Hello 2026! I already feel a sense of relief that 2025 is over and done with! What I am trying to

do today is put it all down and look back with some perspective.

The first part of 2025 wasn’t too bad. I live in Charleston, South Carolina and it snowed last

January! A lot! Snow always brings excitement to the locals as they don’t usually see or play in

snow every year. I come from Rochester, New York where snow, cold, ice and seasonal

depression all go hand in hand! The snow lasted much longer than before but I was okay with

it. I just stayed home-I am a homebody-and stayed in comfort in front of the fireplace and a

couple of good books.

Last June, my oldest daughter and her family came up to Charleston for a few days to visit. I

have so much fun when I am with them! My grandchildren are growing up so fast, and they are

so smart and oh, so funny! We went to a garden store, a couple of really nice restaurants and

even managed to do some shopping on King Street!

As an added bonus, Mark’s daughter came down and spent a couple of weeks in Charleston and

we went out for Father’s Day breakfast, a walk in a beautiful park and of course, some great

dinners. Mark was so happy to be able to spend Father’s Day with his one and only child. I was

so happy that it was such a great month.

It’s amazing how our family has a very strong sense of continuity. Our children are all adults so

the blended family concept is a bit different with those who have younger children. Still, it

wasn’t easy. I can say now, that every tear, fits of anger, fearfulness was worth it because I love

our family dynamics. The only thing is that we are all so far away from each other, in different

state. With all of us making the efforts to see each other throughout the year, it makes a huge

difference in solidifying our relationships. Our children and grandchildren mean everything to

us.

Next week, I will continue on with the remaining 6 months of 2025. The last half was extremely

stressful, very painful, but the closure was amazing!

I wish all of you the Happiest of New Year’s, may all of your hopes and dreams come true!

With love,

Shari