioned the Lime Bikes several times. I still haven’t seen them here, but I’ve noticed this scooter equivalent popping up. https://ggwash.org/view/70241/on-street-scooter-corrals-pop-up-in-arlington
Cheers and hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Teagan, and sorry to take so long to find this. The past few days have been a fog. I am going to try to stay out of trouble in retirement, but I might get close on occasion, just to keep life interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the night pics along the river!!
LikeLike
Thanks Kirt. I’m going to have to schedule times to go visit that park after I retire. It’s the best part of my daily grind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just want you to know night photography is something I have not ventured too far into for no real reason as I love the results…so I appreciate your shots!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kirt. Certain things seem to come alive at night, in a way we don’t normally see. I’m looking forward to having more control over my schedule in retirement, so I can see things when I want to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
2018 was good to me. I was busy most months of the year. I like being super busy. I had plans to expand my travel blog, but that didn’t work out the way I thought. Finally, I found some time to head to Udaipur for a week. Later I had my hernia issues and after a lot of thinking went ahead with the surgery. I’m normal now, just have to be careful with certain things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seemed like you were very busy.last year. I hope that is good news for your business, The travel posts that you got out there were really good, maybe you’ll make more progress in 2019.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a set target by December 2020, so I have to work towards achieving it. Or may be I will shut down my travel blog if things don’t work by that timeline. Think of something else.
LikeLiked by 1 person