Happy New Year! 2025 was quite a year for us. We had a damaging ice storm at the lake and a tree fell down on Rick's house during a tornado in Lansing. Rick took two long bike hikes, including a month-long trip to Canada and New England. I stayed close to home or the lake! There was fun -- our Cork Poppers and other times with good friends, a good art sale and lots of art time. But I also dealt with afib issues, a cardioversion, pacemaker, tendonitis that laid me flat for a bit, and the usual MRSA, sinus and pseudomonas infections. Add to it the tension in the US and I will be glad to turn the calendar page to 2026.
Here's a look at a few I won't forget.
January
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| A group of deer visited my back yard. This one was the most handsome! |
February
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Both Carson and Cameron were named Student of the Month for their grades! (That would happen again in the fall!) |
March
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| Carson had his first communion |
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| We attended a town hall for our US Rep. He didn't show. (You can see Rick, behind the empty chair near the front!) |
April
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Big ice storm at the cottage was expensive to clean up! |
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We enjoyed our annual Good Friday egg dying with friends Mark and Jan |
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| Kevin and the kids enjoyed an egg hunt on Easter! |
May
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| We attended our first protest of the year at the State Capitol. |
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| A tornado knocked a tree on Rick's house. |
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| I met up with bloggers Maya and Lisa! Later in the year I lunched with Blogger Anno! |
June
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| Federal funding was rescinded for PBS. Nine people at my former station were laid off. |
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| Friend Kate and I attended the No Kings protest at the capitol. |
July
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Lake Time! |
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We visited friends Mark and Jan on the Leelanaw Peninsula |
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| Rick turned 70. We went canoeing and to dinner! |
August
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| We belatedly celebrated Rick's 70th with Kevin, Molly and the kids at the ball park! |
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| Molly and the boys came to the lake for a few days. Good times! |
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Kate and I enjoyed almost three weeks of Art Camp at the lake!   | Rick started his Canadian trip. Blogger Jenn (Crumbly Acres) and Joe welcomed him for a two night stay! |
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September
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| Just one of our many Cork Popper events. This was memorable because it was the day my tendonitis began and I could barely walk! |
October
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| My Favorite Road at the Lake -- gorgeous color! |
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| Rick and I celebrated the end of another season of Lake fun. |
November
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| My annual art sale went well! |
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| Another Cork Popper gathering! |
December
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I was in the hospital for a pacemaker implant. Still recovering. |
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| A wonderful Christmas with the kids. |
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| We enjoyed a Zoo walk with the grands and their parents. |
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| Lizzie was in the Animal ER -- she's OK now! But was diagnosed with early renal disease. |
| We celebrate our annual Christmas Song exchange with Mark and Jan -- "Holly Jolly Christmas" |
A Final Few Thoughts and a Remembrance
One highlight hard to illustrate with photos is the joy I have had throughout the year following your blogs. I've picked up recipes, creative ideas, things to contemplate, ideas to expand my reading list, and enjoyed following your families and the beautiful photos of the natural world that many of you share.
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| I bought these coasters designed by Jenna. They make me happy! |
Whether we have met them in person or not, we become especially fond of our blog friends, so when one leaves us, it affects so many. This year I was saddened to learn that one of my favorite bloggers, Jenna of "The Painted Apron, passed away, leaving a legacy to her blog friends of wonderful posts with terrific recipes and painting tutorials. She was a real inspiration and will be sorely missed by those who follow her, although her blog is still live.
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| This tote by Jenna is my go-to in December! |
Another loss to blog world was Olga the Dog, who was a big part of Steve's Shadow and Light blog. I had the privilege of meeting Olga last year after enjoying many photos and videos on Steve's blog. She had her following and we loved her.
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| Olga (photo: Steve Reed) |
Thanks to your blogs, I've "traveled" all around the world and the US with your wonderful images. Some of you I've even met in person this year (and in the past)! And when I've needed some support, you have been so generous with your encouragement and good wishes. It's been an up-and-down year, but one thing has stood strong. You. Readers, commenters, lurkers and yes, those I visit!
And now onward in to the great unknown -- 2026!
Sharing with: Friday Face-Off / Saturday's Critters / Share Your Style / Love Your Creativity
78 comments:
2026 Good health to you, MS. Creativity and delight! 2025 has been quite a year! My hope is that the orange one goes to meet his maker and the GOP drowns, My hope is that Americans will step up- On a more personal note, I hope that you get to travel this year and that your beautiful little cat does well. ART- Let's do art! Let's make this new year a lovely one! Cheers to you, dear Jeanie!
Despite the hardships of 2025, your resilience, creativity, and generosity of spirit come through clearly, and your tribute to Jenna beautifully captures how deeply blog friendships can matter
...Jeanie, I hope that we all enjoy a fabulous New Year except for Donny!
I have to believe that 2026 will be a better year. What a lovely review! I love, love, love the kitty and tree card that came in my mail. It's up on my bulletin board. Even though we haven't met face to face I feel like we know each other. Happy New Year! My wish for you is good health and JOY.
Looks like you had an eventful year. Your fall was gorgeous. I hope you have a happy New Year and that 2026 is good to us all.
I remember many of these, Jeanie. Rick had the same tree incident happen at his house! They have been working out there since. But it's getting done, and I'm thankful. And how can I forget those sunsets at the lake or your Autumn foliage? That deer is a grand one! I didn't realize you had so many of them visiting your back yard. I'm so sorry you've had health issues this year, and that you are still recovering. I think my favorite pic on here was Carson's Holy Communion. Special, indeed.
Happy New Year to one of my favorite blog friends. I hope it's filled with wonderful things for you, Jeanie.
~Sheri
What a year full of memories!!! Thank you for your service in standing up for democracy!
What a year you have had!
The the round up.
Cathy
Quite a year you have had! Here's to a healthy, happy year ahead for you!
It has been a full year, hasn’t it? I wish you good health, more art, lots of time with family and friends. You make the world better and brighter for all of us.
I agree, Jeanie! I am very thankful for you and other bloggers!
It feels so good to look over all the things we experience in the course of a year. It makes me happy to see all the great things you did.
A wonderful picture review. Happy New Year to both you and Rick. Janice
You have had a very busy year in spite of health issues! Hope you are feeling better and mostly recovered from your surgery. What a sweet tribute to Jenna.
Happy New Year Jeanie!!!
Have a Very Healthy & Happy New Year! 🥂🥳🎉
May
I appreciate your tribute to blogging and bloggers. It is an interesting phenomenon we are part of -- I love it! Jeanie, I hope 2026 brings improvement in whatever areas are troubling right now, and that you continue to have the spunk to face whatever comes your way <3
I have seen so many wonderful photos of here. You are so lucky to have good vibrations of your home, lovely friends and family members, lovely children, good neighbors and absolutely good food
In 2026, may we learn to trust the process, remain patient with ourselves, and stay committed to becoming better each day
Warm greetings from me in Indonesia
Happy New Year to you - hope 2026 is better health wise, with lots more visits, lake times and friends.
May 2026 bring much joy, peace, and love to you and Rick.
Thank you, dear Jeanie, what a year - and to a ... well, to a great 2026! Hm. Maybe I look through my archives as well and become a copy-cat tomorrow? To more ups than downs this year!
And now it’s time to surge into 2026, Jeanie. All the very best to you and Rick. May your year be filled with great joy and good (better?) health.
Happy New Year, Jeanie. What a wonderful recap. I'm sorry to read youre still recovering from the pacemaker implant. Hopefully that will soon be in the rear view mirror.
In hope you have a fabulous 2026 Jeanie. With much better health issues. I hope you get a trip to England or Nova Scotia too. And all the other joys that bring you happiness. This was a fun post to read. Hugs-Erika
I like the year by photos. Your lake home looks relaxing. October - oh the colors. Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
I’m glad we FINALLY got to meet in person in 2025. It was a hell of a year for both of us. I really hope 2026 is far far kinder. I’d honestly love a boring year!!
You had your troubles, but you made it through them.
What a fun review of 2025. I’m afraid some of those things are going to run into 2026 ..hopefully some of the good things will tag. along. I wish you all the best and happy new year to you both.
Wishing you a healthy and very happy new year. Karen (Back Road Journal)
Happy New Year, and may it bring you health and joy.
Your post during the year have been beautiful and inspiring, thank you. For you and your family I wish only goodness for 2026.
Hello Jeanie
You had some wonderful happy memories from 2025.
Beautiful family photos. I hope you will enjoy good health in 2026.
I wish you and your family all the best, a very Happy and healthy New year.
You've had such a year! We were quite happy to host Rick. He is interested in so much. You sound better than you did. I hope 2026 brings you good health and happiness! XX
A lovely retrospective, Jeanie -- you've certainly experienced the full spectrum of life this past year! Here's hoping for fewer unpredictable experiences in the coming year and plenty of opportunities for everything that brings you joy! Best wishes to you & Ms. Lizzie -- welcome to 2026!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with FFO. I love visiting you and your family.
Happy New Year, Jeanie! I loved how you shared 2025 through all your photos! Hopefully, you and I will have a much better year, health wise. I just had an MRI on my foot yesterday, so now I wait patiently for the results. I’m really hoping that you and I will be able to meet in person before the end of this new year!
You always have a bright smile and friendly words to share (not to mention the awesome pictures you post). Gettting a pacemaker is a little scary, but as a previous cardiac nurse, I will tell you that they are reliable and will make your days easier. This has not been a great year for me. I have issues with a daughter that just don't seem to want to go away. But, that said, I am determined to get more involved in blogging this year as I find it always lifts my spirits. Glad to see you have managed to do some protesting and we must continue until our efforts are met with success (success being to get rid of he who would be king). I look forward to 2026 and have high hopes that we will see some changes that are for the best of everyone (not just one person who does everything for himself). Wishing you a healthy, happy and productive 2026 :)
Andrea @ From the Sol
Your photos really recap the year- some good and some challenging, Wishing you good health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. Happy New Year,
Jeanie, what a beautiful visual review of the year. Yes, it sure was a mixed year. While personally for me it was a good year, the political situation threw a shadow over everything.
I wish you and Rick all the best for 2026, good health (so very important), joy and happiness.
Happy New Year Jeanie! Wishing you a wonderful 2026, lots of healing and good health, love and strength your way. It's been amazing getting to know you and i look forward to reading your blog in 2026. All the best my friend. Wishing a perfect recovery for your pacemaker. Lots of hugs and prayers your way!
Here's to a healthy happy new year! Such a cute picuture of you two!!!!!!
Great photos of your year, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy 2026! Rabbit Rabbit🐰🐰xox, Virginia
What a wonderful recap, Jeanie! Great photos. Here’s to a brand new start and a better health for us all. Hoping that the weather cooperates in all parts of the country that will bring us all a safe entry into 2026! Hugs and blessings
Aw, what a great grouping of photos to remember what sounds like a very stressful year at times. I heartily agree that it's so hard to put into words and photos how thankful I am to have such a wide ranging bunch of blog friends-- like you! Wishing you the best in 2026!
Thank you for taking us on a tour through you 2025 highlights. I am glad that it has left the building and am hopeful that 2026s potential is reached. Happy new year 🎊
That was quite the year for you Jeanie and great to see all these photos. I wish you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Happy New Year!
That does sounds like quite the year. I can understand you don't mind it being over. I hope 2026 will be a kind and gentle year for us all.
May your new year be filled with happiness and abundant good health.
Jeanie -- I am finally catching up on blogs after our holiday travels and I am so touched by your mention of Olga. You've made me tear up (but in a good way)! I appreciate how she became "friends" with so many people all over the world and yes, you're one of the few who got to meet her in person!
I loved looking back at your year, taking the bad with the good. I especially loved the photo of the road in October. May your 2026 be wonderful too!
That's a great photo of the two of you to start your post! Wishing you both health and happiness in 2026!
Thank you for being you ~ wonderful series of photos ~ Wishing you good health for you, your family and your beautiful kitty ~ hugs and Happy New Year '
an artist reflects,
https://anartistreflects.com
What a wonderful heartfelt post, Jeanie. I'm sorry you've had to deal with so much and that Lizzie has renal issues. Here's to all good things in 2026. With each special election, I feel a surge of hope. Hugs
Wow, what a great post to review and wrap up another year! Onward we go! Thanks Jeanie and a happy and healthy 2026 to you and Rick.
Best wishes for good health, cheer, and news in 2026, dear Jeanie. What a year--I loved the roundup--it reminded me that every year is usually such a mix of things...
Our "anniversary" will be coming up soon! I'm honored to be featured in your 2025 flashback reel <3
Lovely post
I enjoyed reading about your recap of each month of the year. I'm happy I found your blog and I wish you good healthy for the new year and that you recover and feel better. Happy 2026 Jeanie.
Many thanks for sharing your photographs and with them a year full of memories ... amazing.
My wish for you and yours is a peaceful, happy and healthy 2026 ... may you recover well from your hospital procedures.
My very good wishes.
All the best Jan
Linda imagen. Feliz año.
what a super catch up post loved all the photos........
Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos, Jeanie. You've been through too many medical challenges this year, but in every photo of you, your beautiful smile and irrepressible spirit shine through, even in the hospital. Whatever happens, you and Rick manage to have lots of fun and enjoyment with friends and family. I hope 2026 is full of healing and health for you and contains lots of fun for you and Rick.
Hope you had a great time with your family and friends.
Happy New Year!!!!
good work with the protests. Hope things (and your health) go well this year. Wishing you a lovely !
sherry
a lovely 2026 that was meant to say :)
You've had a very full and eventful year. My wish is that your 2026 is filled with more good things than bad, that your recovery from recent surgery will be swift and that there will be lots of love, laughter and good friends. xx
Hello Jeanie,
A great recap of your 2025 year! Beautiful lake and sky photos.
Fun times and memories with your family and friends. I hope you are feeling better, getting back to normal. Cute photos of the Lizzie, the deer and so sorry for the loss of Olga the dog.
I wish you a happy and healthier New Year! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and happy weekend. PS, I appreciate your comment on my blog.
Great capture of the deer. I'd love for one to wander in to my back yard some day.
What a fabulous year of memories Jeanie! You enjoy living life to its fullest and I love following your blog. Jenna was a sweetheart and a fellow Alabamian, I miss her! Happy New Year, my friend!
You have had your trials this year but so many many good times too. These pictures of your year made me smile! I hope that you have a healthier year, and one filled with just as many happy moments.
Hi Jeanie! I enjoyed person through your beautiful family's pictures. They capture the love you have for each other. I also love that you are making a stand against the current social injustices. Happy New Year!
So many nice memories from 2025. I hope your 2026 will be even better.
Bittersweet post, with loss and fun moments. I hope 2026 will be much better for you, your family, and all of us. xx
I guess that I like the photo of your friend painting in your patio at the lake the most. The scenery outside the window is so suitable for being creative. Aren’t you lucky to have that cottage! Happy new year, Jeanie.
What terrific photos. Quite a year passed. And I hope you are doing well after your pacemaker surgery. I think it's good to turn the corner on 2025 .... it wasn't a good year in a number of ways ... Let's try our luck with 2026! I think it will be better ... knock on wood.
What a lovely remembrance of your year. I have seen most of your posts and I have prayed for you through your ups and downs. Our 2026 is going to be better! I pray it will.
You wrote a beautiful tribute about Jenna. I miss her very much. She was a real inspiration! Thank you for remembering her.
✨ Happy New Year sweet Jeannie. ✨
Happy New Year, Jeanie!!!!!! I'm glad you are feeling better after getting your pacemaker put in. We have a friend in his mid-80's out here in Denton, and he has been doing well with his. What a miracle we have with modern science!!! I'm sorry about the tendonitis. Keep icing and I hope it improves rapidly. <3 I remember my first protest ~ it was in Culiacan, Mexico, 1978. Some demonstration was going on and I snapped a photograph of it. My second was protesting closing the Folsom (CA) bridge to bicyclists. I still have my "Open the Dam Road!" shirt, lol!!! Rick would like it. ;)
Have a great week and I'm beginning to catch up on blogs. I'm sorry to hear of Jenna's passing. I hadn't read her blog in a while. I do feel it when our blog friends pass; I get most of my socialization with y'all on the internet nowadays. <3 We lost Judith from Botanic Bleu last January, too.
Big warm hugs from Texas,
Barb :)
What beautiful photos you take, it was great to revisit the good times and colourful scenes with you. Despite the fact that overall, I'd rather live now than 100 years ago, I join you and billions of others in the fervent hope that a person who causes so many problems for so many people is removed in 2026! And i will look forward to your future posts!
Happy New Year Jeanie. Cheers to a great productive new year with good health. Your round-up is wonderful, love your fall photos. Family time is always special.
I also think it was nice to see the calendar page turn to 2026. I keep thinking "one year down, three more to go."
I'm sorry you dealt with so many health problems last year. Hopefully, 2026 will be a much healthier year.
I'm glad Lizzie is ok. It's also stressful (and expensive!) when they wind up at the emergency hospital.
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