January 4, 2026 · 11:42 pm

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

“Bo Sang Umbrella Festival highlights“


This is held annually for 3 days the 3rd week in January; so in 2026 it will be Friday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 18th

“To keep its distinctive folk arts & craft alive, Bo Sang Umbrella Cooperative hangs the paper parasols as street decorations on Bo Sang Road, organizes community learning activities, demonstrations, workshops, and painting competitions.

Just Wravel

The festival also features handicrafts from villages of the Sankampaeng District, from the handmade paper of the Ton Pao Village to the woodworking of the Tawai Village. Once part of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, the town proudly presents craftsmanship that has passed down from generation to generation.” ~ Thailand Now

During the day, from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, Visitors can enjoy the women’s parade cycling down Bo Sang-Doi Saket Road in traditional Thai clothing and holding onto the iconic parasols. This year, there are also the Thailand-Indonesia Sister Cities Cultural Activities from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. In the evenings, the Miss Bo Sang Umbrella Contest will be held from 7:00pm onwards.

Thai 23

On top of that, the festival features vibrant performances that recall the town’s Lanna heritage, such as the Sabad Chai drums. 

Suriyun – Shutterstock

Suriyun – Shutterstock

Today, Bo Sang artisans specialize in various phases of the process:

1. Forming the structure – each individual bamboo strip is precisely carved out and woven into the wooden axles and finished with delicate threadwork.
2. Making saa paper – mulberry bark is dried and then pulverized into pulp. The pulp is then placed into water, dyed, and spread thinly onto a screen.
3. Attaching the paper – the panels are then glued to the ribs of the parasol, with embellishments added as decoration.
4. Painting the umbrella – After sealing with white gesso, the panels are colored with acrylic paints. The final design is then coated with a natural varnish for some protection.

Chiang Mai Travel Hub

And after dark –

Thailandee.com

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January 4, 2026 · 10:55 pm

Monday, January 5th 2026

Sent to me by my good friend, Nora.

Today is a beautiful day here in Chiang Mai. It’s about 11:30 in the morning and it’s 77 degrees F. with lots of sunshine. That said, it feels really cool at 60 or less with no heat. I’m learning to adapt, and I’m glad that I can now tie the arms of my hoodie around my waist so I have another layer, if needed, wherever I go.

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This image is for Donna. The beginning of the turtle puzzle. When it’s finished, it will look like this –

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This is the latest sketch painting. I also made 4 new thank you cards yesterday for my housekeeper, Khun Nong. (I leave a card with her pay each week.)

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This is Ying and Paula, who have made videos to help people learn Thai. I am making a list of the phrases that I want to learn and will ask my son, Brian, to create short clips of each one so I can play them quickly, repeating them over and over so that I can listen really carefully and try to imitate them as closely as possible. Brian says their pronunciation is very good. So far, I can say –

  • Hello (sounds like “sawat dee ka’-ah”)
  • Thank you (sounds like “cawp coon ka’-ah”)
  • Sorry (sounds like “caw tote ka’-ah”)

This is a slow process, but I am determined to get at least the basics down, one phrase at a time.

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I hope you have a happy day.

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January 4, 2026 · 2:45 am

Nature Photography

“Lake Superior – Cook County MN” – Bryan Hansel – @bryanhansel – Substack

“I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day’s work.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

“Loch Clair” – @damianshields.bsky.social

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

“Solace” – JPK – @jpk-art.bsky.social

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

“Street” – @photoblair.bsky.social

“Photography is the story I fail to put into words.” – Destin Sparks

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January 4, 2026 · 2:30 am

Indian Hills Humor Fix

Indian Hills Community Signs – Vince, the Sign Guy

Vince

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January 4, 2026 · 2:23 am

Wishing You

Nanea Hoffman – Sweatpants & Coffee.com

I feel so attuned to this lady. She expresses what I want to say so well, and I love her illustrations.

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Instead of health, wealth, and success – which I also wish you –

I want to emphasize your reaction to the world around you. Your personal world of your family or other loved ones, plus your neighborhood, city, state, and country. Your reaction to what’s happening in the country in which you live, plus all that is happening around the world.

I say this because we are in charge of so little. So little that we can control. All we can really do is reach inside and work on how we are reacting to all the changes around us, the uncertainty, the concern, and more.

The only New Year’s Resolution I’m making is to continue to try to live in the moment. We are all in different stages of life. Once you have done what you personally can do to protect the ones you love, your possessions, etc., I hope that you can give yourself permission to let it go. Worrying over things you can’t control just bunches you up inside and makes you tense, irritable, nervous, and stressed out. Does it do anything else? NO.

I’m concentrating on finding joy. Delight in the little things around me, like a new bird song as we enter the gym. Something intriguing I see on the treadmill video that I missed the first time. A new singer on YouTube who sings their heart out and receives a standing ovation from the crowd of appreciative listeners. White flowers blooming in the middle of a planter full of pink blooms. A cold chocolate drink – with maybe a cookie given to me by the nice server with a smile. The inquiry from an office worker about how my husband is. A sketch that turns out better than I had hoped, or one that is hugely fun to paint. Making real progress on a jigsaw puzzle. Diving into a new book on my Kindle. Finding an article on Substack that brings me to tears it is so beautiful.

If you change your focus, you change your life. Focusing on the good things calms you inside. Smiling at people brings a smile in return. This is something that will improve your health. Positive focus is a survival skill – a habit that will bring so much joy you won’t know where to put it all…

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January 3, 2026 · 3:54 am

Beautiful Birdies

5 Yellow Earth – @kathntaro.bsky.social

“Tame birds sing of freedom. Wild birds fly.” — John Lennon

Michael R Photography – @msriffle.bsky.social

“A heart without dreams is like a bird without feathers.” — Suzy Kassem

@worldwildlife.bsky.social

“Opportunity is a bird that never perches.” — Claude Maxwell MacDonald

Albert Ibers – @albert-ibers.bsky.social

“Birds chirping around you is a beautiful realization that life is incredibly good. Let this sound be a gentle break in your routine.” ― Hiral Nagda

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January 3, 2026 · 3:42 am

Marsha’s Funnies

Sent to me by my good friend, Marsha.

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January 3, 2026 · 3:37 am

Saturday, 1-4-2026

My Info – Pinterest

Today has been a busy, good day.

The gym is open again (HOORAAAAAY!) after the deep cleaning and maintenance time, so we didn’t have to walk in the relative cold in the parking lot today. We had the luxury of being INSIDE in a beautifully clean gym, and I was able to wear shorts and shed my jacket. 💪🏻

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We enjoyed sausage slices (spicy!) and chunks of chicken, plus the last of the tangerines we received recently for New Year’s from a wonderful lady in the office of our building. We also had hot mushroom tea (supposed to do wonderful things for you – with bone broth added – to do MORE wonderful things for you – and then we got on with the rest of our day. 🥣

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We went to visit, Harvey, my husband, in the nursing home. We had trouble getting a GRAB to get out there, having to cancel one order and start another before we actually got a ride. (This is the high season for tourism here, and it causes some transportation problems from time to time.) We met Harvey’s new nurse. She is a lovely, very young woman. She said her name, which went in one ear and out the other for me. Before we left, Brian had her write it down because he understands the pronunciation better if he can see it written down (vowels, in particular, are a complex thing in Thai. Unless you can see the actual Thai character, you aren’t sure which one they are talking about.) Brian said he would work with me on the pronunication of her name at dinner tonight.

Harvey didn’t seem concerned about the change in nurses, thank goodness. We were particularly glad the nurse is female, as my husband gets very agitated if a male does anything at all. (He actually wanted us to check for his gun in his room, because he said he might need it later because there was a male who came into his room. We pointed out that the man works at the nursing home and that he probably had a good reason for coming into the room. That didn’t convince my stubborn husband. (He also was saying he had killed two birds with one shot that morning. We asked what the birds had done to annoy him, and he shrugged. When I told him I thought shooting birds who hadn’t done anything wrong was a bit harsh, he just looked at me.)

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On the way home from the nursing home, we stopped at Maya, (the small mall – only 160 stores). Brian has been wanting to get another sweatshirt, and he was able to find one. He wanted me to look for more jeans and tops. I ended up with a pair of jeans, two tees, and some ankle socks. 🤗 We had trouble getting a GRAB, and so we had my first ride on a TukTuk.

This original painting – the first in my new place here – shows a TukTuk. It’s basically a motorcyle for three, with a top and a bench seat behind the driver. No seat belts. Open all around, and this one was short on shock absorbers. 🤣. I put my purse between my knees and held on for dear life on the one place I could reach on the side of the vehicle. Brian seemed unconcerned, but I was glad when she got us to the chocolate place in one piece. It was FUN, though, and was good for this stodgy old woman…

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I just finished rolling up the jeans and tacking them so they won’t unroll. They were still a third size from the ones I got recently, so I still have no clue what size I am since my weight loss. I just hold them up to me and try on the ones that have a chance of fitting. (Of the two I took in the fitting room today, one pair fit fine and the other pair was too large!)

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My time got away from me today and I’m late getting to the computer to write to you. My hair blows as the days go past here. I’m so lucky to be in a wonderful country that is such a delight!

I hope that your Friday or Saturday is going well, and that you have a lot for which to be grateful.

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January 1, 2026 · 10:11 pm

Friendship

Success.com

There is a huge difference between acquaintances and friends. I’ve always had a wonderful number of acquaintances – people with whom I enjoyed doing a certain activity; people in a same club with the same interests; people joined by a circumstance or location, then going our separate ways, promising to try to keep up, but inevitably fading away, due to the busy-ness of our lives, lack of time and energy, etc.

I have had very few real friends – and all of these as an adult. There is something I see in a person’s eyes, a deepness that speaks of loss without words. We ‘recognize’ each other immediately and feel a closeness. We’re drawn to each other, already feeling as if we know each other.

If you’re lucky, you will have a real friend. This is a friendship that will last years and years and doesn’t depend on where you are or how long it’s been since you last spoke. When you reunite, it’s as if you never left, you pick up and go on, never losing speed, filling in the gaps and building again.

Sometimes you ‘meet’ people on the Internet. You may meet each other once or never actually get to meet face-to-face. It doesn’t matter. The friendship grows piece by piece, kindness by kindness, built by feeling free to share your real thoughts, hopes, dreams, disappointments, losses, hurts, joys, celebrations – all without judgment on either side. How amazing is that?

You only want the best for each other. You want to encourage them to do things that bring them happiness, fulfilment, joy.

You feel with them, laugh and cry with them, help each other through the ups and downs of life.

If you’re lucky, these friendships will build and build over years until you are each other’s second self.

If you’re lucky enough to find a friend like this, tell them how much they mean to you, how much you treasure their friendship and love. There will never be another bond like this. It’s unique and beautiful.

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January 1, 2026 · 9:30 pm

Giggles and Grins

Sent to me by my good friend, Marsha

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January 1, 2026 · 9:25 pm

Awe-Inspiring Photos

@cosminstan.bsky.social

“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” — Delia Owens

Mira – @deepgreens.bsky.social

“I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” — Dodinsky

VT365 – @abzzzz.bsky.social

“The heart of autumn must have broken here, and poured its treasure upon the leaves.” — Charlotte Bates

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January 1, 2026 · 9:13 pm

Friday, Jan. 2nd, 2026

Drawing – Mouse in Stone

This is my latest painted sketch.

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The Kavanaugh Report

We stretched, then walked up and down the long, well-lit, well-paved parking lot for 30 minutes this morning before dawn, the last day we need to do this before the gym reopens after deep-cleaning and maintenance.

Horizon Education Centers

It’s “The Cool Season” here in Chiang Mai, Thailand (my first) and I’m having a bit of difficulty adapting. The low is supposed to be 50 with the highs in the low 80s from November 1st until around February 15th. I love the afternoons, but struggle a bit to stay warm in the early mornings and evenings.

There is no heat here – 3/4 of the year is really hot, so they gear up with air conditioners for that and just weather through (pardon the pun) the cooler season. No space heaters are considered safe. Same with electric blankets. I am learning to dress in layers, heat up water to drink if needed, take warm showers (instant heaters there), and enjoy being able to sit beside my window when the sun comes up.

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Wikimedia Commons

My massage therapist has gone home to be with her family, so I won’t have my weekly massage today. Instead, I’ll do an extra-long session of “Old Lady” yoga stretches to try to make up for it.

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http://www.leaveusthemess.com

Khun Nong, my wonderful cleaning lady, comes this afternoon, so I will vacate the premises so she can clean in peace. Brian and I will go the cafe to be out of her way. I’ll take my sketchbook and supplies, my Kindle, my earbuds so I can listen to music, and my sweatshirt, in case they have the temperature in freezer mode. 🥶

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I am starting today to try to add to the pathetic list of Thai phrases I can say. I can say, “Hello, and have a blessed day,” (sounds like ,‘sawat dee KA’-ah) and “Thank you.” (sounds like, ‘cawp coon KA’-ah)

For a while I gave myself a pass because my husband had a stroke, I was moving into a new condo, I was in a strange place trying to recover from having to have a pacemaker installed due to my heart stopping twice Feb. 11th in the ER at the hospital. After the hospitalization and surgeries, I discovered my hearing was significantly affected, plus my balance. I now have good hearing aids, and I’m working on re-training my brain on the balance and inner ear issues.

So, no more excuses. My plan is to add one new phrase each week. This week’s phrase is “sorry.” I have a really good source of YouTube videos with two ladies teaching Thai phrases. My son, Brian, says their pronunciation is good and is encouraging me to imitate them as closely as I can. (He also reminds me that I frown when I’m concentrating, so I’m trying to remember to try to keep a pleasant, smiling face while I’m trying to come up with the proper phrase…🤪)

This is part of honoring the traditions and language and customs of Thailand, my new home. I am slow, but I will really try hard to show everyone how happy I am to be here.

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Thai Bananas – Nam Wah

One of the cleaning ladies gave Brian a bunch of Thai bananas a couple of days ago!

And one of the ladies in the office came running to catch me yesterday as I was going to pick up a coffee from the delivery area. She held the elevator for me and gave me a bag of these Thai tangerines!

Both of these show how wonderful the people in our building are. Brian gave cards with a hand-written note and a bit of cash to each of the staff here for New Year’s. I had given each person a hand-painted Christmas cards earlier. The kindness of Thai people is the thing that stands out beyond all else here. They continue to ask about Brian’s dad in the nursing home, and come up and hug me, asking how I am (with Brian’s translation.) I’m simply overwhelmed.

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I hope that you are entering 2026 with a wide-open heart, hopeful that we will all enjoy a new year full of reasons to smile.

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December 31, 2025 · 7:52 pm

Greeting 2026 with a Smile

Sent to me by my good friend, Marsha

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December 31, 2025 · 7:46 pm

Wonderful Watercolors

“Joyful Day, Water Over Mountain” – Marjorie Glick – outdoorpainter.com

“Our memories, the way we tend to experience them, are sort of fuzzy around the edges, like a watercolor that has bled into the past and is not totally clear.” ~ Lisa Joy

Steve Mitchell – Strathmoreartist.com

“Part of why I like watercolor is that mistakes are visible, and you can’t really repair much. It has to look easy. When it comes out, it looks easy, but to get to that point takes a lot of doing.” ~ Chris Raschka

“Path Conservatory Garden Central Park” – Beverly Brown – fineartamerica.com

“When I was nine, my great grandfather, a landscape painter, taught me to mix colors. With his strong hand surrounding my small one, he guided the brush until a calla lily appeared as if by magic on a page of textured watercolor paper.” ~ Susan Vreeland

“Imaginary Landscape” – Esperoart.com – Watercolor with Chris

“Being creative is my idea of heaven. I’m just incredibly fortunate that I can do it in artwork. Watercolor is what I started out with. What I love about watercolor is that a lot of happy accidents occur.” ~ Jane Seymour

Artsydee – Pinterest

“Because watercolor actually moves on the paper, it is the most active of all mediums, almost a performance art.” ~ Nita Engle

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December 31, 2025 · 7:29 pm

2026!

pngtree

I went to sleep early last night, simply too sleepy to stay awake. Right at midnight the sound of explosions woke me up. I looked out my bedroom window to see the most glorious display of fireworks I have EVER seen. I was up high enough that even though the fireworks were being set off behind buildings, I felt like I was INSIDE the colors streaking everywhere, sparkling, one after the other for a full 5 minutes. My heart was in my throat by the end of this, SO happy to be awakened for such a great reason! 🥳 🎆

In Arkansas, we would have this mailbox decoration up to welcome the new year. Calvin & Hobbes were always one of our favorites.

Whether you’ve already celebrated, or will celebrate tonight, I wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope that this year brings you wonderful things, surrounds you with lots and lots of love, and brings a smile to your face as you do things you love.

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December 31, 2025 · 1:23 am

Awesome Photos

Tracy Chrest – Substack – @tracychrest989204

“If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” – Mark Twain

@jeffvandermeer.bsky.social

“Live bold, without fear. This is life amongst the deer.”
― Katelyn S. Bolds

Randy Wei – @randyweiphoto.bsky.social

“The hawk is aerial brother of the wave which he sails over and surveys, those his perfect air-inflated wings answering to the elemental unfledged pinions of the sea.”
– Henry David Thoreau

Mike Saunders – @hardwaterhacker.bsky.social

“In the eyes of an owl, we find the depth of wisdom.” — Unknown

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December 31, 2025 · 12:57 am

New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai 2025

Bangkokair.com

We visited my husband, Harvey, in the nursing home this morning. It was Khun Yuwaret’s (Harvey’s nurse’s) last day, as she is going home to be with her family. We are really going to miss her. She has treated Harvey like he was her dad, and you can’t get better care than that. I got some pics, and the visit was a good one. When I told him I loved him, he said, “I reciprocate.” 🤣

We live on a busy street in Chiang Mai, and the celebrating may be loud and boisterous tonight. Harvey asked if there would be fireworks. I hadn’t thought of that, so I thanked him for giving me something to look forward to. Brian and I have no interest in getting out in the midst of young, drinking revelers, but I love fireworks. We will get up early tomorrow, as we do every morning, to do our walking, celebrating the beginning of a brand, spanking new year, full of possibilities.

Chiang Mai fireworks will probably originate from the river that runs through the old, original center of the city. That will make them much safer. I hope they will start as soon as it gets dark!

This was sent to me by my good friend, Nora. I think it’s beautiful.

Happy New Year, whether you’re celebrating tonight or tomorrow. Wishing you a joyous year full of love and gratitude.

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December 31, 2025 · 12:28 am

Getting the Lard Off Report Dec. 2025

Pinterest

Today is New Year’s Eve here in Thailand – time to account for my efforts to lose the lard.

For me, this finally started about two years ago. I had developed lots of health issues, plus my husband was diagnosed with Type II diabetes (he never has admitted this – only says he ‘has a sugar problem‘.) Anyway, it was time for us to try to get serious about changing our ways.

We adopted a low carb diet plan. I got lots of help from Suzanne Ryan, who wrote “Simply Keto” a diet plan with recipes. She also has a blog called, “Keto Karma.”

Last February we got another wake up call – my husband and I both getting Type A Flu, his with pneumonia and mine with bronchitis and low blood oxygen. I went to the ER, died twice Feb. 11th, and was given a second chance at life with a temporary, then permanent pacemaker.

We were too sick to care for each other, so I wrote our son, who lives in
Thailand. He dropped everything, flew 24 hours to get to our home, nursed us back to health and convinced us to sell everything and move to Thailand to be close to him.

We moved to Thailand the last day of March, moving into an air bnb in the same building as our son. Two weeks later my husband had a stroke and is now in a nursing home. I have a condo now in the same building as our son.

I have been using my second chance at life to live it to the fullest, incorporating joy wherever possible. A visit to a doctor here showed blood pressure in the danger zone. I was told to lose weight, exercise, and was put on high blood pressure medication.

REPORT:

To date I have lost 86.6 pounds and 83 inches. I’m in the healthy range on the BMI charts for the first time I can remember. The healthy range for a 5’4″ female is 108-132. I started at 205. I’m at 118.3 this morning. My goal is 115-110, TBD.

I am eating breakfast and dinner, with a coffee or chocolate drink as a snack some afternoons, watching my portions. I’m not as strict on the low carb, being in Thailand where carbs are king, plus “Western food” being more expensive by far.

I am walking a mile on the treadmill at the gym every morning. I used to hang onto the bars for dear life, but now am able to walk without holding on at all. (My brain and body need to be retrained on balance since my experience at the hospital, and my inner ears are still causing problems when I’m walking and turn my head to either side.) I am improving, though, so I’m grateful.

I’m doing old lady yoga stretches one day – along with special exercises suggested by my son, Brian, and the doctor – and I’m trying to do a plank for as long as possible; alternating with arm exercises with water bottles the next day; plus Internet balance exercises daily and dancing like a nut to some great music. (I wear headphones so I don’t bother the neighbors.)

So that’s the report. I’m hopeful that in 2026 I’ll reach my final weight loss goal and can switch to maintenance, plus add to, or modify the exercise program I’m following now to gain stamina, strength, and flexibility.

Onward and downward!

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December 29, 2025 · 11:13 pm

Memes

Memes provided via “Idiots in Public Places” on Facebook – via Nikita Manot & Dominyka Proskenaite of BoredPanda.com

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December 29, 2025 · 11:01 pm

“70”

This is a re-post of an article written by Larry Edge of Substack. I related to it so many times that I asked him for permission to share it here with you.

Larry Edge – @ldedge on Substack

70

When I turned 70, I sat in my favorite chair, looked back at my life, and whispered to myself,

“So… this is the beginning of the final stretch.”

And slowly, the truths I had avoided all my life began to surface.

Kids? They’re busy writing their own story.

Health? Slips away faster than sand through open fingers.

The government? Just headlines, promises, and numbers that never change your daily reality.

Aging doesn’t hurt your body first — it hurts your illusions.

So I sat down with myself and carved out a handful of bitter but necessary truths.

⸻

Kids don’t save you from loneliness

Children grow, life pulls them in every direction, and you become a memory they visit when time allows.

You smile… and yet something inside you remains strangely hollow.

Kids bring joy — but they are not a shield against loneliness.

⸻

Health is not forever

One day, the outings you once jumped into with enthusiasm feel like a marathon.

You realize health was never a background character —

it was the main pillar holding your life steady.

⸻

Retirement and money

Retirement is not a reward — it’s a reality check.

Depending on the system is like standing on thin ice.

Bills grow, needs grow, prices grow… but support doesn’t.

So I rebuilt my life on new rules — honest, sharp, practical rules for living with dignity.

⸻

Rule 1: Money is more reliable than anything else.

Love your kids, cherish them —

but don’t make them your retirement plan.

Save for yourself.

Even small savings create big freedom.

Financial independence is dignity.

⸻

Rule 2: Your health is your real job

Nothing else matters if your body refuses to cooperate.

Move. Walk. Stretch.

Guard your sleep like treasure.

Eat cleaner. Reduce the poison disguised as sugar and salt.

Illness doesn’t discriminate,

but it respects those who take responsibility for themselves.

⸻

Rule 3: Create your own joy

Waiting for others to make you happy is the fastest way to heartbreak.

So you learn to enjoy the small things —

a peaceful breakfast, a good book, music that warms the soul.

When you know how to make yourself happy, loneliness loses its power.

⸻

Rule 4: Aging is not an excuse to become helpless

Some people turn aging into a performance of complaints. And slowly, even those who love them start stepping away.

Strength is attractive.

Resilience is magnetic.

People respect the ones who stay capable, not the ones who surrender.

So I rebuilt my life on new rules — honest, sharp, practical rules for living with dignity.

⸻

Rule 5: Let go of the past

The good old days were beautiful — yes.

But they’re gone, and there is no return ticket.

Clinging to the past steals the present.

Life today may look different, but it still holds moments worth living.

⸻

Rule 6: Protect your peace like it’s your property

Not every argument needs your voice.

Not every insult needs your response.

Not every relative deserves access to your emotions.

Peace is expensive.

Protect it from drama, negativity, and draining people —

even if they’re your close ones.

⸻

Rule 7: Keep learning something — anything

The day you stop learning is the day you start aging.

A new recipe, a new word, a new app, a new hobby —

your brain needs movement just like your body does.

Learning keeps you young.

Stagnation makes you old.

⸻

Strength and freedom still belong to you

Aging is an exam no one can take for you.

You can adapt, rebuild, and rise stronger…

or sit back, complain, and wait for someone to rescue you.

And if ….

No one comes to rescue you ….

Stand up for yourself …

Because  you still can..

And that single truth is enough to transform the rest of your life.

Unknown author

And there are horses. You can always find a horse that needs you as much as you need them. Ruella Yates

Credit: Tammy Stedman

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December 29, 2025 · 10:21 pm

Tuesday 12-30-2025

These are my two latest sketch paintings.

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Tina Ann

I didn’t feel well this morning, so I opted out of our walking and also skipped breakfast. I finally managed to get warm enough putting a sweatshirt over my clothes, plus the throw Brian gave me, and later, when the sun came up, sitting in the sunshine beside my window. I’m feeling functional now, so all is good. I’ll just rest and take it easy today, so I’ll be in fighting form again tomorrow. 💪🏻

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I would love to be a fly on the wall when my housekeeper, Khun Nong, comes in and sees my finished dolphins puzzle Friday. She very carefully cleans around my puzzle mess each week. I hope she smiles when she sees the finished product. 🧩. Brian came and took pics to send to the glass printer, so another treasure will go on my signature shelf in my living area. Friday after Khun Nong finishes, I’ll bag up the dolphins puzzle carefully and donate it. I’ll take out my new turtle puzzle – cleaning the table thoroughly first – and will start a NEW mess!

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Xmas 2025 – Gift from Server

My favorite server at the cafe where we spend time while Khun Nong is cleaning waved me over to show me a note written in Thai – then translated to English via his phone – apologizing that his gift was so small. I showed him I was USING the cute pouch he gave me, with the stuffed handmade Christmas tree attachment, to hold my sketching supplies. I thanked him again. What a nice young man he is!

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My son checked on me a while ago, wanting me to eat something. I asked for a tuna sandwich with avocado that we had recently. When he texted that the delivery was in the lobby, I went down, got my laundry, and the cleaning lady came over and hugged me! She then got the elevator for me, but I showed her I needed to go and pick up my ‘brunch,’ so she waited while I got it and then ushered me into the elevator. I’m am completely overwhelmed by how nice people are here!

2025 is almost over. We need to embrace 2026 with all the possibilities and opportunities it will offer.

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December 29, 2025 · 12:19 am

Wonderful Photos

Quokka – @worldwildlife.bsky.social

“Quokkas are like sunshine with fur.” ~ Unknown

Artologica aka Michele Banks – @artologica.net

“A squirrel’s curiosity is its key to survival; always ready to explore the unknown branches of life.” ~ Unknown

Helen Bennett – @helenbennett.bsky.social

“Every tree is a playground to the spirited squirrel.” ~ Unknown

John McGowen – @jmc223.bsky.social

“Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive.” — Marty Rubin

“Umm. Hello. The suet feeder is empty.” – Kristin Wyatt – @kristinwyatt.bsky.social

“Birds chirping around you is a beautiful realization that life is incredibly good. Let this sound be a gentle break in your routine.” ― Hiral Nagda

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December 28, 2025 · 10:58 pm

Memories – My Brother

This is my brother, Chris, on the left, and one of his sons, Eliot, on the right.

I always wanted a large family with brothers and sisters who loved and supported each other with a bond that was never-ending. My parents were both only children and when they had my brother, and then me, 4 years later, that was plenty in their eyes.

Inadvertently, my parents created a situation where my brother and I were in competition. It was difficult because he always was better in every way than I.

  • In grade school, he brought home all A’s consistently while I brought home mostly A’s and B’s. In one 9-week grading period I brought home a ‘C’ in math, my most dreaded subject. My parents sort of ‘withdrew’ from me, saying the C was not acceptable, and were distant from me for 9 weeks until the next grade card showed a ‘B.”
  • In junior high and high school, my brother continued bringing home all A’s, plus played baseball and won some swimming contests. I played the guitar and sang for a folk music show and taught swimming every summer from when I was 14 until I finished college. I was also a life guard at the local swimming club.
  • In college, my brother got a scholarship to the University of Denver, eventually earning a Doctorate (Dr. Wheaton) while I worked at a local diner off campus at Oklahoma State University, eventually earning a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist.
  • My brother decided he didn’t want to teach, so he got a job as a VP in a firm who provided insurance agents to help in disasters. He was in the advertising department. I got a teaching degree and taught in the public schools in Tulsa for 8 years, then ran my own reading clinic, teaching kindergarten through adults for 3 years.

For some reason I will never know, when I was in college, my mother decided to share with me that my brother described me as, “Not worth knowing.” That summation of my worth hurt beyond description, devastating me for quite a while, but eventually giving me a great gift –

What did I learn from my brother?

  • “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are,” attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing resourcefulness, action, and making the most of your current situation to build momentum and achieve goals, rather than waiting for ideal circumstances. 
  • I learned to simply keep my head down and be who I am and not judge my “worth” by other people’s opinions or standards. I do the best I can do at any given time and that is enough.
  • I learned that my parents are human, as are we all. They didn’t mean to create a situation where my brother and I competed and I felt failure and loss of love due to the results of the “contest.” What they wanted to create was an atmosphere where we met whatever standards were set and surpassed expectations when possible. They wanted us to succeed, feel the joy of a job well done, of achievement. They wanted us to set high goals, meet them, and then set others.
  • I learned that my brother wasn’t perfect, and that relationships either develop and thrive or they don’t. His opinion actually made me set goals for myself to try to prove him wrong. That didn’t happen, but I learned it didn’t NEED to happen.
  • I am more independent, self-directed, and loving toward the people I care about than I probably would have been otherwise.
  • I am never bored. I always have more to do than time or energy to do them.

Especially now, when my parents and my brother are gone, I can concentrate on happy memories – like when my brother and I won the men’s division and women’s division respectively in ping pong at my parent’s swimming club several years running. I thank him for making me strong enough to face whatever life throws at me, changing what I can and adapting when I need to, even thriving when life throws yet another curve ball.

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December 28, 2025 · 9:54 pm

Monday, 12-29-2025

Peter Hogarth – @peterhogarthartist.bsky.social

I want to PET this doggo!

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George Dagerotip – Unsplash

Our gym is closed for a week for deep cleaning and maintenance. Brian and I found a well-lit, well-paved parking lot for our walking this morning. We walked to the end and back over and over for our 30 minutes. It was cool – 61 degrees F., so I wore sweatpants instead of my gym shorts and wore my jeans jacket. It was a good walk. 🚶

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My puzzle is finished! I asked Brian to come to my place this morning to take a picture that he will send to have a glass print made for my special shelf in my living area. YIPPEEEEE!

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I don’t know how much ‘weight’ the BMI Chart carries in reality, but this is what I’ve been basing my status on for a long time.

I am 5’4″ and shrinking. 😀 I began my ‘lose-the-lard’ efforts about two years ago, trying to move from morbidly obese, at 35 on the chart, to my now ‘healthy’ reading at 20. I have read that a healthy range for a female of my height is between 108-132. I am at 119 now, shooting, I think) for 115. I’ll make another decision when I get there.

This is me (on the right) in 2013.

This is me this morning.

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This is the type of day I love the most now – where I can move from one activity to the next as I choose without pressure. I want to take the waist in on a pair of fleece-type snuggly pants, I’ll do my yoga practice, write my blog posts, play on the computer, paint at least one of my sketches in my art alcove, listen to music, read my book, stand in the sun at my window, and more. AHHHHHHH!

I hope that your day has moments of joy, too.

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December 28, 2025 · 6:23 am

Sunday, December 28th, 2025

@dailybunnies.bsky.social

We went to see my husband, Harvey, this morning. We had a hard time getting a Grab for the trip to the nursing home because it’s ‘high season’ for tourists now. He was calm, glad to see us, and followed what we were saying. All in all, a good visit.

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This is the latest painting.

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I’m almost finished with my jigsaw puzzle of the dolphins. I’m having to go through and rearrange some areas, but I WILL prevail! 😁

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liftingitalia.com

Our gym is closing starting tomorrow for a week for deep cleaning, maintenance, etc., so Brian and I will walk in a park every morning instead.

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The day got away from me today. I will try to write more tomorrow.

I hope you are doing well.

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December 27, 2025 · 2:28 am

Drool and Dream – “My Chair”

I showed you a picture of the beautiful white rattan chair we saw in a window. I see it in my dreams. I discovered that this is actually in a hotel, and so is not for sale – neither the chair, nor the white cat who was sleeping on the cushions once. 😡 (assuming I could afford it)

I have been searching for “my statement rattan chair” that would live in the corner of my living area between my dining table and my sofa. I can picture myself, cozy and comfortable, with a drink on the table beside me, reading a book, listening to music, sketching, or taking a nap….

I probably can’t afford any of these unless we win the lottery, but I can drool and dream…

Here are some candidates for “my chair “-

Bed, Bath & Beyond – Blossom Accent Chair (doesn’t include the table beside it)

Luxe Designer Furniture

Throne Kingdom

http://www.reichard.de.br

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December 27, 2025 · 2:05 am

My World of Books

Nora Roberts – The Lost Bride Trilogy

I finished the trilogy a couple of days ago. A young woman inherits a mansion from a relative she didn’t know she had, and discovers it’s haunted. She and her friends try to rid the mansion of the malevolent ghost who wants the mansion for herself.

I recommend this highly. I liked the people Nora created. Strong, intelligent, talented young woman who don’t shy away from a fight. Caring men who become part of the group help the women in their quest. I would love to know these people in real life. The story compelled me to keep reading – just one more chapter when I should have been doing something else. I just didn’t want to put my Kindle down. I’ve provided a link above to the trilogy on Amazon.

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I have told you about R.G. Ryan, one of my ‘new’ favorite authors. He’s active on X, newly active to Substack, plus has written many books, one series of which is the Jake Moriarity series, about a man ‘who finds people.’ I read six of the books in the series, and then found that R.G. had written a “Prequel,” so downloaded that and read it, and then wanted to re-read the six books again. The first in the series is “Watercolor Dreams.” I’m now re-reading book 2, “Finding Wonderland.”

I am thoroughly intrigued by the main character, Jake Moriarity. He is tough when he needs to be – even ruthless – and yet is brought to tears by situations involving his family and friends. In each book you learn more about him. His friends and relatives are people you would want to know. The group is fiercely loyal to each other. I find the series fascinating. When I finish the six books I have (not counting the “Prequel: The Last Happy Summer”) I will pester RG to provide more.

Happy reading!

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December 27, 2025 · 1:40 am

Saturday 12-27-2025

These are the last two sketches I painted.

Today is a good day. We didn’t have anything on the schedule after going to the gym, so I’ve been able to bounce from one activity to the next without worrying about what time it is.

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Sew Fabulous

I did a bunch of sewing today. I only do rudimentary sewing, but I have a very small sewing kit and have been doing things like taking in the waist of my jeans until I got to the point where I wanted to buy more. Today I darned a sock; I rolled up the pants legs of my new jeans and tacked the rolls in place so I don’t fall on my head tripping over my too-long jeans. The style here seems to be long jeans, though, so my shortness isn’t a problem, as long as I don’t sprawl headlong into something. I also shortened and hemmed the sleeves of the 3rd blouse that needed that. I put a gold star (mentally) on the calendar today for all this. 🌟

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Reddit

I have 4 more pounds to lose to get to at least my interim weight loss goal. The end is in sight after over two years of trying to lose the lard. The new jeans were a celebration of getting to this point. Even if I decide to go for 9 more pounds, these jeans will be fine. I still can’t believe I’m almost there. You will be able to hear me cheering when I reach the final goal and begin maintenance!

Marao.ge

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Today I have done a piece of this, a little of that, and back again, varying my activity to try to stay productive. I’ve been working on my puzzle, closing in on finishing it now. My son will get to gripe when I show him the finished puzzle and ask him to take a pic to send to the glass print place.! 🤭

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Khun Nong, my wonderful housekeeper, left me a little surprise yesterday. I had received a really nice gift from one of the servers at the cafe where we go regularly to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans. There was a zippered pouch, a bunch of stickers, a stuffed Christmas tree, a stuffed cute critter, etc. I loved it. I’m using the pouch with the Christmas tree attached as a holder for my sketching supplies. I put a couple of stickers on my sketchbook. He was really happy when he saw I was using his gift yesterday😁.

If you’ll look closely, you can see a couple of additions to the corner of my art alcove – a cute stuffed critter is hanging from my plant spritzer, and there is a small thing sitting on one of the leaves of my orchid plant.

This is another of the things the server included in my gift – at first glance it looks like a frog, but it’s a cute little kid wearing a frog outfit. I never would have thought of putting it here, but it looks like just the place.

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I hope that you are enjoying your Christmas weekend, whether you’re into it, as I am, or just starting it. Have fun!

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December 25, 2025 · 11:26 pm

Kids at Christmas

Kenda Davis – 3 Peat – Pinterest

Kenda Davis – 3 Peat – Pinterest

Kenda Davis – 3 Peat – Pinterest

Kenda Davis – 3 Peat – Pinterest

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December 25, 2025 · 11:21 pm

Animals at Christmas 2

lolcats

Pinterest

Roxanne Elise Engle – Pinterest

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December 25, 2025 · 11:15 pm

Merry Christmas 2025

Giphy

I love the fact that this doggie seems to be enjoying being a Christmas tree.

Cardfool.com

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Brian and I went to a get-together yesterday afternoon and evening at the beautiful condo of a friend nearby, joined by our adoptive family and a BUNCH of other people. I knew some of them and met a whole lot of others. There were three kids there as well as the adults, so it was a fun mix.

A beautifully decorated table was groaning with all kinds of finger foods. Brian kept going and filling our plate with more – and I ate ALL of my share, loving every bite.

As we got ready to leave, I thanked our hosts and gave them a Christmas card. I then went around the room, distributing the cards I had made. My Christmas gift was seeing the surprise and pleasure the cards brought. If you could ‘see happiness,’ it was overflowing out of the top of my head…

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Yesterday morning we visited Harvey at the nursing home. It was a visit I will treasure. It started with him greeting me saying, “Hi, Babe.” He was alert, not in pain, and not complaining about anything. I gave Khun Yuwaret, his nurse, the card I made for her and we cried and hugged each other. We have been so lucky to have her take care of Harvey. She will be missed and no one will ever replace her.

Harvey told me that he had ordered 40 gallons of coffee for me and a handbag. (there is no way he can actually DO this, thank goodness). When I reminded him that we had loved each other for over 64 years now (56+ married and then 9 years or so before that while we were dating), he said, “64 years is a good start.” And then he said, “You are my Miss Universe.” He also said that I was his ‘favorite’ wife. (He has announced he has married several others since his stroke and has fathered children on Mars.) I told him that as long as I was his “Number 1” wife, he could have as many women in his harem as he liked. There was just a glimmer of a smile at that. Both Brian and I saw it. It was the first since April’s stroke. To say that I will never forget this visit is an understatement.

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On the way back from visiting Harvey, we stopped at Central Festival, the big mall in Chiang Mai, so that I could see the decorations and we could see if I could find a pair of jeans that fit.

The decorations were pretty, but not what I expected. There were signs here and there of the queen mother, who passed away last month, saying celebrations had been held to a minimum in deference to her passing.

I did find two pairs of jeans and two new tees. Since my weight loss, I had no clue what size I wear. Compounding this problem, Thai people are very small. That means that if there is any ‘size’ to YOU, you have to think to get several sizes larger than your normal size in order to have a chance of getting into it. We just held them up in front of me and I took a trip to the dressing room.

I still don’t know what size I wear – 26 cms – 12A – 6-B1 were on the labels, but I feel GOOD that I am close to my weight loss goal now and I’m delighted that I feel so much healthier. I’ll continue to try to get to my goal, but my focus is changing to adding more varieties of exercise to my day to increase stamina, flexibility, strength, and balance. Merry Christmas to me!

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I had my weekly massage this morning and it was terrific, as usual. This afternoon we will go the cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I love being a pampered “Lady of Leisure!”

Merry Christmas!

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