And then it was 2026 ...

Welcome to 2026 at the Window Over the Sink. I laughed at myself when I sat down to write this because here I am, the first Saturday I've had a blog to write in ... well ... weeks, and I don't have anything to write about. No complaints. No jubilation. No deep thoughts on growing old or trees or round bales.

While I can't say 2025 was a great year, I will say it went fast. I would say I'm grateful for that, but I'd really like to slow time down, so I won't.

I hope you had a great holiday season, that happiness ruled the days, and that you're ready to start over. As old as I am and regardless of the fact that I don't make resolutions, I still think of New Year's as a chance to try again. To maybe get it right this time--or more right, anyway.

Kudos!

Thank you to all the writers who visited during Window Holidays and thank you to all the readers who made them welcome.

To the IU Hoosiers, who showed up at the Rose Bowl and convinced everyone they belonged there. Likewise, kudos to local athletes. You are all so impressive.

To all the small businesses who worked so hard to be there for the shoppers through the big retail season that just passed. As one whose work is basically a small business, I thank everyone who gave a book as a gift.

To the owners of the Roxy Theater, for sticking it out as long as they could. Thanks for the memories.

To all the places and people who are offering donations and warm spaces where they are needed.,

To county and state employees who work long hours to keep the roads cleared and safe.

To everyone who does the right thing even when it's the hard one.

To caregivers. To teachers. To those who serve in silence. To those who give anonymously.

From me ...

The Girls of Tonsil Lake is one of my favorite stories ever. It was my first women's fiction title, one of the few times I based characters on people I knew. I will admit that if I had it to do again, I'd have given that lake a different name, because I have no believable explanation of where Tonsil Lake came from. However, I wouldn't change Andie, Vin, Suzanne, and Jean the least little bit.

The e-book is 99 cents for the month of January. The paperback is $9.99. The buy link is https://a.co/d/6O46Uy8 for Amazon, or https://books2read.com/u/bxGQQk for everywhere else. Or you can get it from me.

Have a great week. Be nice to somebody.