So Christmas was wonderful with Jennifer and Lee joining us at the Lake. It was a special time. Our eyes fix on the end of the Old Year and the beginning of the New Year. Each year passes more rapidly than the last. The New Year will be a continuation of our uncharted journey. The mystery of not knowing what is around the next corner is exhilarating and challenging. Life is a Through Line with many changes along the path.

We intend to explore New Orleans in the New Year. We have been there before, but it has been several years. The South fascinates me. The kind greetings and being called ‘Honey’ in restaurants are a refreshing addition to the regularity of life. Southern States have a slower pace that affords time to think about the next step.

Learn how to Mosey is good advice. Mosey is what Jennifer says regarding her exploration of the Woods. Mosey, I understand. Everything does not have to be done in the space of a thirty-minute sitcom. Decisions are not all spontaneous. Success is incremental. Indeed, all success is incremental. The hope of 2026 is rooted in a sense of place.

Keep moving is the key. We are on our way home. Put one foot in front of the other. Moving breeds positive thought. Positive thoughts bring hope and a plan for tomorrow.

‘I think there should be New Year’s gifts as there are Christmas gifts,’ Neva J said. ‘After all, the Advent of Christ’s birth is the beginning of our faith journey,’ Neva J continued. ‘He lives among us now. What are we going to do about it?’ Neva J asked. ‘Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their country, to paraphrase President Kennedy,’ Neva J proclaimed. ‘So many need a helping hand, warm clothes, and something to eat,’ Neva J noted. ‘Christmas is simply only the Beginning, the job and assignment has just begun,’ Neva J laughed. ‘Perhaps we are tired…get up and move,’ Neva J ordered with feeling. ‘We say not me Lord, I am old…act like you are young and take up your cross and follow the Baby,’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes.