12/29/25

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas including love-filled time with family and friends. As I am writing this Monday morning, I can hear the sleet hitting my windows. I have filled the bird feeder twice now that the finches are here. I chase them periodically to allow the chickadees and other birds to have a chance to eat!
In anticipation of this nasty, snow-eating weather, I went out snowshoeing with friends both Saturday and Sunday. Although there was not a great deal of snow cover, it was still quite enjoyable at Camp Plymouth State Park.

I was curious so research some New Year’s info. The annual tradition of gathering in Times Square for New Year’s started as a party to celebrate the opening of the New York Times building in 1904. Over 200,000 people attended. The first ball did not drop until 1907. Apparently Waterford comes up with a new ball pattern every year that consist of is 2,688 crystal triangles and it has over 32,000 lights.

There are many fascinating traditions around the world to welcome the New Year. For instance, Hershey, PA drops a giant Kiss. The island nation Kiribati rings in the new year first. American Samoa is one of the last places to celebrate. Could it really be true that Antarctica hosts an Annual New Year’s Music Festival?

Whatever your plans, my prayer is that 2026 will bring peace, good health and a sense of wellbeing to one and all!