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.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Goals work for me as well. Sounds like you will have a nice year ahead. Yard work is always a project here. Good luck with that.
DeleteCheryl, 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.)
Thank you - I love hearing that I have in some way had a positive influence on someone. That makes me feel wonderful.
DeleteChallenges can be a good thing - they get us moving and they make us aware.
I hear you on the neighbor! My really bad one is gone, but the folks on the other side are just non-caring people when it comes to property and neatness. UGH
Yay for you on getting back where you feel comfortable. Good going on the homestead filing. I am glad you are ending the year on a positive note.
I love cardinals!!!!
Cute picture! We don't have many colorful birds this time of year.
ReplyDeleteYou always offer such sound advice. Re: resolutions...Difficult to stick to and even list. Think I will try a monthly thing, something I would like to improve or add to the daily routine. We shall see how that works out.
The sun is shining for all it is worth today. Certainly makes a cold winter day more bearable.
Glad the kids are okay. We had some strong wind gusts. Thunder even...
I still have blue jays and cardinals each morning and at dusk.
DeleteThank you - I think making weekly or monthly goals is a better idea. Short term and more attainable.
It was shining so nice, now it is gloomy looking again.
The winds were crazy, and we had thunder and lightning as well. Glad you are ok.
Yes, the neighbor thing is always a question. We had good neighbors who moved away this year - without telling anyone they were going! That was a shock, and made us all wonder what we'd done to offend them. They're just *gone*. The new people there seem pleasant enough but I've only met them one time since March, they're either in their house or at work or away. Very different.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we do have another nice new neighbor who is often out and about so we all run into him at some point. He's friendly and interested in gardens!
Today was, I believe, my last work day of the year. I don't expect to need to go in tomorrow as I finished up everything today. Will call in the morning and make sure.
Planning to get together with Family for lunch on New Year day. :)
Happy New Year, all! This year just few away, amazing.
MaryB
yep, neighbors can be strange. Most of mine are nice, and a lot are friendly. I have a few that like to porch sit with me. I talk to many along my walks _ and even the ones I don't know, seem to know who I am. Well, I have been here 40 years, so I can understand that I guess. I think quiet and recluse, could be better than the nasty ones.
DeleteI am glad you have some good ones.
I hope you get to stay home and not have to work. A rest day on the last day would be nice.
That will be a nice to be with family - enjoy.
This year sure did fly by! Time flies when you're having fun!!!
It is freezing for here. High in upper 40’s and low in the 20’s. Ugh. I want the 70’s from last week back…. lol. Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteLOL - I will gladly take your 40's! Our highs are 20's. It sure is all about perspective, isn't it? I guess we get so used to things, then when they change - it's a big ugh!!!! This will pass soon!!! Stay warm.
DeleteI get that you miss them and feel them still. That is the bittersweet I feel about my mom being gone. Very glad the kids are okay after the tornado touched down. We had one touch down seven miles from our house. It was loud. The loudest train I ever did hear.
ReplyDeleteWe just have to keep them in our hearts and keep them in conversation - that helps keep them 'alive' to all.
DeleteThanks. Glad you are ok. Tornadoes are so very scary and destructive. The noise is deafening.
Wishing you many blessings in the upcoming year, Cheryl. My life changed so much this last year but, because of the changes, I am stronger and healthier than I was earlier in the year. Like you, I just kind of roll with the punches and pop back up like one of those "knock-it-down" kids' toys. Happy New Year- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing how 'life' can strengthen us and help us grow. I am glad to hear you are in a better place. I love your analogy!
DeleteMany blessings to you - and a great 2026.