New Project for 2026

Another golden sky greeted the east this morning, with relatively warm air hovering around –4. I made my usual coffee and published the Boxing Day post, loading photos and editing a few more to continue catching up.

I found myself thinking ahead to the new year and whether I should change the blog format—perhaps a weekly recap, or even fewer posts. At times it feels repetitive, and honestly, most people seem to be most interested in seeing how Renn is growing. A weekly feature on her might make more sense and feel fresher.

After a shower, laundry got underway, including fresh bedding. The comforter is always a major wash-and-dry production all on its own.

S made his first coffee after 10, having already perused the internet in bed, then settled into Big Brown to continue his morning routine. I posted the disappointing cabinet for free, hoping someone would come and get it. As usual, there was lots of interest, but it often feels like tire-kickers when pickup south of town is involved.

I had a bowl of berry yogurt around 11:30 for brunch, then headed to the garage to finally start a new project—the French provincial desk I picked up a few weeks ago. I took it fully apart for better access, only to confirm my suspicion that it’s MDF and will need repainting rather than refinishing. Always a pain. Dealing with other painters’ drips and marks is frustrating, and even with power sanding, hand sanding, and wiping it down, it’s going to be a challenge.

S took Harley for a walk around 2:30, with temperatures now up to +3, then plowed some snowbanks and cleaned up around the shop.

I decided on a soft grey for the desk, though I may go darker with a second coat. After washing up the brushes, I came inside around 4 for a cold drink.

Supper was stroganoff made from the leftover bison roast, and while it cooked I published Saturday’s blog post. It turned out quite tasty. S watched some hockey, I watched a bit of Netflix, and then we settled in together for The Family Plan 2, another entertaining Christmas-themed spy movie.

We started a new movie afterward, but within four minutes S was asleep. I switched to a Home episode featuring a 3D-printed house in Mexico built for the extremely poor—an impressive and inspiring project to end the day.