Happy New Year

 Happy New Year!  We are still new to the new year, and new beginnings.  We had two new moons in December 2024, and on January 3, 2025, the crescent moon and Venus were beautiful in the clear night sky.  

We welcome the first babies of the new year. the first marriages.  We hope for better things in 2025.  

But already, shootings and  truck explosions,  and still wars and plagues.  

We face the challenges of the first big winter storm---snow, blizzard conditions, ice and power outages in Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio, and southern and central Illinois. Further north,  along Lake Michigan, there is ice and lake-effect snow. 

Today is January 6, and  there are still some holiday lights for Epiphany--also known as Three Kings Day.  Sadly, there are already some Christmas trees in the alleys.

Today is January 6--- and 4 years ago, it was Insurrection Day, a  violent attempt to overthrow an  election. Donald Trump was dancing. We will  not forget that dark day.  But democracy prevailed! 

And today, Vice-President Kamala Harris,  Madame  President of the Senate, certified the Electoral College results.  Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States.  

This  is how it's done--a peaceful transfer of power. Flags will be flying half-staff for President Carter on January 20, Inauguration Day. 

 Here's to  better days in 2025.