The “Roaring Twenties”

January 1st, 2020

Thus we begin the “Roaring Twenties” so it is fitting that I am beginning it in front a crackling if not fully “roaring” fire. I have a hot mug of coffee, and a good book, in this case one that I’ve read several times before but I still enjoy for the experience (“Leanings” by Peter Egan for the record). There is a dog sleeping at my feet who requests that I not include her in the photo, citing understandable privacy concerns. The last ten years changed all of our lives, perhaps as much as the two before it. We live in a brave new world friends, and it is the dawn of a new decade.

This decade will see the conclusion of my military career, which as much as anything in my life has defined me as a person and a character in the story of life. Ten years ago I had been home from Afghanistan for three days.

My children will all grow to adulthood if not maturity, as my youngest is 13. Her face last night when we talked about our next ten years and she realized she would be 23 was beyond priceless. We all listed some loose plans and a few goals for the decade, and there were good ones. A common theme was traveling, which I am very pleased to hear. Jackson wishes to swim with sharks, while Grace wants to see the mountains. Torrie intends to return to Europe, and AJ wants to visit Canada. The Rockies and the West Coast of North America in general were common points. Perhaps a visit to the Sierra Nevada’s and the coast will satisfy both urges.

I will turn fifty, one half century of circles around the sun as my kids say. This is no more than a number, but it’s a nice, middle of the road one. I have plans for my fifties, my next ten years will be spent in front of more fires, with more people I love and care about, in more places that I know, and that I don’t. Exploring, experiencing life with family and friends, this will be the mission. I know who I am today, in a way I never have before, and I know what I want from life. I intend to enjoy myself, in the company of those I care about. I don’t make resolutions, I never have, I’m not much for promises in general, too many variables affect your ability to come through, but I can say that to the utmost I am able, this is how I will spend my next decade.

I wish you all the very best, and I hope you and your families, both blood and extended have the finest of New Years days, a fitting beginning to the best decades of your lives. I hope you are able to define your expectations and goals as the Hunter Clan and I have, and I hope most importantly that you are all content today, and in perpetuity.