Dear 2016

On a personal level, you were a mixed bag.

In February, I was finally hired at my job after working months as a freelancer and I love it. I can’t imagine being anywhere else (in terms of commute, location, the job itself). Also in February, I had a little incident with the parking garage arm while exiting on my scooter. I didn’t write about it since it happened at work.

In April, Ann spent a few days in the hospital after experiencing chest pains. Everything checked out fine and she’s has no problems since.

The summer saw us spending time at quite a few local spots and some not as close.

And in October, I had a second incident on my scooter which was a little more severe than the one in February. But I’m fine and it’s all taken care of, even if the scooter was declared a total loss.

All in all, the good definitely outweighed the bad and for that I’m thankful.

But enough of me. Nobody can look back on you, oh 2016, without thinking about all of the talent we’ve lost. I compiled a list of those I could think of, and note that since starting this list I had to reluctantly make some additions to it:

Abe Vigoda of Barney Miller

Alan Rickman

Alan Thicke

Arnold Palmer

Beth Howland of Alice

Billy Paul, known for his hit song “Me and Mrs. Jones”

Carrie Fisher (12/27/16) and her mother Debbie Reynolds (12/28/16)

Dan Haggerty of Grizzly Adams

Dave Mirra

David Bowie

David Huddleston, who was in two of my favorite movies: The Big Lebowski and Blazing Saddles

Doris Roberts

Erik Bauersfeld, voice of Admiral “It’s a trap!” Ackbar

Florence Henderson

Gary Marshall

Garry Shandling

Gene Wilder (seen here in Blazing Saddles)

George S. Irving aka Heat Miser from The Year Without A Santa Claus

George Kennedy

Sir George Martin, producer extraordinaire

George Michael

Glenn Frey

Gordie Howe

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer

Harper Lee

Broadcaster Joe Garagiola (seen here with Gary Carter, who died in 2012)

John Glenn

Jon Polito, who also was in The Big Lebowski

Kenny Baker

Kimbo Slice

Leon Russell

Leonard Cohen

Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire

Merle Haggard

Morley Safer

WWF star Mr. Fuji

The GOAT

Nancy Reagan

Natalie Cole

Pat Harrington of One Day At A Time

Patty Duke

Pete Burns

Prince

Atrell Cordes aka Price Be of PM Dawn

Robert Vaughn

Songwriter Rod Temperton

Ron Glass, also of Barney Miller

Vanity, Prince protégé

Zsa Zsa Gabor

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So hey, 2016. Your time is up.

Seriously. Get out. You’ve done enough damage. Nobody will miss you.

Here’s wishing you all a very happy and prosperous 2017!