Happy New Year from all of us here at the cottage!
We actually made it to midnight – not on purpose – because we watched a movie which was on the longish side. It was pouring rain so we were spared the sound of fireworks. Today, a wind warning from 3 pm to 10 pm tomorrow. Not a good way to start the new year, in my humble opinion. Who wants to start the new year feeling edgy?
And then it will get quite cold again.
I took advantage of the warmer weather to finish up with my potted plants on the porch, dumping them on the ‘pile’ next to the shed, and then stowing the pots in said shed. We had bluebirds visiting the other day (we’ve sure had a lot of them this year.) I was surprised; they must be migrating at the last minute. Anyway, they flew around the property looking for food, diving into the brush, and I assume, drinking from the birdbath. It was lovely.
We are going to hang out today. We’ve been rather busy the past few days, and of course, Don had a crazy weekend. I’m going to try to finish Orbital because I have two books to pick up at the library tomorrow.
I spoke with Jan yesterday. She’s in fairly good spirits considering what she’s facing. She is still awaiting test results, so no decisions will be made until she has a sense of the whole picture. In addition to the mass on her pancreas, her kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Joe is keeping me informed. If you’re so inclined, send some prayers her way.
One more bokeh photo:
Oh heck, since the tree is still very healthy, you may get more. We intend to keep it up as long as possible because we need that sparkle.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
I fell asleep early, but awoke at midnight to fireworks and car alarms. Only lasted about 15 minutes, then all was quiet. Love your bokeh picture…I like the symmetry. Here’s hoping for peace in 2025.
Amen!
Stay safe, Barrie.
Happy New Year to you and Don, Claudia! Wishing you a year filled with good health, peace, and much joy.
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year to you and Don!! Here’s hoping it’s better than this past year. As the temps continue to dip lower by the hour here, we’re following your plan to just hang out. I pray your friend gets hopeful news.
The kids gave me a digital photo frame for Christmas and, since we gave them to my mom and mother-in-law years ago I was feeling quite old. But they’re obviously so much more improved now. The boys gave family members a link to share their photos so there’s so many to look at when its on. #2 son is in Florida with his sweetie and they’ve been sending pictures too. A Florida native, she is coming up to WI this summer with “no return date” so we’re excited to meet her and watch this relationship develop.
We took our Kezia to her long time vet Monday evening and she peacefully joined her sister Allie while I whispered in her ear that Al was waiting for her. Can’t say enough about the clinic staff who were so kind.
I’ve cried buckets ever since I made decided it was time. Yesterday I was comforted while looking at the hundreds of pictures and videos of her from the first year I got an iPhone. While I knew it was time because her health had deteriorated so much since September, seeing those old photos and videos drove home how she wasn’t the same kitty she’d been all these years. Still, after over 20 years, her memory is imprinted on every inch of this house and, as you both well know from losing your fur babies, I will mourn her forever.
We were so glad to come back home to Charlie (we’re dog sitting until the 9th), instead of emptiness. Needless to say, we’re spoiling the heck out of him and, like all grandparents with their grandchildren, will leave it to Nick to deal with the results when he returns from Florida.
All good health and happiness to you and Don in 2025,
Kay
I’m so sorry, Kay. You made the ultimate loving decision. Sending you lots of love and hugs.
Stay safe.
Kay, I offer you empathy about Kezia. I know the feeling of having one’s heart wrenched out when one’s beloved fur baby crosses the Rainbow Bridge. You’ll forever see both Kezia and Allie in every corner and shadow of your home. I see my fur babies who have left me and it’s very comforting. Take good care of yourself.
Thank you, Wendy. Indeed, since she’s been gone 6 yrs come March, I believe I’ve seen shadows of Allie in the house. Kezia, who lived here so much longer, is in every corner of th place.
K.
Happy New Year Claudia and Don!
Wishing you both health and happiness in 2025.
Thank you, Marilyn!
Stay safe.
Grab the best 2025 has to offer, and make the best for yourselves, Claudia and Don.
I will hold positive thoughts for Jan, that there is peace and no suffering for her.
I love that you will have your tree up for a bit longer. There’s nothing like the smell of a fresh tree and the sparkling lights to evoke this time of year.
I spent a lovely NYE with my daughters and their respective guys. We played Dungeons and Dragons (one of them loves that game) and Catan (the other one loves that game). It was a fun night and competitive game playing really shows a person’s inner self. I’m just getting to know them so I’m pleased to notice both guys are competitive but don’t brag, and bring humor into the games.
Enjoy your reads, Claudia.
Thank you, Wendy!
Stay safe.
Thank you, Wendy!
Stay safe.
Sending good vibes and prayers for Jan. Happy New Year to you and Don. Hard to believe it’s 2025! Enjoy your tree. We keep ours up as long as possible into January, too. You’re so right, we need the sparkle. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year to you and Don, Claudia. Wishing a year that brings good health and happiness.
Thank you so much, Janette.
Stay safe.
Health and happiness to you both in this new year, Claudia. Also to those who read and comment on your blog.
Thank you, Shanna.
Love to you and Fred.
Stay safe.
Your day sounds perfect. We, too, had a lazy NYDay (and Eve). We hadn’t planned to stay up till midnight either, but were prepping our NYDay dinner and got a late start. It had to be in the oven three hours and then sit overnight. By the time it was out we were at the point of “we’ve waited this long!”
I think the bokeh with your house is the best of the ones you’ve shared. It looks quite perfect!
Happy New Year, Claudia. I hope your funky weather doesn’t materialize into anything bad.
Thanks so much, Jeanie. Just lots and lots of wind. Thankfully, it seems to be over this morning.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year! I hope everybody has a healthy, happy year.
Tomorrow I had hoped to be in BC for Marten’s funeral (my friend’s son), but the highways wouldn’t have been good. Here we have new snow over ice. I’m sad though not to be there for the funeral. My heart aches already and I’ve set the tv up for the live-streaming.
I went to Canadian Tire and spent about an hour there trying to find everything that I needed. These stores are just so massive.
I painted a rather strange painting last night. Wasn’t what I wanted, but I made something of it anyways. Hopefully I’ll just get better as the year progresses.
I think your little girlie looks so pretty. The dress I ordered came in today, but the mail has a long ways to catching up after the strike.
My dad finally found Seinfeld on his tv and binge watched since 4 this afternoon. He said it’s to be done at 11:30. I’m totally happy Dad finally found his show!
Seinfield is one of the best shows ever. Good for your dad.
Stay safe, Irene.