A new year, wishing for better news, weary, tired, inspired and not beaten yet...

I just couldn't get myself to write in the blog after vacation.  It was almost like I wanted to just leave that post there, enjoy the summer, the brief time away from the awfulness of the world and the tensions of every day life...

But then there was September...school starting back for Willow, job searching for Michael, back to normal work schedules, etc.

Halloween was unexceptional this year--and frankly, uninspired and just...well, not comparable from other years.

Then there was loss.  Lucifer, the companion that helped Willow the most during her worst times...he got a kidney stone/tumor.  We nursed him the best we could, but he slowly stopped eating and we held him and cuddled him, let him know we loved him...and he died November 3rd.  It hit us hard--and Willow was able to use her coping mechanisms...but it made November a hard month.

Late November, we got another companion, because poor Knight needed a friend....so now we have Pumpkin.  I can't lie, it took me a while to actually like Pumpkin.  But...now I cannot see how we cannot but love the little guy.

December actually felt more...happy, warm and relaxing.  We had a good holiday season....and then there was...JANUARY.

Oh boy.  What a long month that was...and now, we are just trying to get through the winter/cold and the fascism with some resistance and kindness to ourselves and others.

Now, random pictures...

Pumpkin

15 inches January 2026...

The Story So Far...

End of August/End of Summer, we did a day trip to Rockport to get a little bit more out of the summer vibe.  Rockport has changed since the last time we were there, and some shops we loved were gone, new shops have popped up in their place...nothing like change to make one feel old...at least the ocean is still the ocean....

Last time for lobster this year!

So far, September has been eventful (or should I say, regarding world events, EVentFUL).  

Sign at my work:

Willow started virtual school and is doing good so far, although there are periods of adjustment anxiety.

Michael is DONE with school completely and now is on the job hunts.  (One for ANY job, one for THE job)

De-bearded for a cleaner look for interviews.

Its the end of Summer and just before Fall really hits--we are starting to have weather that is cooler and breezier...but no hints of color on leaves yet...

For Labor Day weekend, we had a weenie roast/s'more fire pit.

I have been having fun getting together more often with my brother, and last night, celebrated his Birthday...

I haven't gotten quite to the level of Happy Fall/Halloween spirit...but I am sure within the next few weeks, that will kick in!