Here we are together again. MJ has been baking cookies. It feels like Christmas all over again. January passes quickly. But then again, don’t they all. We sally forth into the void of 2026. We had an ice storm a year ago. Limbs filled the yard. The Old Man does not like ice…hard to walk on…breaks ribs. Once, many years ago, I turned around on campus when it was obvious that I could not walk to class. It is important to know your limitations. It is going to warm up again. Sixties are in the forecast next week. Beware of Trojan Horses.

The rhythms of life carry us forward. Our sense of place grounds us. Change awaits us. We live our lives in micro while we watch the macro machinations of our government. Each of us must meet the challenge in our own way. What do we encounter that we have the power to do something about? That is our mission. Feed the babies, walk the dog, work a 9-to-5 job, and help our neighbor. The lonely watch us with wide, sad eyes. Forgotten and marginalized with no voice or advocate. We can be their voice. We can welcome them to our table for a New Year’s Lunch. Let us include them in our games, sports, movie time, and church. Church is a lovely social situation. Many who are shut in or without friends would love to be asked. Friendly folks dispel loneliness and depression. ‘Welcome the stranger for we were all strangers once.’

‘The spirit of Christmas is still with us,’ Jane said. ‘I feel it just like I did in December,’ Jane continued. ‘I saw Lester at Mr. Munchies eating a hamburger for his breakfast and invited him to play board games with us on Sunday,’ Jane smiled. ‘I told him there would be refreshments and he would be our special guest,’ Jane danced on one foot and then the other. ‘This shall be the Year Of The Forgotten,’ Jane proclaimed.

‘Rosie and Abigail are coming to Game Day on Sunday as well,’ Neva J said. ‘Rosie told me that it felt like Christmas in January to her,’ Neva J laughed. ‘Rosie wants to meet Lester and is rosy cheeked at the possibility,’ Neva J winked.