Summary of 2025

Politics was a major concern in 2025 as Trump started a second term with erratic, immoral and destructive actions, increasing wealth disparities and moving our country toward autocracy while upsetting foreign trade and alliances and accelerating climate change. The nightly news was often so bad we didn't want to watch. We protested on the streets, met with local Democrats, joined mutual support groups and supported our Senators and Representative as they pushed back against Republicans acquiescing to the President's whims.

We kept up an active social life going out to dinner, playing cards, reuniting with high school classmates and meeting Hartlanders at community breakfasts, potluck suppers and Senior Cafes. Frogs & salamanders were helped across roads on "Big Nights" in April. Jerry did tax returns for people, shoveled when the snow was not too deep, then cleared trails and invasive honeysuckles at camp. Nina's back was a constant problem though she did not let it stop her from doing what she wanted. She got Lyme disease but Doxycycline cured it immediately. Aging bodies required many pills, doctor appointments, x-rays, vaccinations and physical therapy sessions.

There were good family times in Maine when Alison became a Registered Nurse and when we celebrated Flying Point's 20th anniversary. On the Fourth of July holiday we again had our family together at Ricker Pond State Park for three days of camping, canoeing, swimming, fishing and campfires. Hilary and Sara joined us for plays at Northern Stage and Weston Playhouse. Ben & Katyana and Dorothy & Dave were nearby at year's end when Alexandra was ill. It is always great to do things with family!

The weather seemed hotter than most years since the first day above 80 degrees was in April and there was a drought through much of the summer. We supplemented the water in our well for just the second time since we moved to Hartland. Peaches and tomatoes were plentiful but some vegetables suffered from dry weather. We spent many days at our Newbury camp, enjoying quiet forest shade and planting American Chestnut seeds to help revive that species. The trail camera photographed deer, moose, coyotes and a bear.

In September we flew to Washington state and toured the Olympic Peninsula with friends Tom and Jan of schooner "Ambler." That region also had drought but the fir trees seemed okay in their rugged terrain. In December we flew away from Winter to Tobago for three weeks in the little fishing village of Castara, a nice break from routine. Temperatures over 80 degrees and steep hillsides kept us mostly relaxing in the comfort of our apartment and admiring many tropical birds from our deck. These trips reminded us that air travel is uncomfortable and aggravating.

Hoping you also had a good year in 2025 and will enjoy 2026. We remain optimistic despite everything.