As we settle into 2025, I find myself reflecting on a January filled with both sorrow and joy, woven together by moments of deep gratitude. From meaningful milestones and cherished connections with family and friends to a renewed focus on wellness and honouring a remarkable life, it has been a month to remember. I invite you to join me as I share highlights from my calendar and encourage you to reflect upon your own.
Ringing in 2025 Technically, it was still December 31, 2024, when this photo was taken. But it was already January 1 somewhere in the world. (Not here, though—I was in bed by 10 pm!)
A Week in Kelowna: Family, Friends, and Milestones From January 1–7, we celebrated Christmas, the New Year, and my mom’s 94th birthday (actually, her birthday is January 17, but that didn’t stop our early festivities). I am deeply aware that every moment spent together is a true gift.
Reconnecting Like No Time Had Passed Some friendships are timeless. Diana is one of those rare gems where the years melt away the moment you’re together again. When you have friends like this, never let them go!
Back to Reality And just like that, Richard and I were back home, trying to figure out where we had left off before the holiday blur. That included catching up with more special friends. This photo is from our three-person book club.
Fueling Change I recently finished reading UltraProcessed People. It was the nudge I needed to help me better concentrate on all whole-food meals (without unnecessary chemical additives). Featured here is a Veggie Shawarma Bowl. It’s fun to make and quite delicious—more about this topic in my upcoming wellness post.
Our Silver Anniversary January 21 was Richard’s and my 25th Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated at The Painted Boat in Pender Harbour. I’ve always told Richard I would live with him anywhere–even in a cardboard box. Thankfully, this resort was much, much nicer. And it’s totally worth the two ferry sailings to get there. This was the view from our (very spacious) living room.
A Celebration of a Remarkable Life When this post goes live, I will be in Edmonton with family, celebrating the life of Richard’s sister, Teddy Colton.
Family members flew in from afar to honour Teddy’s life and share heartwarming stories of an incredibly kind and caring individual. From viewers left: Richard’s sister, Sharon; our third son, Shaun; Teddy’s daughter, Leslie; Leslie’s husband, Hadi; Teddy’s son, Jeff, me and Richard.
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