The past two winters we have not had snow. Winter 2025/2026 is starting out with snow, snow and more snow. We hope to get out and ski soon. The above photos are taken a few years ago, when we had snow, snow and more snow.
Now on to the Hodgepodge.
Joyce asks the questions.
We answer the questions.
1. What's one thing on your to-do list that you want to get done, need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends?
My husband does metal design work, he is designing and creating a new coat rack for us. I hope we have it up by this Saturday, because we are having company and we need a place for winter coats, hats and more.
2. December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavor in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee?
We tap our maple trees and cook-down the sap for syrup. We love maple syrup. Yes, I use it in my baking, in oatmeal, drinks and more. We like to drizzle it on roasted carrots.
This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year?
AI is all the talk this year, I do think it is a good choice. I hope that we can have healthy conversations regrading where and how AI is working in our lives.
The one thing I worry about, is what is real? I will look at a photo in hopes it is real and not AI generated. Or a song, or a speech or text written. I hope we as humans use common sense in the use of AI.
My friend Alice had a health scare. She had surgery and has had to work hard to get back to feeling good again. She has been very brave and continues to be brave as she navigates what to do next on her health journey.
She is the person of the year for me... a true fighter who has gone through a lot this year.
4. What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why.
Sadly, the last time we were downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota things did not go that well. We did not feel comfortable and we where happy to get out of the city.
Our son's did venture downtown this summer for a Twin's baseball game, they did think it was better than our last visit.
5. Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season?
We will get out and go skiing and snowshoeing.
And the days start to get longer.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Comfort and Joy
Enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
♥
Carla
I hope you enjoy the countdown to Christmas as well! Please share pics of the coat rack when your husband finishes it (if he doesn´t object to that!). I love that you make your own maple syrup and I am ready to guzzle the container of maple syrup that I just bought- what great health benefits for something nice and sweet :). Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteWow...such a beautiful path of snow and the trees are so stunning. Love this view. I would love to see those maple trees being tapped. so interesting for sure. How exciting to be getting a new coat rack and what is even better is that your husband is making it.. love this.
ReplyDeleteYea for skiing! I hadn't realized you had no snow the last couple of winters. That's crazy. I hope you enjoy all the fun you can have in the snow. It's meant to be enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteYes! Longer days!! I cannot imagine living somewhere with that much snow!!
ReplyDeleteI like your personal choice for person of the year! It's nice to read about how you and your family embrace Winter and snow! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYour choice for person of the year is a great one! I think AI will be more positive than not, just for the health aspects. I love maple, and am happy to know there are great health benefits. Enjoy the beautiful snow :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool that you have fresh maple syrup from your trees! Yes, I have the same problem with AI, I never know what is real! Now you just cannot believe any image that you see. Like most things made for good, there are always people who will use it for bad.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! The snow, it sounds like you are happy about it. I like it when it's freshly laid but not when it freezer or turns slushy.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realised that maple syrup has so many benefits! How interesting.
I hope your friend Alice is feeling better soon.
Yep there is definitely snow around lol. I like to look at it through a window inside a nice warm house! Sorry to hear about your friend. Yes it's people like that who deserve to be celebrated. Hope you get your coat rack ready in time and enjoy your visit.
ReplyDeleteWe are getting a lot of snow and cold this year. You should be able to enjoy cross country skiing this season for sure. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteHope your friend is doing better. Am not sure about AI. We are starting to use it at work and it is taking away thinking for yourself. Am afraid kids will use it and not have to think either. Kinda scary. Janice
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. I enjoy maple syrup and recognize the hard work it takes to make your own. Our summer home is in Pennsylvania, and we live near a few maple syrup farms. I enjoy baking with it as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope we get to see your husband's coat rack! Sounds fabulous.
We don't have any snow here in the desert, but we saw some last weekend when we went to the high country.
I'm not really fond of many cities! Give me small-town living!
Hope your friend is feeling better. 🙏
Merry Christmas! Enjoy the snow!
I love snow and your snow photo is absolutely gorgeous! I hope your friend is better. I do like maple syrup. Here in Quebec, Canada, we have great maple syrup (and I know Vermont does as well). It is healthy and tasty. I love the words at the end of your post "comfort and joy". Your snow photo is a perfect example of this...for myself, anyway. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNo snow here but we are expecting strong winds and a lot of rain!
ReplyDeleteI managed to get the last of my Christmas Gifts today ... big smile :)
All the best Jan
I feel that way about so many cities now. So many unstable, not to mention evil, people out there looking to make trouble. How fun to make your own syrup. I always think of it as a New England thing and it's interesting to read about Wisconsin syrup too. Have a very merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThat snow trail in the woods is so magical, Carla. What a lovely photo. I liked your answers, and I always do, mainly because they exude a lot of common sense. I hope your friend, Alice, is on the road to recovery. You use the maple syrup in so many wonderful foods. I never thought of it on roasted carrots. Will have to try that. Happy first day of winter coming up. I didn't realize you didn't get snow last year. It is supposed to come for us shortly after Christmas. And lastly, you ballerina ornament is cute. : )
ReplyDeleteHave a merry and bright week, Carla.
~Sheri
Loving the snow photos. I hope to see the finished coat rack one of these days. Prayers for Alice!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your answers!
ReplyDeleteSnow! We have had two snow storms already and it isn't even winter yet. I think WI and OH are going to get lots of the white stuff this winter.
Merry Christmas!
I was able to spend a summer with my dad in Montana. I have heard some incredible things about the state. Unfortunatley, my dad spent a month cabinet painting and the final two months working so I didn't get to go out and experience Montana. When I think of that place now, I just think of my dad's blue cabinets.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are having some snow this year. Enjoy skiing. Can't wait to see the coat rack. Hooray for the syrup and thanks for sharing the information. I'm worried about AI for the young generation like James. Praying for your friend Alice. Good to hear that Minneapolis was better. Love your random thought. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Carla! Your thoughts about AI being the "person of the year" make sense. It somehow makes me sad that it was chosen, but I guess I must accept there's a place for AI in the present and the future. What a crazy time, though, with AI the "person of the year," white the "color of the year," and "six-seven" the word of the year!
ReplyDeleteWow. That is a LOT of snow. Stay warm, my friend, and happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
We've had 3 snows so far, which is a bit more than we've had for a number of years. It's been colder than normal as well. I'll happily send you my snow so you two can get out and ski. We used to downhill ski, but at my age 75; those days a long past. I don't think I have anything that absolutely has to get down before the end of year. I've sorta stopped putting deadlines on things. I'm much more relaxed than I used to be. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThat is cool that you tap your own tree and make your own maple syrup. I also did not know it had so many health benefits.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a bunch of snow here, too, Carla! That is rather unusual for early December, but it's nice for Christmas. I'm looking forward to the longer days as well. The countdown to summer is on!! Well, after the countdown to Christmas!! Heehee!! Merry Christmas my friend!! xo
ReplyDelete