Saturday Meanderings
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s been 26 years since the millennium. I’ve always viewed a new year as a natural reset—a time to sharpen skills, rein in excessive holiday eating, and clean, sort, and organize. Of course, those things can happen any time of year, but somehow they feel more attainable in that fresh first month. Welcome to the first Saturday Meanderings of 2026. This is my favorite time of the week, when we pause and chat about the good things that have filled the last seven days.
Completion of the Gingerbread House
I must admit, designing a gingerbread house to resemble our 1910 historic home was a bit ambitious. The process would have been far easier if I were technically proficient with AI or architectural design tools—but my approach is decidedly old school. Armed with a pencil, tape measure, and paper, I (with the help of my husband) measured and hand-drew the exterior of our home. Taking those measurements and scaling down, I drew and cut stencil paper for templates.
I plan to write a full blog post about the experience so that next year—when this “great idea” inevitably resurfaces—I can reread it and remind myself to choose a different path. Gingerbread house making of this magnitude is much like childbirth: over time, you forget the pain. Perhaps with deeper reflection (and selective memory), I’ll eventually master the design, stencils, and assembly process of turning our home into gingerbread creation.
As the holiday season comes to a close, I wanted to share the project and how it ultimately turned out. But before you consider attempting this yourself next year, please take the following into account: humidity can quickly turn a perfectly firm gingerbread structure soft; boiling isomalt in a Pyrex measuring cup can explode; and be prepared for royal icing to end up everywhere—hair, cabinet fronts, kitchen floors, and rugs included.
Unique Gift
We received such thoughtful gifts from all of our children this year. One especially meaningful gift came from our son, Benjamin—a subscription to Storyworth, complete with a bit of “homework.” It’s built on the idea that everyone has a story worth telling.
Each week for a year, we’ll receive a question by email to answer. At the end of the year, all of the responses and stories will be gathered and bound into a keepsake memory book—a gift that will last far beyond the holidays.
With both my parents deceased, I wish I had spent more time asking them about their lives. Storyworth is a good way to do that. The first question this week is, “What advice would you give to future generations?” How would you answer that? Check out their website here to learn more about how it works.
Another Gift Idea
The season of giving may be winding down, but here’s another gift idea that can be enjoyed year-round. My sweet friend Christine surprised us with a New Year’s Eve charcuterie board from Boarderie, and it was such a treat. They offer a wide variety of boards—you simply select your tray, and it’s made fresh and shipped overnight the very next day.
As you can see, it arrives beautifully packaged in a sturdy wooden tray, complete with bamboo forks, tongs, and a spreader. The selection was delicious: cheeses, salami, dates, chocolates, olives, and nuts—thoughtfully arranged and ready to serve. I especially loved the festive 2026 and martini glass cheese cut-outs, which made it feel perfect for ringing in the new year.
You can find the charcuterie board selections and their website here.
Finger Injury
About two weeks ago, I mentioned a finger injury courtesy of a dog and a leash. Well, it’s still swollen and hurting just as much. After a few hours of tree trimming this week, it was really aching, so I finally decided it was time to seek medical advice.
Well, it’s broken. Darn. And yes, I am left-handed. The good news? If you visit urgent care early on New Year’s Eve, there’s absolutely no wait. The less-good news is that I’m now sporting a rather large splint, which makes typing—and just about everything else—a bit more challenging. Here’s hoping for fast healing and a quick return to normal.
New Year’s Eve Tailgating
For the past six years, we’ve hosted a sit-down dinner party on New Year’s Eve. It’s also been years since we’ve stayed up until midnight. A typical NYE for us includes watching the ball drop in New York and heading to bed shortly thereafter. I’ve always preferred greeting the sunrise on New Year’s Day rather than staying up late the night before.
This year, instead of a dinner party, we packed up the pickup truck with a several (and relatively quiet) fireworks, some appetizers, and a bit of bubbly, and headed to the cul-de-sac just south of us. All the neighbors began to gather, and a simple—yet wonderfully fun—New Year’s Eve celebration unfolded.
Decorating the truck bed was half the fun. Using a coated (wipeable) French tablecloth from Amélie Michel (or Amazon here), battery-operated lamps, a glittery Pop the Bubbly sign, scattered balloons, and noisemakers, it became the perfect backdrop for champagne and snacks.
Everyone brought a beverage, and my wonderful neighbor Tevia contributed a delicious appetizer. With the tailgate down and well supplied, we ooh-ed and aah-ed over Scott’s fireworks display. We were back home in time to catch the East Coast New Year’s celebrations on television—and then off to bed.
A perfect New Year’s Eve, in my opinion.
Projects
Did I tell you how much I dislike cleaning out the refrigerator? I should probably seek professional advice to understand why this particular task is so deeply unappealing to me. After putting it off far too long—and faced with the post-holiday chaos of leftovers and random containers—I finally broke down and cleaned it out this week.
Now, every time I open the refrigerator, there’s a small sense of joy. Simple pleasures, indeed. Do you enjoy cleaning out your refrigerator?
Next up: the freezer, which I’m fairly certain is hiding more than a few outdated surprises.
One of my goals for 2026 is to finally devote some time, effort, and energy to our family room. For far too long, I’ve used the excuse that the animals dominate this space, so upgrading it didn’t feel worthwhile. But I spend time there too—it’s where our television is—and right now, it’s not especially enjoyable for me.
Next on the project list is re-covering the rectangular ottoman, which is in serious need of a facelift. Slowly—and somewhat painstakingly—I’ve been removing the thousands of upholstery staples from the underside, a task made even more challenging by my finger splint. The plan is to remove the existing fabric and use it as a pattern for the new one.
More to come on this project and I’ll share updates as they occur.
Adult Coloring Books
I find it difficult to sit and watch television without multitasking or working on a project at the same time. With a nice collection of adult coloring books, it had been quite some time since I last picked one up.
Recently, I started coloring again and was reminded just how relaxing it can be—and how easy it is to do while watching a show at the end of the day.
What I especially like about this Secret Garden coloring book, is that you can also frame the drawings after you’ve finished coloring. All you need is a good set of colored pencils and you are ready to go!
Thank you so much for all the fabulous comments on last week’s post! I cannot tell you how much I enjoy hearing from each and every one of you. Wishing you all a very happy, prosperous and blessed 2026. Stay safe out there!
new years resolution
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Hi Mary,
Here it is Sunday already and I’m feeling way behind. I promised myself to ease into the new year, however I’m still feeling the “time thief” breathing down my throat. I remember all to well a vendor of ours over a breakfast meeting at The Royal Palms once telling me, “time is a gift.” I so understood her opinion on time, and I agreed completely but in my heart it’s hard for me to always see it that way. How do you see time?
Lovely New Year message by Mary Davis, the message is WONDERFUL.
Your Gingerbread house replicating your home is outstanding. When humidity sets in, it changes everything. You did so well. So nice that Scott offered his helping hands. What a supportive husband you have.
Benjamin’s gift of Storyworth is a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Nick Baum, Founder has a head screwed on in the right direction. A smart and insightful man. Me too, Mary I wish I had asked both of my parents so many more questions about their entire lives. I know some, but no where near enough. I now have so many questions.
I’m happy to hear you have your left pinky in a splint. Wow, and you are left handed, and that makes
it even more challenging. All parts of your hands is sensitive and wrists too. I’ve been through so much with mine and two carpal tunnel surgeries. In PT for six months after both surgeries three times a week. Takes time to heal.
What a fun tail gate gathering you had for your neighbors and friends, it’s extra special because you all put your whole heart into everything as a community.
Cleaning out the fridge is not one of my favorite cleaning jobs. I try to have a good attitude about everything. I love to see the end result. I have way too many bottles in for small amounts of recipes, so
wasteful. Then I end up tossing because of the expiration date.
Outstanding idea to color while watching a show. I will keep that idea in mind. I used to love to color.
It’s such a relaxing thing to do. I usually do something else while watching something on TV.
Have a lovely week.
Katherine, I didn’t realize you have had two carpal tunnel surgeries-ouch!As we age our hands, after decades of hard work are tired and achy, in general. I notice a difference in the cold weather, but we have to keep them healthy. Back to squeezing those balls I have! There are so many fun coloring books out there-I’m sure you would enjoy it. Glad you are in the not fond of cleaning the refrigerator camp. I’ve not met anyone yet who loves doing it! Thank you again for all your comments and feedback!
Happy New Year Mary!
I love the quote you used at the top of your blog. Your gingerbread house is amazing! You are so creative! I hope your finger heals quickly. I think I may try coloring too. It seems relaxing.
Linda, thank you for the healing well-wishes! There are so many fun and interesting coloring books available-I’m sure you will love it. Have a fabulous week!
I’m sorry about the broken finger. Bummer. Maybe postponing the ottoman and tree trimming until you’re healed? I also hate cleaning the refrigerator. SO much. We cleaned ours upon moving in last year but not as thoroughly as I like. I knew it needed it after the holidays and mentioned to the hubby it was on my “ I Hate This”list. When I came home one day he had removed and cleaned all the shelves and washed the interior. Where has this guy been the last 50 years? he didn’t get to the top two glass shelves so I need to tackle those….but I hate cleaning the refrigerator so….
Pamela, your husband could make a living cleaning out refrigerators, because I would imagine there are many people who have this on their “I Hate List”. What a sweetie-pie~~wow. I’m impressed.Yes, I think I have to postpone the ottoman and the tree trimming..good advice!
I Love your gingerbread house! And as Barbara said – with a broken finger!? You ARE amazing! Glad you got it splinted, and are on the mend. Love your New Years celebration too – so fun and clever. I hope 2026 is a great year for you and your family. Thanks as always for sharing your creativity with us! Take care my friend, and Happy New Year!
Barbara, thank you so much for your nice comments! Happy New Year to you and yours-wishing you a fun, fabulous and prosperous year!
I’m so sorry about your finger, Mary! I hope it heals quickly. I love how you celebrated New Year’s Eve! It looked like so much fun! I am a huge colorer! I have several coloring books and am the same way; I have to be doing something even while watching TV. I love your finished pages. Happy New Year, sweet friend!
Kim, Happy New Year to you! I hope you are on the mend. I didn’t know you are a huge colorer! So looking forward to seeing you at the end of January.
Oh Mary I am so sorry to learn about your broken finger. But I am happy Finn is better. Your truck NYE celebration with neighbors sounds perfect. I spent my NYE on the couch watching my Ohio State Buckeyes lose to Miami in the first finals at Cotton Bowl – that was tough to ring in the new year after losing. But life goes on. We beat them in 2002 so they were def on the war path to win and played an aggressive good game. So now I am rooting for Indiana. Happy New Year.
Michele, I am so sorry your team lost the Cotton Bowl! Since our son went to University of Virginia we were happy that UVA beat Missouri in the Gator Bowl-a bit of a nail biter 4th quarter. Good luck rooting for Indiana and Happy New Year!
That gingerbread house is amazing!! I hope your finger heals soon.
Michele, I hope you had a marvelous birthday celebration!! Yes, the finger is on the mend. Instead of banging it, now I am banging it with the splint!!! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you and your family, Mary. Your gingerbread house is perfect! I hope your finger heals perfectly. — Flo
Flo, so happy to hear from you! Happy New Year to you and that sweet husband of yours. Finger is healing slowly-the splint is a bit of a pain to wear, but better than banging the broken bone all the time.
Thanks for the recommendations, Mary. Sorry about your finger. I’m a lefty, too. Happy New Year.
Carol, Happy New Year to you, my fellow lefty~
Mary,
As always, your blog is delightful! The Gingerbread house is so impressive!!
Happy New Year!
Karleen
Karleen, Happy New Year to you too! Hope your holidays were filled with love.
That gingerbread house is chef’s kiss perfect!! Seriously — it’s as good as any on display at the posh resorts. And you did this with a broken finger? Remarkable. Thank you for a year’s worth of uplifting, fun, positive posts. You’re a force for good in our world. Happy New Year!
Barbara, you are so generous with your gingerbread feedback!!! Hoping to share some new classes here in 2026, thinking pies in February! Will let you know when I get my act together. Happy New Year!!
Ahh, great first post of the new year, Mary. I look forward to and enjoy your posts so much.
So very happy to hear that Finn is better! My Buddy was unwell for about a week during Christmas which made me filled with worry. However, he is back to being his sweet and active self now. Such a great beginning to the new year for me.
Loved the New Years Eve tailgate celebration. Such a fun and clever idea to do that. Why keep tailgating just for football!??
Hope your pinky heals quickly and completely and won’t cause you more pain for too much longer.
Happy New Year to you and yours Mary!!
Mary…words escape me (never mind my hubs!)…”THAT gingerbread house creation is…MARVELOUS!!” Brought back memories of going to the “White House” over Christmas…the replica gingerbread was my very favorite!! KUDOS!! franki
Franki, I would LOVE to see the White House during the Christmas holidays~ Happy New Year!!
Valerie, Sorry to hear about Buddy during Christmas-it’s hard when they cannot tell us what is wrong.So glad to hear he is back on track. Tailgating more in the cul-de-sac is a strong possibility as the neighbors seems to really enjoy it. We are thinking have a movie night. Finger is healing. The splint is bulky but it hurts less to bump the splint vs. the broken bone. Happy New Year to you!
Mary,
First off, your gingerbread house is amazing! You continue to impress me with ALL your skills!
I wanted to let you know that I too was gifted Storyworth about 3-4 years ago. I did it religiously and gifted the finished product to each of the kids and a favorite nephew. I enjoyed it so much that I extended it and did it for 2 years. Well worth every second. Yes, it is a lot of work, emotional as well but all fulfilling. Enjoy!
Happy New Year!
Joanne, Thank you for your feedback on Storyworth! So far I’ve only done my first question, but I keep going back and editing it and adding pictures. I love the email reminders and causing me to be disciplined and focus on providing thoughtful answers. Happy New Year!!