And...in with the New...Year....2007

Greetings everyone -

I have returned home from celebrating the New Year with my friend from Beaver Dam. She and I, both are single, decided that going to the 5 bands at Ho-Chunk Casino in Wisconsin Dells might be fun. Plus...we could scope out eligible guys. But...alas, we forgot....New Year's Eve is for couples. We had fun listening to a very good Swing Band from the 30s and 40s. The room was all decked out in a winter wonderland...with white balloons in the ceiling ready to come down at the stroke of midnight....the chairs, the trees, all white. It was lovely and all for $10 plus the hour or so at the Blackjack tables.

Then there was the 50s Do-Wop Band from Milwaukee. They were very good and it was fun to listen to that music. A brief stop to the country group and since my girlfriend doesn't like country we moved on to the wonderful group that did 80s and 90s. I heard, "Brickhouse," "Disco Inferno," etc. The lead singer was very good and these songs reminded me of my days at Ripon College when disco was just starting to become big. Then the 5th group was just a DJ playing Michael Jackson type songs in the Sports Bar.

The dogs are in now and snuggled in....I read the blogs of my sibling, Ruth, and am hopeful, that perhaps I can be a more regular blogger in 2007.

Things to be thankful for in 2006 -

1. Having had 3 jobs with the State of WI. One that I loved that was cut due to political reasons. One that I got to keep my state service and one that I earned that I love again and can learn and grow in my professional life.

2. Family and friends to love and cherish as I live my life as a single person. The trip to Myrtle Beach was fantastic. Thanks Ruth and David for the invitation to show up there. Mary R and I had a great time.

3. A very successful dog show year. I earned #14 Gordon Setter in the US with my dog, Coal. He and I qualified for the Eukanuba Invitation and traveled to FL to compete. It was a dream come true for me and truly an accomplishment. I can't believe how well Coal's grandfather, Fire, did at the 2006 GSCA National. He finished 3rd in Veteran dog class!! I finished clients' dogs - Amos, Maddee, Dugan, and helped show River to his championship. Earned a Best in Sweepstakes with Flame and River, as well as a Best of Opposite Sex in Sweeps with River. Emma needs two singles to finish. A litter of puppies is on its way in 2007 and I'm hoping for great things for those puppers!!

Things to be sad about in 2006 -

4. The passing of my dad, Bob Gero. I was thankful that all of the family could be there. I was thankful for the couple weeks I got to spend with him before he died. I am thankful I got to help out my mom. I am thankful my sister, Mary, and I shared Culver's Lemon Ice and nice lunches. While Dad died in July, many things were learned. We all pulled together as a family and it was amazing the cohesiveness shown. It was commented upon by many people.

5. The uncertainty about my house situation. I was so hopeful to sell some of my land to the DNR, but that did not come to pass. After much discussion with my sister, the ever optimist, she gave me some good ideas on what I could do. They were helpful. I also bought a subscription to This Old House....for things that I can do to make it limp along until I can either build new, sell or renovate. Time will tell.

And...looking forward to 2007 -

More dog shows....That part of my life is so much fun. I spend lots of time on the road getting clients' dogs and just being able to participate in something that I can do well at. It keeps me busy and keeps me from fretting about not having dates. I guess the K9s are my dates! *grin*

Continued challenges in my new job with the State of WI. I am looking forward to class for an A+ certification in a couple weeks. That should be great to get that certification.

Other goals (substitute for 2007 resolutions)...

I am hopeful to travel to see my nieces and nephews on either coast.

I am still looking forward to building a new home.

I am looking forward to sharing good times with my mom.

I hope to blog more faithfully.

I hope to love life and live it to its fullest!

And...to see movies and consume popcorn!