Happy New Year 2026

 At the beginning of January 2025,we celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary with a fun party at Pine Crest Country Club. Wow, 50 years went by so fast! In March, we took a Viking Ocean Cruise to SE Asia, starting in Bali, travelling through Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore finishing in Bangkok, Thailand. We spent two extra days there and headed home, long flight between 24-30 hours with layovers. We loved Asia, the people were so happy and friendly. Even though poverty was so apparent in many areas, the most important thing to them was to have another day of life with their family. I was also fascinated by the melding of the different religious beliefs. SE Asia was so lush and green and wonderfully warm. In July, we had our annual Edisto Beach vacation, the weather was hot this year but it was beautiful for the pool and beach. The end of August, we flew to Vancouver BC and boarded Holland America, Nieuw Amsterdam for a 7 day inside passage Alaskan Cruise followed by a 4 day land excursion. The weather was fantastic in the mid 60's-70's sunny with no rain. Our first port stop was Ketchikan, we were able to see the salmon running, very sad that many do not make it and die. Definitely something to observe, the natural cycle of their life. Second stop Juneau visited the town and took a side trip out to the Mendenhall Glacier. Skagway was our third port. A well preserved mining town with many original buildings that are now shops and restaurants. We took the white mountain scenic rail train up to Yukon, Canada and back. The mountain views were stunning. The next day was spectacular in Glacier Bay National Park. The weather was sunny mid 50's-60's. We had a great view from our balcony of Marjorie Glacier. This glacier is approximately 21 miles long and about 1 mile wide at its face, with a height of about 350 feet in total, including the approximately 100 feet of ice that is submerged underwater. We then went to the bow of the ship for a closer view and for their traditional sampling of Dutch pea soup and mulled wine. Next we saw John Hopkins Inlet and Lamplugh Glacier smaller 8 miles long but more blue coloration in its crevasses. Saw many seals, sea lions and sea otters, too. We spent one more day on ship in the College Fjord seeing the glaciers named after ivy league schools, we saw the glacier breach 3 times , it was amazing. We left ship the next morning and boarded the Denali train for a 9 hour ride into the interior of Alaska. Very relaxing ride, nice views, had breakfast and lunch on the train, and pulled into Denali at 6pm. Denali is breathtaking. We had one night at the lodge. Made the most of it, took a 5 hour tour of the park. Weather was cloudy and cool. Did not see the top of Mt Denali, heavy cloud cover. If I ever venture back to Alaska it would be here at Denali! We were so happy to take this trip, Alaska is stunning, saw the northern lights from the window of our plane going home! We continue to divide our time between Florida and Pennsylvania. This year, we have spent more time in the northeast with our family and grandchildren. Travel plans for 2026 include Scotland and Ireland in May, Edisto Beach and the Christmas markets along the Rhine starting in Basel Switzerland, then Germany, France and the Netherlands. I continue to try new recipes and have added a few to my blog. Check out Crustless Blueberry Cake Pie and Praline Crunch both were stars over the holidays. I was inspired by the sourdough bread in Alaska and when I returned home was able to successfully grow my starter and make sourdough breads! My other passion this year is embroidery. I had done projects many years ago and started again this year, so relaxing. We have been so blessed to have a happy, healthy busy year😊

ear.