The New Story Starts

 Howdy to all and welcome to 2026!  I hope this finds you all well and safe and healthy.  

It is a very chilly morning - my thermometer says 23 - weather says teens.  The sunrise was glorious. I have been out to feed kitties and critters already.  A nice brisk morning is so invigorating.

We may get some sun today and get above freezing.  A win.

Last night we had a fantastic bright full moon - it was really something.

We gain 44 minutes of daylight this month!  It is 77 days until spring!!  It will be here in the blink of an eye.  The year is totally ahead of us, and there is much to look forward to.

So true!  Forward, onward and upward - is where we are headed.  I look forward to learning, loving, and helping others this year!

Day 2 - many have put away holiday things and put out new decor.  Maybe doing some cleaning.  Thinking about or doing decluttering.  Eating from the things we have at home.  No going out shopping.  Helping someone else.  Maybe going back to work.  OR maybe just chilling until next week - and taking a break from all the hectic life.  IT IS ALL COOL!

Here is a 'projected' weather map from the weather app.  I will not complain for January.  First part of the month will be above normal.  End of the month - colder - but not subzero!

There are many little suns or partial suns on there.  Generally, our January is one of the coldest and cloudiest months.  This looks good to me.  

We have had a roller coaster weather season so far.

I look forward to time with kids coming up for a visit - we are hoping for the 18th.  3 of them work at the same retail outlet, so all getting the same day off is tough.  I sure hope that works out.  I have everything I need to put on a good spread for them - I just miss seeing them so much.  So that is a positive to look forward to.

It is those kinds of things that help pass the winter months.  Friends and family luncheons, a special gathering, a birthday - they are all things to help pass the time and to look forward to a brighter day.

Maybe you will be staring seeds for the spring plantings, maybe working on a new and special craft - it is all great.

What helps you get through a winter month?  Do you have any goals for January?

Whatever you do - do it with joy, hope, love and laughter.

Stay POSITIVE - the spring will come and the flowers will bloom again!

Have a fantastic weekend.