Hello all! Hope you are all well and safe. Well, 2 days and this year is done. Boy, is it leaving with a punch around here. Sunday evening at about 7:30 it was 68* with rain and then thunderstorms. Heck we were even under a tornado warning. The southern part of the state got it worse - there was an EF1 tornado that was confirmed. It did touch down in the town the 'kids' (my niece and nephew) live. There was damage to some very old downtown structures, but the kids are ok. It is a small old town, and just pretty neat - full of small family businesses.
Then from about 9PM on Sunday - by 5AM Monday morning it dropped to 20* - that was a drop of almost 50 degrees! The wind was absolutely wicked all day on Monday. Talk about crazy weather.
Cold this morning in the teens, but at least no wind to speak of. We did get a dusting of snow overnight. It flurried all day yesterday, but none of it stuck. None of the outdoor kitties were too interested in eating this morning - just hunkering down I guess.
I reconnected with a lot of older friends this year. I have reached out from my comfort zone more. I have got myself 'moving' for a healthier lifestyle. I still love my home and my quiet little life. Do I wish things were different? There are people that I wish were still here, but NOT if they had to go through more illness. I miss people - but I feel them with me every day.
I do not make resolutions any longer - they never really happened. I do have some goals for the year that I would like to meet - things I would like to do - but it will be what it is.
IF you just got through this year and are still walking - well, that is OK. If nothing major happened or you didn't do it ALL - that is OK too. You need to stop and be thankful for what you have been through and that you are here. Yes, that is what I meant to say. What we go through makes us each stronger and more capable, it isn't always what we expect or want - but it makes us who we are.
You need to make sure you are doing what you SHOULD be doing. Do what makes your life happy. Do what makes your family happy. It isn't always about money, things, or a career - it is about JOY in the heart. It is about you and yours.
It isn't the biggest and fanciest house. It isn't about the shiny baubles. It isn't about the most pristine. It IS about the love and the joy and the happiness in your home and your life. It is about living the BEST life FOR YOU!
I hope you all take some time to look back and learn from mistakes, and give praise where it is due, and realize the most imperfect life is still good.
Do good, speak kindly, love deeper, have fun, forgive when needed, hug those you love tightly, appreciate everything, and give thanks for each day.
May the sun shine down on you today and may you all be blessed in all you do.
Life is truly a WONDERFUL thing!
THANK YOU for being here on this journey with me.
NE Alberta is experiencing a chinook. Temps went from -26C w/ windchill in the high 30s to 8C yesterday. Crazy. To be honest, I'd rather have the cold temps. I'm sure to need the ice picks on my boots. Retirement & maturity allows for life review. I like how you've looked back on your year & set some goals for the future. The essentials of happiness - something to love, something to do & something to look forward to. 2025 was more settled for me after mom's death in 2024. I ventured further from home & even crossed off a bucket list item. There was more snow removal yesterday & the snow angel was here just after 8AM to clear the yard. Today I'll make more pyrogies to take to my son's family.
ReplyDeleteI think winter weather or just weather in general has been wonky all over this year. You never know from one week to another.
DeleteI think as we get older, we are a lot more realistic about the future. Things change and nothing is etched in stone - so we just go with the flow.
Nice that the snow angel came to your aid.
Those sound good and will be appreciated.
Thank you too, Cheryl. I always look forward to reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteI don't make resolutions either. Goals seem far more achievable, especially in these dark days of Winter.
Yes, goals are something that we can 'look forward to'. A resolution seems so solid and not a good thing in my book. I want to have a goal to MAYE achieve and if I don't, well maybe next year! At this stage in life, I just do what happens and try to forget the rest.
DeleteGlad you are here.
I haven't made resolutions in years...they never last. Goals, yes. I plan to work on our yard. It will mean moving rocks to get at the weeds and thinning out day lilies. It's a big project but I've a cruise to look forward to in the fall. I'm certainly not wishing the year away but having a longer term goal is always motivating for me.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you’ve helped me stop worrying (for the most part) and enjoy life more in a positive way. This year has been challenging but good. Moving was a lot of work but from the first night I spent back in this house, I knew it was the right decision. The house is old and there are a few negatives (neighbor across the street) but I feel comfortable here.
ReplyDeleteI filed for “homestead” yesterday and that will lower my property taxes a lot. Now I need to sell my townhouse but I’m not stressed about it. I’m feeling better about everything. Happy New Year’s to you! (I love the cardinals in your illustration today.)