It’s strange to be in a whole new year in this weird, scary, geopolitical landscape. I told my husband that I believe 2026 will be a bad year, though I would be very very happy to be proven wrong.
This did make me smile for a moment though…
Stockholm had about 30 minutes of sunlight during December. The rest of the time it rained, so much so that I came down with two colds within a month. I am not sure I have ever had consecutive colds before. Those led to something else I did not know existed – a nasal infection. The whole area around and inside my nose was raw from blowing and became infected. I was allergic to the antiseptic and soothing cream I was given to alleviate it.
Around New Year, Sweden was bombarded with so-called snow cannons, dumping huge amounts of snow in a short time. We did not go outside for almost a week, which is very unusual. But it was rather nice. I read about 7 books, worked my way through my pile of fashion magazines, watched movies on my ‘to watch’ list. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
This was one of the books I read
I spent a lot of time watching Harley enjoying his hammock.
I changed to a light rose gold ring for my wedding finger because the cold weather (down to minus 11°C) made the skin all over my body really dry, and my broad bands were making me itch. I have never been a fan of rose gold but this really suits my skintone. I am very pale, and rose gold complements my colouring in a way I never thought it would.
When we finally went outside, I saw this gorgeous bookend in a nearby shop
It was really cold but after almost six days indoors, it was nice to be outside. I still look pretty ill but I am sure I will perk up soon enough!
Our garden
Get and feel better soon. And yes, I have that feeling about 2026 – really hoping to be wrong too!
The last time I had a feeling like this was at the end of 2019 so let’s hope we are both wrong!
Happy new year and welcome back! Hope you’re on the mend soon. I’ve read several of the Larsson books and they’re not bad. And I laughed my head off at the pix of Harley in his hammock, indolent paw in the air!
Welcome back! You have been missed! I am sorry to hear about your double cold… This is not fun at all and the infection was probably the molded cherry on top of the crumbling cake… It has also been very cold here although probably nowhere near as cold as where you are. Then suddenly, the temperatures jump up and the snow is all melted. I hope this new year is still going to bring some happiness and that it’s not going to be all gloomy.