Slimming Down Stuff

The arrival of a new year plops us in the middle of a summing up pool that ripples us along in a carnival ride of memories. What will 2026 be like? 

Researching weather forecasts, how Earth behaves is a solid start for the process of summing up where we are in life in general. 

Clutter surrounds me like scattered birdseed. Thus, I am reading about decluttering to build declutter confidence. I already accept the biggest issue is my fault. I have allowed my stuff to outgrow my space. Stuff must go. 

Even my mug shelf is taking over the shelf above it. My focus now is on what I use and what I wear.  All keeping just in case will be for the donation box. Only very sentimental things can be kept.  

The days getting longer will be noticed by the time January ends. The birds and I will go on as usual. Only for me, instead of slim by pounds before Valentine’s Day, I’ll be slimmer of stuff. 

Note Using iPhone:

Google is not allowing photos to be uploaded to Blogger. The information given does not work for me because the directions go to a feature that is not there or else I am unable to find the block or unblock cookies feature on Chrome or Opera browsers.  

I found Safari block cookies. It is not on. 

Google Glitch, No Notice Photo Space Needed

Using my iPhone 

On Blogspot, the upload photos does not allow adding photos from Blogger or upload from computer.  

I have read instructions. None of it has thus far worked for me. 

I am signed in to Google and have no cookie block. 

Update 7 January 2026

The problem continues

I’ve read the Google page . Nothing explains why Google no longer provides the cookies Allow feature when using an iphone. I have reported the problem and given feedback. 

Update: I asked Community on Google support. Some help but no solution. 

Update 8 January:

Blog ran out of photo space. Add more storage, problem resolved. 

Reading the Tag

Day 3 and already I’m thinking about starting flower seeds. 

Here’s the thing. At Home Depot last week there were shrubs half price leftover from the holiday promotions. Oh, I think, $7.00 is near the price of a sandwich. I bought only one. Next trip, I bought two. 

Then I read the tag.

I thought Emerald Green are miniature arborvitae trees. At 10 to 15 feet tall, that is a no. But they are so cute! 🥰 Not for long. They are a fast grower at 1 to 2 feet a year. 

Tip: Enjoy the cuteness as you read the information tag.

For one year I will plant them in the large  patio flower planters. Year two, I will find them a new home. The boxwood will go in a large planter on my deck to be trimmed into a round shape. 

Until spring, I have three rather large plants to care for. 🤣

  

Super Wolf Moon 2026 at 99% Waxing

 

11:45 PM EDT Vermont USA

Tracks In the Snow ID

I notice on the deck amongst bird tracks, a paw print. No matter, cats cross my deck all the time. Then, looking out into the snow covered lawn, the paw prints are there as well, but not in a straight line of passing through. They are walking around on the snow. 

I haven’t seen any if the cats of that. 

Are those tracks a bobcat? Or just a big cat?  Photo is best I have so far. 

Going for the Make-over or the Spruce Up?

The new year energy is one of the best next to the back to school vibe. Instead of resolutions, deciding on ways to challenge ourselves can provide us with weeks of entertainment. 

For example, I’m going Dry January with soda. I know sugary drinks aren’t a healthy choice body wise. The fizzle of carbonated beverages, however, does have a soothing effect on my mood. No soda? 

Potato chips and water are a big time creator of something is missing. At my age, I do enough wondering what naturally. I don’t need to create more confusion. The solution: Don’t have chips in January. 

The challenge thrives on laughing at myself. A side effect is thinking about what about pickle juice? A pickle juice sandwich with no chips just is not right. 

Overall, I don’t drink soda that often. No soda is not a big change. Chip sandwiches the same. The point is that I’m choosing to make-over how I approach what I eat and drink. Many  meals I like are paired with soda. And those meals are mainly burgers, pizza and greasy. All  other food is good with water. I sip wine after meals. I only like beer with Chinese food. 

Spruce up my menu? 

Have more Chinese food and drink beer. 

Day 1 of Week 1 January 2026

Do you see what I see?

This is a rather chatty post…

The sun is shinning bright on this cold morning in Vermont. 

Earlier, on television, I watched the year arrive with stunning fireworks in London, New York City, Sydney Australia and Paris France. There was a time when I shouted out the door at midnight, Happy New Year! 

And then, there have been more years when I slept as the new year arrives. 💤

How is your year going so far? Have you made any resolutions? Set your sights on something fun? Vowed to lose weight? Learn a new language? 

When sending an email to bloggers to let them know they are thought of, I’ve not encountered an email that will not send until today. I deleted it from All Mail. 

Catching up is my sort of New Year tradition for blogging, along with clearing out old unused accounts, changing passwords, refreshing the password book, and setting blog goals for the new year. 

 

Not a resolution maker (this year), I have told myself to try to not drink soda. There is the Dry January thing going on. I will not participate because I don’t drink alcohol enough to need or have a dry month or week for that matter.  Instead, I’m going for No Soda January. 

Ambition rides on the New Year energy of me dreaming of a long sled ride, bigger and faster than what is sanely practical. I hesitate to post my plans because when I do, things fall apart, enthusiasm disappears to be replaced with empty space that depression fills. ( I am doing better after December blog break.) 

I got plans 🤣😎, and the prayers 🙏🏻 to go with them. 

A few small things under consideration: 

Learn more photography ~ What about becoming a photographer for real? Mat and frame a few. 

Learn a new language ~ Use an audio course to learn. Irish and Mandarin would be fun

Daily Sketch ~ Fill up sketchbooks. Mat and frame a few drawings

Cook from recipes ~ Think Soup Journal

A daily dance ~ Turn on the radio

In the mean time, hunting for a calendar to buy will be fun. Way back when, businesses gave out free calendars. For years, I looked forward to using my favorites, the desk and pouch calendars. I don’t remember the last time I found a free calendar around here. Oh well. 

Tracks In the Snow

Glitch discovered for comments

In Blogspot Layout, click Edit on the post box

There you will see,  Show comment count.

It must be selected for the comment option to show up at the bottom of posts.

Note, it is not the same as the Options feature in the right column on the posting page. 

2026

 Happy

New Year

2026!

🎉🥂🥳

Not January, But Close Enough

 Farewell to December 2025!

🥳

Let’s get going on the new year

As we left or center align our lives in print for the next 12 months, this is the time to have fun deciding on a word for 2026.

My thought is to choose syllables that sound good, have charm and inspires comfort. 

My word for 2026 is: 

Solace

Decorations almost all stored away

   

Merry As the Snowfalls

An Evening Snowfall

For those who aren’t into the Santa style holiday spirit, you can celebrate you and/or the best parts of the season, like the food, especially the homemade cookies. 

I’m not celebrating this year, no parties, no dinners, zipola other than decoration and e-cards. I even stopped watching Christmas movies. Instead, I embrace the beauty of winter and the new year spirit. 

Be good to yourself & others

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Posting will return in January 2026