The Magic Cookie Bars are cooling, the snow is madly falling and Rumi is snoozing at my feet. Two out of three are rarities. It is a good time to send out this update and holiday greeting.

Cabin Progress

We hit our five-year cabin anniversary this fall. I have settled into the ‘begrudging acceptance’ phase of renovations (i.e. uh, this project really isn’t how I imagined it). I had not considered many factors, including a major one: that Dave’s renovation vision might not match my own (the slap some lipstick on that pig and call it a day approach). If you know Dave, you know he only does things the right way – which takes an enormous amount of time and energy. What can I say? We are all works in progress.

Thanks to Dave’s hard work, the cabin bathroom is nearing completion. The toilet will be installed this spring when the water is turned back on. I promise photographic evidence in the near future. Dave is feeling proud of this progress. As we were painting the walls a soothing sage wisdom, he sighed with contentment and said, “Now I just have to finish the rest of the cabin!” It was the just that pulled on my heart strings. If anyone can see this project through, it’s Dave. He is a strong and steady guy. Our marriage is a testament to this.

Surgery for Pup

Rumi had a big surgery this September. If you own a pet, you know that an emergency never fails to happen on a major holiday. And that is what happened on the labor day weekend. As a barrel-chested bundle of energy and anxiety, Rumi is prone to a condition known as “bloat”. It involves the tummy filling with air, and stomach torsion that leads to death if untreated. This was his second bout of pre-torsion and we decided to book the surgery to avoid the deadly version. My worry meter cannot handle the thought of being at the cabin and not getting him back to an emergency vet in time.

The nice people at the Carling Animal Hospital took great care of him. As Rumi is a hyper aware dude, they had a hard time sedating him and he woke up during the initial surgery prep. Scared the crap out of the vet. It was the first thing she said when I got the “all clear” call. I had to laugh. Mostly with relief, but I know my boy. His natural state is alert and ready-for-action. Just ask the neighbors. He barks out his neighborhood watch reports thrice daily.

Christmas Wishes

We received a nice little Christmas package from a relative recently. The card was signed: “I appreciate you”. Warmed our hearts, this sweet message. This may be my mantra going forward. Simple appreciations can always be found, no matter what.

May Christmas and 2026 provide everything that brings you some joy and contentment. The simpler the better, in my humble opinion.

From us to you, with appreciation.

Karen, Dave and Rumi