Community Corner

Goodbye 2013: One Reader Has a New Home, Others Gained Friends and Lost Loved Ones

Patch readers rank 2013 from "challenging" to "GREAT."

How would you rate the past year? Was 2013 good, bad or just so-so?

Inspired by a recent AP-Times Square New Year’s Eve poll, we asked our readers on Facebook how they rated the year.

Nationally, Americans rated their personal year better than the assessment they gave for the country.

Find out what's happening in Napa Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Closer to home, one reader made a fortuitous move, while another mourned the loss of a beloved grandfather.

Here’s what else our readers had to say:

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Why 2013 Was A Great Year

It was a year of plenty for Leslie McNamara, of Napa Valley Patch, who gave 2013 a 5-star rating. Her family relocated to Napa from San Ramon and hasn't looked back. "Our barn is bigger than what we were living in! We went from zero pets to 3 ponies, 1 horse, 16 chickens, 2 kittens, and 3 turkeys that we named the Three Stooges...So, 2013 was a GREAT year for my family. I will never leave here...Napa is country and culture all in one. PS. Wine doesn't hurt either."

Jackie Farrell Danielsson of Napa Valley Patch also gave 2013 a top rating, driven by her positive outlook. "If you are alive it should always be a 5!"

Why 2013 Wasn’t So Great

This past year was hard for many. While staying grateful for what they have, several readers cited personal losses, stress and healthcare challenges as reasons for giving 2013 a low score.

"I too have lost many family and friends this year," said Cole Armstrong of Napa Valley Patch. "5 for being alive, 2 for constant sorrow and the numbing chill of deaths."

Nicole Rose O"Hara of Napa Valley Patch gave 2013 a 2/3 rating due to the loss of loved ones. "I wish to not remember this year if I don't have to, lost my Grandfather and many others this year."

Elana Lovato of Petaluma Patch cited her disappointment with Obamacare as her reason for giving 2013 a 2. "The economy is bad, hard for a lot of people financially. The Obamacare is going to put a real high cost on people and a shortage of doctors. 'If you like your insurance you can keep it.' 'Period!' 'If you like your doctor you can keep him.' 'Period!' All lies! So not only is the economy down but people's morale is down. Those that are having a great time are not paying attention at what is going on around them."

Why 2013 Was Just Middle of the Road

For many of our North Bay Patch readers who responded to a request for an opinion on Facebook, 2013 was just so-so.

"I think my best way to describe how this year went for me would be very challenging," said Jennifer Vallerga of Napa Valley Patch. "There have been a lot of downs, not too many ups, and a lot more stress than normal, but we have made it through. All in all I'd honestly give it a 3. Here is hoping that 2014 goes a little smoother because I need a break!"

Susan Simmons Beck, of Petaluma Patch, also gave 2013 a 3 rating. "I see that the economy looks better from a holiday retail perspective, than last year. Not a lot better, but some. Also it appears I may have health coverage this year. Yay! Best coverage? No. But better than current, which is nothing."

Jamie Clemons, of Napa Valley Patch, summed up the year nicely. "It's been a okay year; it's had up and downs, but all years do. But 2013 has taught me hard work pays off. I wouldn't have any thing different this year. I'm ready to see what 2014 has in plan for my life."

Here’s to seeing what's in store in 2014!

TELL US: On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate 2013?


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