| It’s the first day of 2026. It’s quiet at this White House even though it’s Louie’s (Shih tzu/Bichon) birthday. He’s 3 years old today and a companion for our 8 year old Jack Russell. They’re good at getting me out for a bit of exercise. Unfortunately, there’s been too many cold days for us to go on walks every day. 2025 is in the rear view mirror and some parts I want to see again, and others, not so much. Rather than throw a damper on everything, I’ll remember the good times. My grandson turned 18 and graduated high school, the valedictorian. He’s completed the first half of his first year of university. My granddaughter is in high school, no longer a little kid, either. This summer she was able to come and visit for a couple of days. She’s learning to drive so we drove…her comment after several lessons – “I think you’re calming down.” It’s been a long time since I taught someone to drive. We had four days in Jasper as a family. The town is recovering from the 2024 fire but isn’t back to itself. We enjoyed their July first parade from a balcony over lunch and drinks. I said I was going to remain positive. I was positively seething when my daughter and son (teachers) were ordered back to work with an imposed contract. (That damned not-withstanding clause.) My sanity and social needs were serviced by coffee with friends, dog walks, lunches with friends, and the art group that meets once a week. These things put some structure to my days. Even after having been retired all these years, I have no skills or desire to emulate Martha Stewart.  I did self-publish my second book and held a “book launch” at the local library. There was a nice turnout, including my son and grandkids. My two intrepid ‘editors’ were there and I appreciate their sharp eyes.I held Christmas but to be honest, the traditional turkey and trimmings was a group effort. Everyone pitched in so we could play games. For Christmas Eve, I made pirogies and cabbage rolls…I am of Ukrainian descent as well as English, but as the daughter of a war bride, there was no ‘ethnic’ cooking when I was growing up. We rang in the New Year with friends and spent the time ‘till midnight (yes, we made it) playing beer pong (no beer or the party would have been over), crockinole, charades, and Jenga. Old folks know how to have fun. 😉 This has gone on for too long. I am wishing health, happiness, and good times for everyone in 2026. Let’s hope it’s a good one. |
Tag: love
2026- a New Year
| It’s the first day of 2026. It’s quiet at this White House even though it’s Louie’s (Shih tzu/Bichon) birthday. He’s 3 years old today and a companion for our 8 year old Jack Russell. They’re good at getting me out for a bit of exercise. Unfortunately, there’s been too many cold days for us to go on walks every day. 2025 is in the rear view mirror and some parts I want to see again, and others, not so much. Rather than throw a damper on everything, I’ll remember the good times. My grandson turned 18 and graduated high school, the valedictorian. He’s completed the first half of his first year of university. My granddaughter is in high school, no longer a little kid, either. This summer she was able to come and visit for a couple of days. She’s learning to drive so we drove…her comment after several lessons – “I think you’re calming down.” It’s been a long time since I taught someone to drive. We had four days in Jasper as a family. The town is recovering from the 2024 fire but isn’t back to itself. We enjoyed their July first parade from a balcony over lunch and drinks. I said I was going to remain positive. I was positively seething when my daughter and son (teachers) were ordered back to work with an imposed contract. (That damned not-withstanding clause.) My sanity and social needs were serviced by coffee with friends, dog walks, lunches with friends, and the art group that meets once a week. These things put some structure to my days. Even after having been retired all these years, I have no skills or desire to emulate Martha Stewart. I did self-publish my second book and held a “book launch” at the local library. There was a nice turnout, including my son and grandkids. My two intrepid ‘editors’ were there and I appreciate their sharp eyes.I held Christmas but to be honest, the traditional turkey and trimmings was a group effort. Everyone pitched in so we could play games. For Christmas Eve, I made pirogies and cabbage rolls…I am of Ukrainian descent as well as English, but as the daughter of a war bride, there was no ‘ethnic’ cooking when I was growing up. We rang in the New Year with friends and spent the time ‘till midnight (yes, we made it) playing beer pong (no beer or the party would have been over), crockinole, charades, and Jenga. Old folks know how to have fun. 😉 This has gone on for too long. I am wishing health, happiness, and good times for everyone in 2026. Let’s hope it’s a good one. |
themildsidelinda 