Welcome To 2026

[debris4spike]

Well I stayed up to watch the fireworks on the TV.  I am sure the atmosphere is great there, but to me they always seem to let off too many at the same time, which means you don't get a chance to enjoy the colour ... and my way it would save money!  No, I am not a grinch, I love fireworks ... just they seem to merge together (and especially if it's a damp night!)

Now we are in a new year - and I have already done my walk ... although (as I don't go far) I am thinking I ought to start doing 2 of them a day, on days when I don't work.

I have decided to do the annual meme this year ...

1. What did you do in 2025 that you'd never done before?  Spent time in a rehab hospital.  I had already had a couple of nights in a normal hospital - but not this.


2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?  I don't make them .... I have failed too many times in the past!.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?  My nephew's wife - Jonah was born in June.


4. Did anyone close to you die?  Not this year.


5. What countries did you visit?  This year I didn't leave England ... in fact only rarely left Devon.


6. What would you like to have in 2026 that you lacked in 2025?  A holiday (or 2!!)


7. What date from 2025 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?   8th October ... after all that's the day my calf muscles tore.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?   Learning how much shopping I can carry, while still using the crutches.


9. What was your biggest failure?   As ever, I never get organised, however much I aim to try.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury?  Oh yes - torn calf muscles.


11. What was the best thing you bought?  Didn't get much of anything this year.


12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?  Many of the volunteers I work with - I was off at the same time as both the other regular staff members, but the volunteers continued to come in and support the public, despite not being able to answer many of the questions  about parking, which are a regular part of our job.


13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?  Politicians everywhere... I left kazzy's answer!!


14. Where did most of your money go?  Bills!  Although I lent some to a close friend.


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?  Was excited about my trip to China, that then got postponed.


16. What song will always remind you of 2025?  I don't really keep up and remember music, despite the radio being on a lot.


17. Compared to this time last year, are you: i. happier or sadder?  About the same.ii. thinner or fatter?  About the same.  iii. richer or poorer?  About the same.


18. What do you wish you'd done more of?  Travel


19. What do you wish you'd done less of?  Procrastinating


20. How did you spend Christmas?  A volunteer took me to Church in the morning, then back home by myself.  I worked part of Boxing Day.


21. What LJ users did you meet?  None, this year.


22. What were your favourite TV programmes?  The Great British Bake-Off, Treasures of the National Trust, Strictly Come Dancing, Legomasters Australia ... and others


23. What was the best book you read?  The Bible.  I read it through every year.


24. What was your greatest musical discovery?  Nothing, I can remember


25. What did you want and get?    My own personal peace


26. What did you want and not get?  Some days, that peace drifted away!  It would have been nice to have spent more times with family & friends.


27. What was your favourite film of this year?  I only watched re-runs, although had been looking forward to seeing the Downton film, but the timing clashed with my injury.


28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?  I was 64 and had brunch with friends, then went to our museum by myself.  Then walked to Tim & Claire's for the evening.


29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not getting injured!


30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2025?  The same as it's always been!


31. What kept you sane?   My faith.


32. What political issue stirred you the most?   I read the headlines - but seeing some of the "changes" that Trump has.  After all, he told us all that USA not only won WWII, but WWI, as well!


33. Who did you miss?  I miss Jiffy and Mum & Dad, still.


34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2025?  That I can cope with things I never thought I would be able to.


35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:  A verse from the hymn "Great is They Faithfullness".  And a reminder that I can get through anything ... it's taken a day at a time (Strength for today), but that there's a positive future ahead.
    Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
    Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
    Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
    Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Well, let's get this posted.

Hope you all had a great New Year x

Comments

[shirebound]

I'm glad you got in your walk. Rena-pup, who ADORES walkies, refused to walk this morning in the 20F/-7C snow and wind... so thank goodness she has a backyard to dash out quickly and use.

*New Year hugs*

[debris4spike]

Nothing stopped Jiffy, but there again we didn't have that extreme.

Misty, the previous spaniel was "delicate" ... a light shower and he wouldn't even go out to have a wee!!!!

[kazzy-cee.livejournal.com]

You've had a tough few months with the torn muscles. I hope they continue to improve.

[debris4spike]

It's certainly been an odd 2025!

[siglinde99.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing!

[debris4spike]

Nice to share with friends