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What’s Been On Your Calendar, January 2025?

Retirement Reflections


As we settle into 2025, I find myself reflecting on a January filled with both sorrow and joy, woven together by moments of deep gratitude. From meaningful milestones and cherished connections with family and friends to a renewed focus on wellness and honouring a remarkable life, it has been a month to remember. I invite you to join me as I share highlights from my calendar and encourage you to reflect upon your own.

Ringing in 2025 Technically, it was still December 31, 2024, when this photo was taken. But it was already January 1 somewhere in the world. (Not here, though—I was in bed by 10 pm!)

A Week in Kelowna: Family, Friends, and Milestones From January 1–7, we celebrated Christmas, the New Year, and my mom’s 94th birthday (actually, her birthday is January 17, but that didn’t stop our early festivities). I am deeply aware that every moment spent together is a true gift.

Reconnecting Like No Time Had Passed Some friendships are timeless. Diana is one of those rare gems where the years melt away the moment you’re together again. When you have friends like this, never let them go!

Back to Reality And just like that, Richard and I were back home, trying to figure out where we had left off before the holiday blur. That included catching up with more special friends. This photo is from our three-person book club.

Fueling Change I recently finished reading UltraProcessed People. It was the nudge I needed to help me better concentrate on all whole-food meals (without unnecessary chemical additives). Featured here is a Veggie Shawarma Bowl. It’s fun to make and quite delicious—more about this topic in my upcoming wellness post.

Our Silver Anniversary January 21 was Richard’s and my 25th Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated at The Painted Boat in Pender Harbour. I’ve always told Richard I would live with him anywhere–even in a cardboard box. Thankfully, this resort was much, much nicer. And it’s totally worth the two ferry sailings to get there. This was the view from our (very spacious) living room.

A Celebration of a Remarkable Life When this post goes live, I will be in Edmonton with family, celebrating the life of Richard’s sister, Teddy Colton.

Family members flew in from afar to honour Teddy’s life and share heartwarming stories of an incredibly kind and caring individual. From viewers left: Richard’s sister, Sharon; our third son, Shaun; Teddy’s daughter, Leslie; Leslie’s husband, Hadi; Teddy’s son, Jeff, me and Richard.

What’s been on your calendar this past month? My cohosts and I would love to hear from you in the comments, via ‘Contact Me’ or via the link up. We hope to see you here!

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COHOSTS
Debbie, Deb’s World
Jo, And Anyways
Sue, Women Living Well After 50
Donna,  RetirementReflections

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

73 thoughts on “What’s Been On Your Calendar, January 2025?”

  1. It was a busy month for you! My month has been mostly sad. We lost four friends. That has to be a record (or maybe we are reaching “that” age). We have two more celebrations to do and then hopefully that will be the end for a while. We had a great pork and sauerkraut dinner for New Year’s day. It’s a tradition here and we included some stragglers who no where to go. That’s always fun.

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    1. Hi, Kate – Since the begining of COVID, I have had regular video chats (first weekly, now monthly) with a group of bloggers from Vancouver Island/California. We have always included a guiding question for our discussion. For tomorrow’s chat, the question is focussed on how each of us is coping with having more and more friends and family with severe health concerns, as well as the passing of loved ones. I usually have a mental point form list of what I want to say. But for this focus statement my mind is blank. What can we truly say?
      Sending warm, virtual hugs your way.

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      1. That may be an interesting conversation. (If it is, blog about it!) Having had so many in such a short time, I can say that each one is different. One friend was from my young days and it brought an avalanche of memories that are sticking with me. For another I’m in total denial.

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  2. That Painted Boat resort, looks lovely! Always nice to celebrate key event. I just had a brunch myself since today is my birthday.

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  3. What a month it was for you…January 2025. I loved seeing your photos and more from a very important month. It was great you could celebrate your mum’s birthday.

    January was/is my late Dad’s birthday and it was different to have it pass on the calendar without him

    Congratulations to you and Richard.

    Thank you for your blogging friendship over the years Donna. I am finishing up with link ups now but of course will remain connected one way or another on social media.

    Take care, and I hope you have a good February!

    Denyse x

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  4. You’ve certainly had the range of emotions to start 2025, Donna but as always you take each life event with grace and dignity. Have a lovely February and congratulations on celebrating your 25th wedding anniversary. I was in bed by 9pm on NYE LOL 🙂 Our tradition is to spend the NYE together on our own at home which is a lovely and peaceful way to start the New Year. xx

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  6. Goodness you have had a busy month! Congratulations on your 25th Wedding Anniversary.

    We have become ultra processed people and it is something that has snuck up on us. I certainly feel a lot healthier by cutting most of the UP foods out of my diet and focusing on a healthier eating habits

    I was going to check out Veggie Shawarma Bowl. but there is no link.

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    1. Hi, Carole – Thank you so much for letting me know about the broken link. I had checked each of the links last night, but I have been travelling so that often messes things up on my computer. I have fixed the link now, if you would like to check it out. Richard and I both enjoyed that recipe!

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  7. Donna, congratulations to you and Richard. What a beautiful place to celebrate an anniversary. And, how special to celebrate your Mom’s 94th birthday. She looks wonderful. My condolences to Richard. It is hard to lose a sibling.

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  8. Hi Donna,

    I can’t believe January is finished already. Where does time fly!? You had a packed month. Ours was busy in a way but not too busy, as we have been recovering for two weeks already from a nasty virus I brought from my ship to Antarctica. So while I certainly had highlights this month, I experienced a tremendous amount of discomfort as well.

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    1. Hi, Liesbet – In this little corner of the world we still have 27 hours left in January. ❤ But you are absolutely right — this month has sped by incredibly quickly. I am so sorry to hear that you contracted a nasty virus. I hope that you are feeling 100% very soon!

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    1. Thanks, Neil – My mom is a truly an incredible person (she writes with absolutely no bias at all). Since I was a little girl, friends always wanted to hang out at my place instead of their own. I always thought that my mom’s warmth and kindness always had much to do with that!

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  15. What a lovely month Donna – you always manage to do life so well. Congrats on your anniversary and a belated happy birthday to your mum. I hope February goes well – and don’t forget to share a snowy pic or two if you end up with one of your winter wonderlands – it’s SUPER hot here atm!

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    1. Hi, Leanne – We actually have not had any snow in Parksville since March 2, 2024. I would love to be able to get through this entire winter with no snow. But, sadly we are predicted to have snow in Parksville starting this weekend. We did have snow in Edmonton when we were there this past week. Funny, I did not welcome it as a long last friend. I truly am not a fan of winter. I know, I know…what kind of Canadian am I?!

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  16. There are some strong genetics in your family; your mom looks great at 94. Congratulations on your silver anniversary. And you’ve had a taste of Alberta weather celebrating your SIL’s life. I’m interested in the origin of Teddy’s given name – Glenmonte. Sherwood Park is one of my stomping grounds. January has been a month of hibernation with lots of reading, walking. One of the highlights was celebrating a favorite nephew’s (yes, I have favorites) 50th BD. He thought he was old when he turned 30! Driving home in whiteout conditions wasn’t fun. Another person in our circle has passed. I attend a lot of funerals. I’ve lived in this area all my life & these are my people. And then there’s the business of death as progress is made on settling mom’s estate. Lessons learned to prepare for the inevitable in my own life.

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    1. Hi, Mona—You always write such intriguing and insightful comments. Thank you so much for doing this.

      That’s a great question about Teddy’s name. Her given name is Glenmonte Theoda Wageman. Richard and his sister, Sharon, have no idea where the name Glenmonte or Theoda came from. Richard’s middle name is Loring, which was the name of a character in a book that Richard’s mom was reading during her pregnancy, so that might have happened for Teddy as well. However, her remaining family members do not know for sure. I had assumed the name Teddy, which she went by since she was a young child, was derived from her middle name. But Richard and Sharon say that was not the case and that the name “Teddy” came from Glenmonte’s thick, dark, curly hair, which she had almost from birth.

      Me, being me, I asked Google about the name Glenmonte, and here is what Mr. G. had to say: “Out of 6,504,161 records in the U.S. Social Security Administration public data, the first name Glenmont was not present. It is possible the name you are searching has fewer than five occurrences per year.”

      Names are always so interesting to me. And I almost didn’t get to board my flight on time today because of mine. My first name is hyphenated (Donna-Lynn). The ticket agent issued my ticket as Donna, which I had neglected to double-check, as I had checked in as Donna-Lynn and had handed the ticket agent my passport. (You’d think that would have been enough.) Anyway, when I went to board, my ticket said “Donna,” and my passport said “Donna-Lynn” (insert ensuing drama here). ❤

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    1. Hi, Jennifer – Thank you for your kind words.

      I am grateful to have had the opportunity many different blogger meet ups. My one big takeaway from meeting fellow bloggers in person is that they have always been exactly like they are online. No surprises — at least not yet! ❤

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  18. Those timeless friendships are wonderful, aren’t they? I have a friend like that… we went to kindergarten together but didn’t really become friends until we were 16. Since then, years can pass but when we meet (nowadays mostly on Whatsapp) it’s like yesterday.

    You’ve had a mixed month. Celebrating the life of someone who passed away can be so beautiful, mixed with the sad. Congratulations to your silver anniversary!

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    1. Hi, Suzanne – Timeless friendships are a true gift. As much as I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook, the love part definitely comes from the bridge it can help build to keep in touch with friends from afar!

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  20. I don’t think I’ve made it up until midnight since I was in college; I too tend to be in bed by 9 and ring in the new year ahead of time. How wonderful to get to celebrate your mom’s birthday with her; 94 is quite an accomplishment! I an so sorry about your sister in law.

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  23. Hi Donna, Congratulations to you and Richard on your silver anniversary and happy belated birthday to your Mom. She looks amazing. I’m sorry about your SIL. I’m glad you have continued to surround yourself with family and friends.

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  25. You always show us what a balanced, healthy retirement is like Donna! How wonderful to spend milestone dates with family and friends. I know how you feel about spending precious time with your mom. As we drive home from AZ, I’m grateful we got to visit with my Dad several times.

    My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your SIL ❤️🙏

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  26. I too am usually in bed by 9 on NYE. I remember one year in England we called into a pub at 11am to toast the new year in NZ ( we were with Kiwi friends), then 2 hours later to toast the new year in Sydney, followed by the new year in Queensland an hour later. By the time it came to new year in England we’d been long asleep.

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  29. Hi Donna, what a mixed month you’ve had, lots of highs and lows. Congrats on your 25th wedding anniversary (and Richard is included in that), it’s a lovely thing to say you’d live with him anywhere, even a cardboard box! That’s true love 🙂

    Thanks for sharing your month and hope your Mum had a lovely birthday, she’s looking great but I get the cherish each moment feeling.

    Wishing you a happy February, you always seem to make the most of things whatever life throws at you, and that’s why we’re kindred spirits xx

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  31. First of all, Donna, my condolences to you and Richard. May you be surrounded by love during this time of sorrow. And then congratulations to you and Richard on a quarter century together as a married couple. Larry and I celebrated 26 years on January 24. If I’m remember right, Deb also had an anniversary this month. January must be the month for weddings in our age group! Here’s to a fantastic February!

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    1. Thanks, Christie – Yes, Deb and I are anniversary twins (differnt amount of years though). Congratulations on your recent wedding anniversary as well! Try as I may, I could not get into your recent blog post via InLinkz. I will try again a different way. ❤

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  33. I hope your darling mama celebrated her birthday all month long. What a firecracker! She is adorable.
    I remember seeing your tribute to Teddy on Facebook. I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister-in-law sounds like a very special human.
    From the photos on their website and the one of your stunning view, The Painted Boat looks like such a first class place to spend your silver anniversary. Beats a cardboard box hands down!! Wishing you continued happiness and good health together for many years to come.

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  34. Donna-Lynn ;-),

    Your month had it’s ups and downs, but such is the fabric of life. I lost my best friend from high school (and college roommate) last month, and miss him greatly. Congratulations on the 25th and the celebration in such a lovely lodge. Hugs to your Mom–mine turns 97 in March, and each day is a treasure. Helen and I are in California where it’s raining. Can’t complain–rain is badly needed. Have a fabulous day! Joe

    P.S. If you ever find the time, I would love to know how you structure a book club meeting. Thanks!

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    1. Hi, Joe – Thank you for dropping by and for your kind words. I am currently in two book clubs (one local, inperson and the other online via Zoom or FBMessenger). I have been in several different book clubs over time and the structures have all been slightly different. Here is the basic structure guideline:

      1. Establish the Basics

      • Purpose: Define the focus (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, classics, diverse voices).
      • Membership: Decide who can join (friends, community members, online vs. in-person).
      • Frequency: Choose how often you’ll meet (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
      • Format: Decide on in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings.

      2. Select Books

      • Voting: Members suggest and vote on books.
      • Rotation: Assign members to pick books on a rotating basis.
      • Themes: Choose books based on themes, seasons, or author spotlights.

      3. Meeting Structure

      • Check-in: Start with a brief welcome and casual discussion.
      • Book Discussion: Use discussion points (avoid just Q&A).
      • Additional Activities: Consider related themes, guest speakers, or even food pairings.
      • Wrap-up: Summarize key thoughts and select the next book.

      4. Engagement Outside Meetings

      • Online Group: Use a private chat, email thread, or social media for ongoing discussion.
      • Notes & Summaries: Share discussion points for those who miss meetings.
      • Events: Plan author talks, bookstore visits, or themed gatherings.

      5. Keep It Fun & Flexible

      Adapt based on what works best for your group.

      I’ve written a couple of different posts on book clubs. My most recent one is here: https://retirementreflections.com/2022/05/19/why-join-a-book-club/ .

      Let me know if you have questions on any of this. I am very happy to help.

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  35. Hi Donna – well lots going on … and lovely photos and news: thank you … and here’s to more in 2025. Congratulations on the 25 years … and what a fun place to visit – that part of the world always amazes me with all the islands and the dividing line between Canada and USA … yet perhaps you were further north at Madeira Park – their resort there. Anyway it all looks just wonderful and a great place to celebrate those years of being together. Love the way you put together your blog posts for us all to read and enjoy – cheers to you both – Hilary

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