The tree was lit the winter of 2019, and we decided to leave it lit throughout the global pandemic. After Covid, we just kept it on because we loved it so much. The lights started glitching the spring of 2024, and I didn't think much of it - other than it was annoying. The lights totally quit working in April of 2024. I was diagnosed in May.  The tree remained dark for 2 years. 

Last night, Andy told me that I had to stay up "late" (ie: past 8pm). Then, we went outside.

On the evening of May 4th, 2026, the tree was once again illuminated. Two years - to the day - of dignosis  day.

 This birthday hits a little different - in the very best way - because it also marks one year cancer-free!!

There were so many moments this past year and a half that were heavy, and scary, and exhausting. But, we were never alone. The support, prayers, energy, meals, check-ins, TV/book recommendations, (inappropriate ) humor and positive vibes reminded me that I’m surrounded by truly amazing humans. You carried and protected me more than you will ever know.

So yes, let’s celebrate our birthdays - and every one from here on out - a little extra. Cheers to sunshine and snow, family and neighbors, resilience and gratitude.

January 15-31

Before sending the Boy back to the college, we packed up the truck and headed west. Thankful for the new boots from AP and the willingness for bathroom selfies along the way, we entered the mountains and my heart immediatly started singing. This place, while there is less air than we are used to, it has magical air.

 

After a day of exploring shops and new breweries, we hit the slopes. There was not as much snow as 3/4ths of us would like, my beloved green run was wide open and ready. After our best friends arrived, our weekend was complete.

Heading home, we encountered some weather that detained us in northern Iowa. After passing the 70+ car/semi pile up, we decided to exit and spend one more night at our old home, the Holiday Inn.

The kitties were so happy to see us! Coco wasn't even mad at us for too long. The rest of the month, we worked on our BINGO board, and I finally crossed off a square "Finish Puzzle Wall". Thanks to AP, and his acrobatic ladder skills, the wall is complete. Now, were to put the next one??

Thanks for the game of cribbage before heading back to Harvard Yard. Bye. Love you.

 

January 1-15, 2026

The first half of the first month of the new year of the HORSE galloped it's way through Morningstar, with a peaceful regularness of normal. We hung up our BINGO boards, hoping to be inspired to start crossing things off. (Lo and Haze will have a blackout before summer!) We finally got a new rug for the front room, which the kitties love, and school resumed with it's wickedly cold January temperatures.

Our Winter House tradition also resumed! Spending the long weekend, with the Hustons, and puzzles and a frozen lake was just what we all needed. Weekending in January did eliminate our cheesy holiday movie, but we easily swapped that with exposing our off spring to "The Legend of Billy Jean". (They were not impressed.)

Our first official X on the board was "help someone on the side of the road". AP and the Big Green Machine were able to assist a stranded driver. Yep, he pulled a semi out of the ditch. Who's built different now?

I shoulda put "attend protest after protest" on my board.🤦

 

Passed! ✅

 

All H wanted was to see the whales at the GA aquarium. Harper has a gift of manifesting, and this trip was no different. We spent a whirl-wind 48 hours in Georgia - went to the aquarium, the Coca-cola museum, had delicious food and walked the city streets. Pack the backpack. Book the hotel. Take the trip.