In about 88 hours, we will kick 2020 to the curb. Am I counting those hours, you bet. 🙂
Personally, I’m looking forward to a light at the end of this tunnel of nine months of isolation. Was our Christmas okay? Sure. We saw family outside, exchanged gifts, shared holiday goodies, but no hugs. I miss hugs, I really do.
We did a lot of walking down memory lane this holiday. There were some very heartfelt family oriented gifts and some looking at old family photos of previous holiday gatherings. My husband had eight siblings, and for many years we really put the ‘family’ in holiday gatherings. ❤️
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- Roll recipe on a scrap of 1974 calendar paper written by my mother-in-law.
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- Embroidery by my granddaughter that is now framed so I can smile every time I look at it.
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- Whoopie pie recipe in my grandmother’s handwriting dating back to around the 1940’s.
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- 2021 Tea towel calendar – art by my granddaughter, design by my daughter.
Tears, there were a few.
So, I’m looking ahead to 2021, the opportunity to take the vaccine, really see my family and friends, and the biggest grandkid hugs ever.
The day after Christmas we drove through Portsmouth, a beautiful New England town, that attracts a lot of tourists. Things were different though – out of business signs, restaurant ‘hibernation’ signs, plenty of parking spaces, and only a very few people walking around. It was eerie. Sad reminder of the fact that we have a long way to go to recover from this pandemic as a country.
Right now, I’m back to organizing, sewing, and thinking about gardening. Those seed catalogs are calling to me. 🙂
As we end this year, I want to say a sincere thank you to my blogging community friends, bloggers, readers, and those who take time from their day to comment, because you helped us all get through this year. We’ve continued to stay in touch, learn from each other, and share a smile. 💐
I’ll leave you with this shot of Whaleback Lighthouse that sits alone in the Piscataqua River between NH and Maine that I took over the weekend. It’s been standing there buffeted by waves and weather since 1872. Roll model for a pandemic? Maybe. Stay strong and wear a mask because I want all of us to be here to celebrate some sort of return to normal in 2021. 😷
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
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I’ve never been a big New Year’s Eve person, but boy howdy will I ever be thrilled to see the clock move into 2021. 🙂
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I hear you, Judy, and echo all those feelings. This invisible enemy has caused so much anxiety, tragedy, and financial ruin for so many people, with so many hopes and expectations pinned on the vaccine in 2021.
But right now we’re stuck in this mode of hurry-up-and-wait.
Best wishes for the new year. This new year in particular, these words have so much meaning.
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You are so right! Hurry up and wait, and best wishes for the new year are truly loaded. Stay well, my Canadian friend, because I think there are a couple of 2021 posts in your writing bank once you’re back on the water and the hiking trails. 🙂
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Thanks Mel. I just can’t seem to wrap my head around writing a post. The words swirl around but don’t make it to the keyboard. Maybe you’re right … when the world starts to make a bit more sense again, perhaps my muse will return from whatever safe haven she’s been hiding in.
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Sorry, Judy. Don’t know why I called you Mel. Obviously I need to drink more coffee before I write comments early in the morning 😏
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It’s okay, I had a chuckle because I’ve had a technical issue today when an action on my phone deleted info on my computer that I will never get back. I need more coffee too. 🙂
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Ha! I thought I was the only one who did that 😏 I lost a lot of photos before I realized my phone and computer synchronize!
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Judy, I love your framed family mementos! I agree – 2021 can’t get here fast enough.
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There isn’t a store open that could have provided more meaningful gifts. 🙂 Yes – bring on 2021 and quickly. Stay well.
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Thank you, Judy, for allowing us this look at your family’s history in such personal mementoes. And for the metaphor of the sturdy lighthouse — it’s good to think that we just might be made of sterner stuff than these times can obliterate. There’s a lot of anger in me at the end of this year, and I hope that I can turn it to good use as the new year begins. It will help when hugs can replace elbow-bumps. Meanwhile, I can read blog comments and find more endurance in their wisdom and humor.
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I’m glad you enjoyed those gifts because I sure did. 🙂 You used a word that I bet if we are all honest we’ve all felt this year – anger. When we get to these ‘golden years’ we can’t afford to give one or two away. We can all strive to be physically and mentally fit for another year, but we are definitely not in charge. 2020 has taken a lot from us. Thank you for being there and keeping me smiling.
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You have certainly woven golden experiences from the straw we’ve been given this year! I love your framed recipes, so very special! I did something similar; I took my mom’s little recipe cards, scanned and copied them, and made small shadow boxes for all her kids and grandkids with a favorite recipe of each person. I included a photograph of her and them, and a couple little momentos. Nothing could have been better received in this year of physical distancing, a way I think of keeping close. So sorry to hear about Portsmouth, one of my favorite New England cities we try to visit each year. It will rebound!
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I can only imagine the sincere joy felt by your gifts. They cannot be purchased online or in a store. They come from the heart and family history with a large sprinkling of love. ❤️ Yes, Portsmouth will rebound. It was just such a stark reminder of the pandemic and the loss of lives as we drive down the streets with virtually nobody out and about and all the empty parking spaces.
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It’s been a strange year for sure. It seems like anything bad that can happen did. Even beyond the virus. We are all looking for a new start although it may not seem too different in the near term. What’s different is that the year is starting with hope. Happy New Year!
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You nailed it – the year is starting with hope. Stay well, you can pack a little between now and Thursday, but then take the holiday off. 🙂
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I love your framed recipes that go back decades. I had my mother’s hand-written recipe book which she began in the 40’s. I’ve since passed it on to Terri. It’s clear that your talent and gift of creativity has been passed to your daughter and granddaughter. The 2021 tea towel calendar is wonderful. I’m sure you’ve already found “just the right place” for it!
I’m sooooo looking forward to the end of 2020. What a nightmare year this has been. But if there’s anything good 2020 gave us, it’s the tremendous sense of hope we all feel that the new year will restore ‘normalcy’ to our lives once again.
And HUGS. We all need to hug our loved ones and be hugged. Such a simple act of caring that I took for granted without any thought to the meaning behind a hug. Won’t ever do that again!
To all your readers, may 2021 see you healthy, happy, and surrounded by your loved ones. And please keep commenting. I LOVE reading them!!!
Judy, the happiest of New Years to you and Dennis. Any day one of your posts is in my Inbox is a special day. Thank you for helping us all to keep our heads above water with your wit and wisdom. You done good!
Ginger
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Even though I am on a break from blogging and writing, I had to comment on this post, which exactly expresses the way I feel. Happy new year to you and yours. 2020 has been one heck of a year. May 2021 be a much better one!
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Greetings to you my Maine friend! Happy break, happy new book, happy 2021.
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Bittersweet and heartfelt. Thank goodness this is wasn’t a stiff-upper-lip kind of post. We can be honest about feelings and observations of loss while also honouring the resilience and good sense we will need to get through this pandemic. Stay safe and healthy.
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Thank you! I applaud those who haven’t been impacted by this pandemic for the last nine months. However, those of us who have person(s) in our family with underlying medical conditions have been dramatically impacted. Even after the vaccine, I’m guessing a lot of us will be wearing masks for a period of time, and when will we will feel totally comfortable going to a movie, eating in a restaurant, and traveling is probably to be determined. I know the cruise business will be filled with interested folks, I’m just not going to be one of them. 🙂
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It’s good to see your sewing and creative skills have landed in another generation. I marvel at the things you make, and I enjoy seeing them throughout the year. I know the normal won’t start in four days, but 2020 will be over and that will feel good – even if we’re still wearing masks and standing too far away to hug. I do worry about the day I can travel to other cities. It will be like at day after a bad storm. I hope businesses have found a way to survive, but I know some haven’t. I love the photo of the lighthouse.
Take care, Judy. Stay safe and healthy. We have much to look forward to.
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Yes – the day after a bad storm. That’s exactly what it will feel like when we can even move around our own state without being concerned about picking the virus up.That lighthouse stands there strong 24/7, and I guess that is what we’ve all been doing for the last nine months. 🙂
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Not long now, Judy! I like your framed memories and the lighthouse photo as well. We had a Zoom Christmas that was quite enjoyable and time with my parents. Older daughter is visiting now, so a bit of family-in-the-flesh there. Soon, my friend!
janet
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Zoom plus in-person family visits – now, that’s a good thing. Glad you had a good holiday.
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❤️
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A bittersweet Christmas this year, not seeing family as we once did. Your gifts are tender reminders of once and future loves, precious indeed. While I have great hopes for the coming year, I think we still have a ways to go yet, but we can only take it one day at a time, finding the best and brightest in each one. ❤
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We certainly do have a ways to go and definitely need to find goodness in each day on that journey. Stay well.
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Good Morning Judy! I enjoyed your treasures that have been framed… what a treat!
Loved showing the lighthouse at the end… we will get through this like that lighthouse!
Happy New Year Judy, and to yours!
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Happy New Year, Nancy, and may you and yours have a healthy and happy 2021.
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The apple didn’t fall from the tree regarding your daughter and granddaughter, They have your creative and sewing talents/gifts. The rooster is my favorite and the old recipes on pages that happen to be handy and not recipe cards.
I’m ready for this year to be over as well and am looking forward to a bright and better 2021.
Happy New Year to you and yours, Judy! xx 🥰
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I love that chicken too! Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones. May it be happy, healthy, and provide more options to interact with those little boys of yours.
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Thank you so much, Judy! I hope you get to interact and connect with your loved ones too in the new year a lot! 🥰
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I can’t say much more about 2020. Wishing you and your family a bright and beautiful 2021.
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Happy New Year to you! May your gardens grow and your music warm hearts.
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Judy, this was honestly one of the sweetest Christmasses we have had in a long time. I won’t miss 2020, but I will try to hang onto Christmas a little longer. Take care.
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So happy to hear you had a lovely Christmas, and I wish you a happy and healthy new year.
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I am looking forward to 2021 and my 90th birthday in July. I don’t think we will go back to the way we were before the pandemic but we can create a better world if we so desire. I always enjoyed the Garden catalogs at this time of the year. I made sure my seeds that needed a could months of cold wet weather were in my refrigerator. A blessed 2021 for your family and friends.
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I hope 2021 is a marvelous year for you as you hit that special birthday milestone. I think you are right – life will probably never be quite the same as before. Good for you taking care of your seeds. A blessed new year to you as well.
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I loved your framed family memories, what a good idea! Like you, I’m looking forward to being able to hug my family. This year seems like three years rolled into one!
Blogging and reading blogs has been such a great way of keeping in touch with people all over the world… all of us going through the same strange and uncertain times. I always look forward to your blog posts, in particular, for your wit and wisdom and “telling it like it is”.
Looking forward to a better year in 2021… best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy 2021.
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Blog posts and comments have certainly helped more than ever. Online friends can stay steady while in person has ceased to exist. I raise my coffee cup to a good 2021 with a vaccine and less fear. Stay well and again I applaud Australias’ efforts.
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I love the old recipes. I have a couple from Larry’s grandmother. I always wanted to get them framed. Sounds like you made the most of your Christmas. I zoomed with my sister’s family. Not the same as in person but at least we got to see each other and talk while we opened gifts.
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Old recipes are the best! The roll recipe called for lard and a couple of spoons of meat drippings. They always make me smile thinking about how resourceful and tough our ancestors were. Glad you got to Zoom and see family. Here’s wishing you and Larry a happy and healthy new year and a 2022 January we can spend together. 🙂
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I see that your musically talented granddaughter is also skilled at needlework! Beautiful!
I am very charmed at how you’ve framed family keepsakes for home display – constant reminders of the lovely people who came before you!
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy new year! Let’s be DONE with that virus!
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I guess she has really gifted fingers. 🙂 Those old recipes are so interesting. When I read lard and meat drippings, I always smile thinking of their ingenuity. I’m sending you and your loved ones all the best wishes for a good 2021, and I echo your words – let’s be done with this virus.
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A big THANK YOU Judy, for brightening many of our days in the past year. Your blog posts bring simple delights, winsome thoughts and images, refreshing common sense, and always reveal a good heart. It’s a pleasure to know you as part of our little blogging community, in a year when we have lost so many contacts, even with friends and families. Blessings on your New Year, and all that you dream it will bring.
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Thank you so much for those kind words. They will keep me going for a while. 🙂 I am so glad we NH bloggers crossed paths before you became a Long Island blogger, but I know part of your heart is still in NH. 🙂 I hope you and your very lovely wife have a good 2021 and that we all get to return to some normalcy after a couple of shots. 🙂
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Agreed on all points. We indeed made some very good friends while we were in NH, including some “virtual” ones as we now say… including Catherine, you, Eliza,
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Laurie,… and, thanks to you, Cindy Knoke who has been very helpful with her psych hat on. You are all part of our lives now. Once we can all travel and visit again, I have the fantasy of making a tour to meet each of you “in the flesh” – which this year has taught us is so important. Happy New Year to us all!
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I think you really said it all, Judy. We’re all just so…. weary at this point. But hey, there’s Whoopie pie (or is it really Whoppie, hmmm??), so that’s a nice light at the end of the tunnel. 🙂 – Marty
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Hi Marty – A New Englander is never without a Whoopie Pie! I have one big one to be split in the freezer just in case the moment calls me. 🙂 Hope you and Gorgeous are well and that 2021 is kinder and gentler to us all. Take care.
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And thus we all hope for a better year. It won’t be the year we really want because I’m pretty sure that MUCH better year isn’t available for us. Yet. Maybe eventually, but I think it is going to take time to unravel the strangeness of last year and the years before. There’s also so much to be done and I wonder if, without Trump to hate, if many of us will drop off and disappear back into our hobbit holes. It’s not going to be an overnight recovery .. but what are we looking for? What do we think we wnat?
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Interesting observations, Marilyn. I do think it’s going to take months for everyone who wants a vaccine to get one, and then we’ll still be wearing masks because we still want to be safe. After a year of being concerned by each and every other human, it’s going to be tough to trust again in large crowds. Me, I’m looking for just a few more things that feel normal and maybe a lot less stress and drama. Wishing you, Garry and the rest of your loved ones a better 2021. Stay well!
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It sounds like even though this was not a normal Christmas, it was memorable in many ways…especially the lovely and thoughtful gifts from your family. I hope that the new year will bring both hope and health to us all and that life will slowly be able to return to “the way it used to be”.
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This made me think of that saying ‘the good old days’ which is this case would be pre-Covid. 🙂 Take care, stay well, and we’ll all keep our fingers crossed for 2021 being more enjoyable.
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On behalf of all us other bloggers out there, a big thank you back to you! I hope you have a happier new year than this old one has been.
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I’ve said Happy New Year a million times in my life and never meant it as much as I do this year. Stay well and may 2021 be a good one.
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I read your reply to Dan about travelling in your own state. Here in Queensland we’ve had no community transmission for more than 100 days and still everyone is so cautious. We can travel within the state but with care and safe practices. Hopefully that will continue to improve if no new cases emerge, but we are all aware of the distinct possibility of that happening. In the meantime, we’ve found this year we turned more to our own home and enjoyed being together and just pottering with whatever task we wanted. It’s pretty much been a quiet and restful year. And best of all we welcomed our little grandson who was seven weeks old at Christmas. Such a precious gift.
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You guys have been role models with regard to responding to this pandemic. We have too many who believe the rules are not for them. We are allowed to move about, but with the cases dramatically rising, it just isn’t safe for people with underlying issues. So, we’ve stayed put for nine months. During gardening season it wasn’t so bad because I was outside so much, but cold weather brought us all in and that is a whole lot more confining. 🙂 I can only imagine the joy of the holidays with that wonderful seven-week old grandson. It doesn’t get a lot better than that.
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We’re very fortunate to have government officials who were prepared to take a step back and allow the health professionals lead us, and also that almost everyone was happy to abide by restrictions and do what we were asked to. It’s made all the difference to our successful outcomes. And yes, our little boy is so beautiful.
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The vaccine is definitely a ray of hope at the end of this tunnel. My husband just got his first dose of the vaccine on Thursday (part of his job is testing for COVID) and it’s such a relief. We just need to get the current administration out and a competent one in so the states can get help distributing the vaccines.
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That’s great news that your husband received his first dose, and a sincere thanks to him for being on the front line of this pandemic. Thanks will never sufficiently show how much our front line medical personnel have done to support all their fellow citizens.
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Ah 2021, thank goodness it’s finally here. Along with it let’s hope the vaccine rollout happens more quickly than it has thus far and that we are all smiling once again come spring. Wishing you all good things for 2021, including a mild winter and a perfect spring for planting!
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From your lips to God’s ears. 🙂 The winter hasn’t been bad so far, but I sure miss seeing your beautiful flowers like I normally do. I did buy seeds yesterday. 🙂
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Judy, wishing you a happy new year. The recipes are so touching. There’s something so special to me about being able to connect handwriting to a dear person. I bet you can still taste those yeast rolls.
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My mother-in-law cooked for a family that included nine children. She could carry on a wonderful conversation while she worked away with her hands making those rolls. They would just make you smile with their goodness. So, looking at that recipe always makes me smile for sure.
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I am more than happy to have 2020 behind me, and although this first week of 2021 has been difficult I am hopeful that this new year will be better. Being an only child I cannot imagine what it’d have been like to celebrate Christmas with nine children! Such memories– and I suspect, such chaos.
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I am an only child too. 🙂 Sharing those family holidays were some of the best times I’ve ever experienced. We were extremely lucky that everyone got along, and my in-laws thought each family was special in its own way.
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Those are beautiful framed pieces, so thoughtful and I feel the reverence of every one.
I had a lovely Christmas, just us five, as it usually is, simple, happy, peaceful.
I really hope 2021 is the year you get those grandbaby hugs!
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I’m happy to hear your family of five were able to spend the holiday together along with your furry family members. 🙂 Yes, here’s to a better 2021 although it’s certainly getting off to a rocky start.
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Happy New Year Judy! I just love those special pieces now framed. Your granddaughter is quite the creative isn’t she? It’s so nice to see many of the “old fashioned” crafts coming back in style. I have a few pieces of embroidery by my mom and grandma but sadly I never learned. Your blog is one I love to read. I hope this year is so much better for all of us.
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Thank you for the kind words. I love seeing my granddaughter’s artistic pieces because I have wonderful memories of taking her to art classes when she was young. I don’t embroider either. Maybe you could take your pieces you have and make them in to a wall hanging or quilt. I had seven pieces that my mother did, and I made a lap quilt out of it. If you need help with that, just ask. Feel free to send me an email.
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I’m a little late to your New Year’s party. Now on January 9, our hopes for 2021 seem ages ago and almost quaint. But, hope springs eternal!
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Brenda you said it – ‘almost quaint.’ The year rolled over, the days roll on, but not much has changed yet. Hope does spring eternal as we wait for the vaccine. 🙂 Hope you are enjoying winter and weaving.
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I love “kicked to the curb”, Judy. Everyone can relate. Wishing you a much better year ahead filled with hope and creativity.
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Good wishes for 2021 to you and your family as well especially since you’ll be around those two sweeties. 🙂
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