A New Start . . .

Hello, friends, and, Happy New Year!

It’s been quite a while since I last visited this lonely little blog. I do plan to stop by more often in 2026—this is the first of twelve.

I really checked out back in September 2025. My intention was to make my blog private, but despite my best efforts, it just didn’t work out. I truly hope my friends haven’t given up on me.

I’ve been navigating several health issues, which led to two surgeries—one in October and another in November. I’m on the mend now, but there’s still one more hurdle before it’s all behind me. Hopefully, this will mark the end of what’s felt like a very long year.

A few highlights from the last few months…

I turned 70 in November, and that milestone really gave me pause. Normally, age doesn’t weigh on me, but this birthday felt significant.

I was fortunate to celebrate with my children and their families. My daughter made a delicious Dubai chocolate cake—it was absolutely scrumptious!

November came with so much to be thankful for!  I didn’t take any pictures on Thanksgiving, but it was wonderful. All of my children and grandchildren were here, and we spent the day visiting, celebrating, and enjoying good food together.  

Christmastime can feel overwhelming for me, and this year was no exception. I truly love the “reason for the season” and sincerely try to keep Christ at the center of Christmas, even when the noise and commercialism around it becomes distracting. In the rush of the season, I sometimes lose sight of why I’m buying gifts, baking, planning, worrying and trying to make merry.  I usually find myself focusing on the things that trouble me most about Christmas. I’m learning to give myself grace in those moments and hope to approach the season a little differently in the years to come.

I love focusing on my family, and this Christmas we had such a special treat. My granddaughter-in-law, Lisa (on the right), and her sister Anais, who are both from France, made a wonderful traditional French dinner for Christmas Eve. They cooked roast beef in red wine, potato croquettes, and deviled eggs, along with a simple green salad with French vinaigrette. We ended the evening with a yule log cake they make every year, and it was absolutely delicious. It was such a fun and memorable night together. 

Today brought the very best news. My oldest granddaughter, Taylor, called to tell us that she and her husband are expecting a baby. This will be our first great-grandchild, and we are beyond excited. What a wonderful year this will be!

I hope this post finds everyone safe, healthy, warm, and filled with hope for the year ahead. I plan to share just one post each month, and I hope to fill this space with the moments I cherish, along with a few things that might make you smile. I'm also looking forward to catching up on your posts! I've missed you!

And of course, I leave you with a beautiful, Idaho sunset . . .

Happy New Year!

Love,

Barb