Pictured above is the snowdrop flower. Did you know it’s closely tied to January and is recognized as one of the month’s primary birth flowers? I didn’t.
Blooming bravely from late January through March, it symbolizes hope, renewal, and resilience, pushing through snow-covered ground as most plants remain dormant. As a classic winter bloom, the snowdrop serves as a powerful reminder of fresh starts and new beginnings at the very start of the year.
The more you know. (wink wink).
Miscellany:
1. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It’s mind-boggling that we’re already almost two weeks into 2026.
Unfortunately, all of my holiday plans went down the toilet when I got sick with the flu. I was so disappointed. Everything I’d baked, planned, shopped for, and decorated for was for nothing.
I packed up as much of the food as I could and boxed up all the presents so the family could celebrate at my parents’. They had a fun day together (proof below).
Then Steve got sick. Good times! We were soooo grateful for our doggy door that week. Seriously. The one good thing that came from being sick—lots of REST.
2. Before Christmas week, Steve and I went to a comedy show with Jamie Lissow at the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield. We had a fun time. I’m grateful that we love to laugh.
p.s. I think this is where I caught the flu. Womp womp womp.
3. This might have come up before, but I was having some terrible back pain and went to the chiropractor a few times before I decided to see the doctor. The x-rays didn’t show much of anything (a little degeneration), but my urine showed blood — so they had me get a CT scan to see if a Kidney Stone was possibly too big and unable to pass.
I got the CT scan on January 2nd. It showed that I have a kidney stone and gallstones. Thankfully, the kidney stone isn’t oversized. I need to revisit the gallstone issue with my doctor, since I saw a Nurse Practitioner at a different clinic during the holidays.
All aboard the hot mess express. Haha.
4. It’s safe to say that between the winter blues and all of this medical drama — I’m not living my best life. I’ve had to give myself a whole lot of grace and believe for relief and/or healing. I’m taking it in stride, but it’s discouraging to say the least.
5. The gym fell off my radar for a couple of weeks. I went one day this week, but did a lot of walking outdoors. I need all the extra Vitamin D I can get.
I also haven’t weighed in for several weeks, either. I’d like to get back on track before jumping on the scale. Did you gain any holiday weight?
After grocery shopping this week, I told myself that next week we will get back to the gym regularly and track food. I can do hard things. Right? Haha.
6. On New Year’s Eve, we ordered our favorite sushi for takeout, watched some of the Times Square Ball Drop, and made the annual Lentil Soup to enjoy on New Year’s Day. I love that soup, it’s so dang good.
7. Did you watch a lot of holiday shows/movies? I watched almost all of the new Hallmark movies. Getting sick allowed me to catch up. Haha. Additional holiday movies:
- Klaus (Netflix): I watch this every year now—a pure delight.
- Oh What Fun (Prime): So good!
- My Secret Santa (Netflix): Cute!
- A Merry Little Ex-Max (Netflix): Cute!
- Goodbye June (Netflix): I enjoyed this, but it’s very sad.
- Family Stone (Prime Video): A classic that I enjoy every year.
- A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Disney+): Meh. I committed to watching it and did. It was cheesy, but I think that was the point?!?!
Non-holiday shows:
- The Morning Show, S4 (Apple TV): AWESOME Season!
- All Her Fault (Peacock): WOWzer. It was a mind thriller, for sure.
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Wreckening (Paramount): Movies are way too long anymore, but we had seen the first part of this in the theatre and finally hunkered down to watch it at home. Very good.
- Regretting You (Paramount): Indifferent to this one. I thought it would be better than it was. I’m glad I didn’t see it in the theatres.
- I finally finished the Gilmore Girls (Hulu). I was sad when I watched the last episode—such a great series.
8. Do you think about ways to freshen up your home decor in the New Year? This year, it’s been on my mind a lot. Honestly, refreshing your home doesn’t require a complete makeover—often, it’s the small, thoughtful changes that make the biggest impact. Rearranging furniture, swapping out textiles, updating lighting, decluttering, or bringing in natural elements can instantly breathe new life into a space.
I’ve been thinking I need some more color in our home, sooooo I’ve been browsing curtains. Isn’t that a great way to add color? Our main living area has all-white linen curtains, so a pop of color might be nice. Stay tuned.
p.s. I’ve got an itch for a new home, though, too. We are constantly talking about it. This year we’re going to visit a place or two. Alabama and Texas — you’re on our radar.
9. This article about Friendship in our 50’s was such a great read! Midlife friendships can be complicated, so it’s crucial they’re built on mutual respect, presence, and authenticity.
Around the Web:
This Book: The Pivot Year
These Shower Steamers.
This 365 Page Book Printable.
These Athletic Crew Socks.
This Printed Sherpa Quarter Zip Pullover. So cute!
Would you wear these? I finally bought a pair! Eeks.
This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken (is TRENDING).
Breakfast Lover? This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole.
Are you making a 2026 Vision Board?
This Berry Gift Idea! 🍓
One Last Hoorah:
Just documenting a couple of moments where holiday cheer was present 🙂 We did get to enjoy the annual hot cocoa night with my family earlier in the month.
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