FRESH

is there anything more crisp and fresh than a snowy January day

Welcome to 2025. 

A new year and new possibilities.

I hate to even think about that…

But, the possibility is always there. 

I love January. 

Even in St Louis where - as an example - I have been staying at my brother’s place in the city in order to make it to my day job in the morning. A typical St Louis snowstorm has been raging for almost 24 hours now. 

Freezing rain gave way to sleet at 2am waking me from my transplanted sleep. Snow made it’s apperance eventually, sharing the airspace with Sleet, who refuses to give up its spot. 

This is supposed to continue until the wee hours of the next day. 

But even with the weather, and the transplantation and the freezing walk I’ll be taking tomorrow, I still love January. 

The holidays are over, there is really nothing on the calendar, once our daughter’s birthday is celebrated. Every morning feels fresh with possibility. 

Which is why my word for 2025 is FRESH. 

Such a fun word. 

Fresh as a daisy

Freshen up

Fresh breath

Fresh eyes

Fresh produce

For me the word reminds me that every opportunity is out there, waiting to be discovered, newly experienced.

Don’t get Fresh…

Or, possibly, lurking to surprise…

I had a bit of trouble finding this word. Last year I chose MAGIC. And 2024 was nothing but Magic. 

Our dream of visiting Havana, Cuba was realized. 

We fell in love with Basque country and were invited to visit a gastronomic society dinner club on a whim. 

We welcomed a new granddaughter. 

And in between those big things there were so many more magical moments. 

I want this year to be one of newness. I want to be ready for any possibility. 

I want to start 

FRESH

Happy New Year to everyone along the Coast of Illinois and beyond. 

My wish for you is a wonderfully Fresh day, each and every one. 

an impromptu snowy day party