Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Hello to a new year........


Welcome 2019!  I have been looking forward to you so much, or might I say looking forward to all the holiday stuff being done.  This is my favorite time of year in Florida.  The leaves are falling from the trees making a carpet of crispness to walk through.  The evenings are cool, the days still warm.  It is wonderful outside.


The boys have been having loads of fun running around after a squirrel or two who darts across my screened enclosure.  Max used to do this daily with the same squirrel, or the squirrel's descendants.   Run, run, run across the lanai, back and forth throughout the day.  The squirrel has the advantage, the boys fall for it every time. 


No deep words of wisdom about the year that has past.  It has been crazy as far as politics, natural disasters, shootings and all that.  Each story more horrific than the next.  I so hope this will end for all of our sake but it looks far from it at this point.  I think our collective levels of stress continue to be at an all time high.


As well as the tough times there has been light.  These two entered our lives last January, grabbed our hearts and never let go.  Even though they gave us quite a scare with their mad adventure they have enriched our lives so much.  They are still very mischievous,  grabbing reading glasses is their favorite thing to do.  Still we are so blessed to have them in our family.


2018 was not my best year at making things.  But I did work an extra amount, I mean averaging 14.5 more treatments a months this year.  As each treatment is an hour you can see how that adds up.  So most of the week was about work and Little Buddy, not creating.  I did knit a sweater and a shawl, so knitting did happen on this blog called Mereknits!  Amazing if you think about it!   My favorite projects were the East End sweater, my second Zick Zack Shawl, and last but not least my latest finish my Slouchy Crochet Cardigan.  Only 12 projects were completed because of those work hours.  And only 9,875 yards of yarn used, but that is okay there is more to use this year. 


This year there are no resolutions of exercise or eating right.  I do what I can with the time I have available.  I am thinking more of really trying to do with what I have before buying more.  I am going to see how long I can go without buying new clothes or shoes, I really have all that I need.  I am going to try and continue to work from stash as much as I can, there are three baby blankets for me to make so far this year and all that yarn will have to be purchased, but the rest of my projects should come from stash first.  I am not picking a word to lead my year but will continue on with this quote from Oprah, "Have faith that the universe has your back."  With all the potential changes at work, with Little Buddy's services, and well our country as we slip into year 3 of complete chaos I think this quote still works well.  

I am not a huge social media fan and have fallen off from most of it.  I find it just takes up so much time, and time I have little of to start with.  I want to connect on a real level, not with likes and such.  I feel we are all losing or ability to relate in real life, in real time.  Does that make sense? 

I also want to feel more kindness to myself and to others.  I have to remember that kindness matters every moment of the day.  And I have a tendency, especially when tired, to not be as kind as I can be. 

I wish you all a wonderful, prosperous, happy and healthy 2019.  Thank you for joining me in this space, thank you for your friendship and your continued support. 

34 comments:

Araignee said...

Your boys always make me so happy. They must be heaven to hug!
Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

A beautiful post Meredith. I enjoyed seeing the boys pictures and would really love to give them both huge hugs. I feel much the same about social media and only get on FB to try to keep up with far away family. I’m sorry your workload continues to be so heavy. I’ll keep you in my prayers for strength and patience. Happy New Year Meredith.
Blessings,
Betsy

Jo said...

I can't believe it's a year since Hank and Bear came into your lives, it just shows how fast this past year has flown by. Wishing you all the very best for 2019.

Lowcarb team member said...

Nice to read your post and see your photographs.
My good wishes to you and yours for this New Year.
Yes, it's 2019! The past year seemed to go by so quickly!

All the best Jan

Caffeine Girl said...

Have Hank and Bear been around for a year? That's time that flew by.
I agree that on the the macro level 2019 promises to be a tough one. It's starting out so poorly. I feel so badly for the federal workers -- especially the ones who have to work and hope they get paid eventually.
But we each control our micro world and yours is certainly filled with lots of love!
As for me, I want to have a calmer, saner life so I'm thinking a lot about retiring, even though I am a bit young for it. Time isn't endless!

Dee said...

Wishing you your best year EVER in 2019.

As for me . . . my philosophy regarding dieting and exercise and all the things they say we SHOULD do. No guilt ........I will try to do my best, but if I slip . . . no guilt! Just pick myself up and start over again.

(Kind of like knitting, eh?)

Lilbitbrit said...

I agree with what you wrote, need for kindness, and the need to live in real time, not be there in body but somewhere else in mind by means of social media. I'm glad you have your dear little boy and the furry boys who can give you such joy. Wish you the best for 2019 and your lovely family.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Mere, your comments about social media are making me think. I do agree we have lost that personal touch so much. I find I miss blogging and the relationships I've made there. I hope to write a bit more this year. I'm happy to say goodbye to 2018 and pray that 2019 see's some changes in our country and for me personally in my life. Hugs to you. Keep doing the best you can as I think you are truly an amazing woman.

Needles and Wool said...

I loved reading your year in review! Wonderful year that you brought your puppies home and they have been so fun to see on your blog and hear of their adventures. I wish you and your family a Happy New Year and all the best in 2019!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Happy New Year Meredith. I am so glad that Claudia (way back) talked about her lovely sister and I found your blog and have had the pleasure of meeting you, your furry boys, the sweet growing up Little Buddy and your many adventures.
Hugs.
Joy

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I enjoy reading blogs with one of my favs is yours, Mere! Always something to do and we find time to do what we need to do or want to do! I need to stop reading so much on FB too. Your doggie brothers are cute and I'm sure they are fun to be around! I have a few things planned to do this year and hope they come to fruition! God bless you in the coming year, and remember He's got you back better than the world! He never leaves you nor forsakes you! Prayers for your work, and your family!

Blondie's Journal said...

You really lift me up with your words! Happy New Year to you and your lovely family. And those sweet dogs---what a wonderful presence to have in your life---so cute!

All the best in 2019, Mere!

Jane x

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Meredith.. you are one of the things I'm thankful for for the last year and the one coming up. Having you to talk to about the 2 going onto 3 years of craziness in the capitol helps me cope. Never in my life have I seen such poor behavior in someone who is supposed to be looking out for us. It's so disheartening.

Anyway.. I'm happy for you to have found those 2 big fluffy boys to add to your family. And your little man continues to inspire me with how he keeps getting stronger and doing so well.

So.. let's go into this next year and hope for all the best.

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Happy New Year, Mere! We don't have dogs around here but my husband still has an issue with not being able to find his reading glasses and/or breaking them while I've had the same pair for many years. :) I like IG just as much as blogging, but in different ways. My aim always is to share positivity and inspiration. And to be inspired by others. I also appreciate honesty and authenticity which is what I get from blog friends like you. This year I am also going to work with what I've got and not buy unless absolutely necessary. I did buy some new shirts from December sales, but other than trying to find a good pair of jeans, I really don't need anything at all. Wishing you and yours much peace, joy and love in the new year. May you have more time for crafty moments and making memories! xoxoxoxoxox Tammy

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you and your family (especialy to your handsome little boy- I have never seen pritier eyes than his). Hana (Czech republic)

CJ said...

A lovely post Meredith, I like the Oprah quote too, I hadn't heard it before, but I will certainly remember it, it is very reassuring. I have lots of dreams and plans for 2019, but I love the idea of doing what we can with what we have. The planet definitely needs a lot more of this! I'm wishing you and yours a wonderful 2019, with fun and much happiness. CJ xx

linda said...

A lovely post Meredith, Happy New Year to you and your lovely family, I wasn't around much in 2018 but hope to try harder in 2019. :) xx

Jo said...

Kindness rules Meredith. Happy New Year to you all. Jo xx

Nance said...

Lovely and Wise thoughts, Meredith. Here's to a Happy and Hopeful 2019 for us all.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Happy New Year and enjoy this beautiful weather we are having. I just love these sunshiny days when it's not so hot.

kathy b said...

Bye 2018 can't say Im sad to leave you!!! Thanks to you and other dear friends for getting me through the rough patches. Your dog babies were a fantastic addition to your family.. Lil B is the picture of confidence . I think you created a lot in 2018.
Glad you are enjoying your favorite weather time of year in Florida.

My goals: worry less, dont overreact, do overthink it. The overhinking it is the biggest challenge for me.

DelightedHands said...

I can relate to a lot of what you say; make your space and family a priority not secondary. That is the hardest part about working, our best is used up with 'strangers' each day so nothing is left over!
You can sort it out because you are thinking about it and that is the best start to the year there is! Happy new year!!!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Happy New Year! Just seeing those smiling doggy faces makes the day brighter!
All the best to you and your family in the year to come!

Anonymous said...

it's the little graces in our days... the laughter of a Little Buddy...
and the clumsy and playful antics of two puppies who find life wonderful!
the beauty created by people who are busy but still do it out of love...YOU!
and you're right. as the lady said... 'kindness never goes out of style.'
Janet from the 'Gardener's Cottage' has that as a final thought on her own blog. simple. but true. and lovely. it sustains me through these dark times.
just like you. thank you for sharing your life with us Mere! you're so appreciated. like another commenter above... I found you through your sweet sister Claudia. and I'm so glad I did! have a wonderful new year! xo

elns said...

Happy New Year Meredith. I have so much kindness for you and yours.

handmade by amalia said...

Between these two puppies and Little Buddy, the cuteness lever at your house is at an all-time high. Happy 2019 to you all!!!
Amalia
xo

Christina said...

Happy New Year Meredith. I can't believe the boys have been with you for a year now, it only seems like yesterday that I first read about them. I am glad they give you so much joy. Lots of love, Christina xx

kathy b said...

I cannot imagine you unkind. Happy Nae year! Hoping 2019 is better for all!

karen said...

your reflections are great, I agree with social media and all the liking. It can be quite exhausting. Happy New Year and may 2019 have good health, lots of making and all around joyful days!

Judy S. said...

Love your posts, Mere! Hope that 2019 is a better year for everyone. Enjoy your weekend and give LB a big hug from me. He is such a cutie.

Una said...

A grey squirrel visits us every morning and seems to enjoy rushing around. We went to Ireland last week and were lucky enough to see a red squirrel. It seemed to have absolutely no road-sense, so I hope it learns some and survives. Your dogs are looking gorgeous as ever.

Sandy said...

Your weather sounds so nice. Our sun actually came out today, almost didn't know what it was, lol. Ohio and January= Blah!! If one uses social media instead of person to person it can be a problem, but there are many advantages to it. My HS class is about 500, and next year is the 50th........without social media, as the person in charge of finding people it would not have happened nearly as successfully. I have friends with severe cancer who's ability to communicate on line keeps them from getting lonely during the day when they can't go out due to exposure, or physical abilities. Like most tools, it depends how you use it in my opinion. I've met many people face to face after getting to know them through social media and that's been an extension of social life.

Jodiebodie said...

You have taught me a new word, Meredith - lanai. In Australia we call it a verandah.

I'm looking for the squirrel in your photograph - did you manage to catch it on film? I can't believe it is only a year that you have had Hank and Bear with you. That time has passed quickly. Is that Bear looking like he wants to eat some of your geranium?

Don't worry, 2018 was not my best year of making things either! We're only human and the things you did make are beautiful. I am surprised to have finished 10 things this year when, by the end of the busy year, it felt more like only 5. It just goes to show that all those 5-10 minutes here and there do add up.

Your thoughts about social media do make sense and I agree with you. I must admit there were no Christmas or New Year posts on my blog this year because I too was taking a rest from it all. So let me take the opportunity to now wish you a Happy New 2019 and may we survive it and come out better for it at the end! Take extra care. Love and hugs, Jodie

Anita said...

I wish you well with using all your stash and trying not to buy things. I have been chugging away with that idea for a while now and though it hasn't happened in an instant....I have managed to really melt down the stash of fabric, yarn and everything else that I have in my shed. It will happen and don't be too mad when sometimes you still have to buy some items because now and then you will not have the right shade of yarn or fabric. All will be sweet. I love the photos of your furbabies, they are so cute. A beautiful 2019 to Meredith, and also your family. xx