2015 has arrived and Mother Nature knows it! Lots of wind and snow are abound. A growing feeling of optimism arises on the river, despite the seaway traffic coming to a three-month halt for the winter.

Our New Year’s tradition begins quietly on the river. After breakfast, we read aloud the numerous scribblings from the

Blessings Jar. All year long we write down things we are grateful for and place them in the jar. It’s been an unusual year filled with challenges like no other. But through it all, we discovered we are truly blessed with family and friends who love us.

The first week of January is reminiscent of a good old fashioned Navy field day. Lots of scrubbing, dusting and cleaning. We go over a financial plan, and decide which projects and major purchases we want to budget in for the year. We also start planning our our major celebrations for the year; because come springtime, life on the river once again becomes the vacation destination! I look forward to exploring the seaway valley region in the year ahead.

Happy New Year! I wish you all the best in 2015.

Barb, TheRiverBlogger