It’s very, very cold here today. The wind lasted over 24 hours and was relentless. Thankfully, it has left us and it’s much quieter this morning. Don told me a funny thing: we were outside the other day, salting the ice that had formed on the parking area and driveway, shoveling excess snow, etc. At the end of it all, he had the thought “Well, we did it. We made it through the winter!” And then he realized that it was only December. We had three more months to go.
And on that note, I am ready to let go of 2025, which hasn’t been the kindest year for us and for so many of our friends. Nor has it been kind to our country and our fellow citizens. I pray that things change in 2026. Frankly, the sooner the better. Tomorrow would be a good choice.
We have found pockets of joy this year. I am ever grateful for my husband, who knows when I need to laugh and promptly does or says something that produces the desired results. Like everyone who is sane, I have felt anger and rage and sadness over what is happening in our country. It has taken a toll on me. And on Don. We’re not special. Everyone I know feels the same way.
I’m reluctant to take down the Christmas tree and the decorations around the house. Of course, I feel that way every year, but especially so this year. We need the sparkle and the lights. I imagine everything will stay in place until Epiphany, at least. There’s not been much needle drop yet, though parts of the tree are getting dry.
We’re at the end of the year. Here’s to a better year for all. May 2026 bring desperately needed change in Washington DC and a measure of peace to all of us and to the world.
I send you best wishes for a Happy New Year. Love to you all!
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Happy New Year Claudia and Don!
My thoughts exactly re: 2025…. can’t kiss it goodbye fast enough!
We got so much ice it is slick everywhere, but fortunately did not ice on the trees here in the valley so no power outages. And the wind is subsiding… but is forecast to resume its pummeling… it makes it hard to sleep when the windows rattle and the building creaks!
But here’s hoping for a better new year! And plenty of time for making miniatures!
Yes – a better new year!
Stay safe, Betsy.
As always, you found the right words. Wishing you, Don, and everyone a better, more peaceful new year.
Stay safe and healthy!
Helga
Thank you, Helga!
Stay safe.
Happy New Year!!
Love to you, Judy!
Stay safe.
I feel the same way you do. Good riddance 2025! On one edge of our roof I have my husband keep up our strand of Christmas lights (multi-color) up all year around – they just make me feel happy.
That’s a great idea. I keep our porch lights on into February.
Stay safe, Wendy.
2025 is almost gone. Here’s to a 2026 of happy days and exciting times but also full with the things that bring us the most comfort. Continue to enjoy your cottage and each other, Claudia and Don. Embrace the new possibilities a new year brings.
Thank you, Wendy.
Stay safe.
glad for you that the harsher weather has gone on by, you’re keeping up the tree and other Christmas decorations for a while longer, and especially that you and don have each other.
happy, healthy, safe new year and always to you, don and everyone else.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
2025 has been a depressing year for me, having lost my husband of 40 years in November. He was sick most of the year. I’m with you on changes need be in Washington, DC, the sooner the better, but we still have 3 years!!!!! May 2026 bring peace, change, and good health to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Leslie. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you. Sending you my sympathies and a prayer for your husband and you.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — I am not reluctant to say goodbye to 2025 — this was a terrible/difficult year for us — hoping for a better one to start in 2026. so discouraging to read/hear the news — hoping it will improve soon — so maddening to have to “respect” our govt and congress, president when none of them have respect, honesty, wisdom, or care/concern for their fellow man. it is a disgrace. hope you all stay safe/healthy
You said it right. “It is a disgrace.”
Stay safe, Linda.
Good-bye 2025 indeed….I’m ready for a fresh start for the country. It has been a rather hard year….yet, we personally have experienced highlights. So….a mixed bag.
Our weather has been crazy here, too. High winds, snow, then melting, followed by more snow. Certainly not a typical Wisconsin winter. I took down most of the Christmas things yesterday, except for the tree and various twinkling lights. It feels lighter in here.
I hope we have a peaceful and joyful year ahead of us. Feeling more optimistic….things are a changing. Wishing you, Don and all your readers a very Happy New Year! 🥳
Thank you so much, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year! To Claudia and Don!
Marion
Shaw
Thank you, Marion!
Stay safe.
Happy New Year, Claudia and Don. May 2026 bring us all peace and joy!
Yes – we need peace and lot of joy!
Stay safe, Ellen.
Happy New Year and every blessing for 2026. Hope that you and Don have good health and happiness.
I can’t believe how much the world has changed in the last few years and not for the better.
Take care
Praying for change for the better this year.
Stay safe, Dee Dee.
Happy New Year! I am so grateful for you and Don. I am grateful for your words your thoughts your creativity your morals. A quote for you:
Thoughts become words
Words become action
Actions become character
Character is Everything.
unknown
Take Care,
Kaye
Love that quote, Kaye. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Stay safe.
We were so eager to get rid of 2025, we decided that we would celebrate London time (7 pm) and boy, did they have smashing fireworks! Then watched the Marx Brothers because after 2025 we needed a laugh!
It’s been a tough year. Onward to 26. I’m afraid to say “Could it get worse?” so we will work for making it better.
Happy New Year!
We watched Duck Soup and then the Stranger Things Finale.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Wishing you both a gentle, hope-filled New Year. Your words have been a light in a heavy season, and your cottage has offered comfort far beyond its walls. May 2026 bring you peace, laughter, and moments of quiet joy. Stepping into 2026 feels a little brighter knowing your cottage light is out there – glowing through snowstorms, wind, dollhouse magic, vintage treasures, and the everyday stories you share with such honesty and heart. Thank you for opening your door to all of us this past year. Your words have been a small refuge, a reminder of beauty, humor, resilience, and the comfort of a well-loved home. You have share pieces of your life with such warmth that it feels like stepping into a familiar kitchen, where the lamp is always on and someone says, “Sit. Stay a moment.”
Thank you for that. Truly
Happy New Year, Claudia and Don
Oh thank you, Maria. You write so beautifully. And your words mean a great deal to me.
Stay safe.
We celebrate Christmas through Epiphany so our tree (artificial , looks real, bought at a thrift store in 2024) stays up until then. There has been far to much pain this year caused by the current occupant of the White House. Keeping the tree up with its very varied collection of ornaments and twinkly lights is a nice reminder that goodness and God will prevail in the long run. Best Wishes from California for a 2026 that is filled with Peace, Joy, and the return of Decency!
Yes, I second that! Thank you so much, Madge.
Stay safe.