My Last Post for 2025

a good goal for every year

This is the last Hodgepodge for 2025. If you want to join in by answering these questions on your blog, click here.

 1. Did you make resolutions or set goals for the year we're waving goodbye? How did that work out for you? Will you set any goals for this new year, new season, or new month? Share one or two if you'd like to share. 

I don't remember making any specific New Year's resolutions for 2025. But I do try to not repeat past mistakes, striving to "get it right!!!" -- whatever the issue is at hand.

wisdom from FaceBook

2. When did you have the most fun this year? 

We have visited a lot of historical places this year (which I wrote about in our Christmas newsletter). I have discovered how much I enjoy museums and learning life lessons from the experiences of others. (with the hope maybe I can avoid some of their pitfalls??)

3. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2025? Tell us why. 

One of my sons and I were talking about music from years ago that we have recently enjoyed again. "Praise the Lord" by The Imperials has blessed me any/every time I hear it and it's been revived for me in 2025. This is the link on youtube: Praise the Lord

4. Best (or a favorite) bite of something delicious you tasted this year? 

The day after Christmas we met family at Da Vinci Pizza and Pasta in Gainesville. I ordered an entire pizza for myself so I could take home the leftovers for supper. At the first bite I knew I'd made the right decision. It tasted so good that I had to remind myself to save some for the take-home box!

I am also infatuated with the sweet, spicy pickles served at Couchon Butcher, a popular casual sidewalk cafe in New Orleans where we dined 3 times during our November trip. 

photo from Couchon Butcher website

5. What do you want to do more of in the new year? Less of? 

More laughter, more bike rides, more walks, more time to read, more pizza, more laughter, more quiet meals with loved ones beside water (ocean, Gulf, rivers, streams, lakes), more blogging, and a better understanding of the issues that trouble me. 

Less concern about those things I cannot change (although prayer about them will continue).

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This, from Marcus Stanley on Facebook, really says it for me: 

It is a fact that we cannot blink our eyes or take a breath of air without God's grace. He could "pull the plug" at any time! We need to express our gratitude to Him for everything.

One of my girlfriends is distributing these tickets for New Year's Eve.  I got one for YOU! 🤭🎉🥳 (Thank you, Ona!)

Thanks for reading my blog this past year. I hope we can continue this relationship in 2026! We all need validation and kindness. You so considerately do that for me in your comments, and I try to return the favor on your blogs as well. 

Both now and into next year, grace and peace to you.

Barbara