Moving on. January always gives me a mixed feeling. I sometimes feel sad to see all the Christmas lights disappear for 11 months. I sometimes feel happy to see the days are getting longer, well kinda. This morning I passed by the Grand Place in my hometown and noticed the technical staff were bringing down all the decorations. Well, life can be unutterably gloomy.
I remembered New Years Eve; I could hear people in the neighbourhood lightning up fireworks and everybody was having a good time. At the same moment I received push messages on my phone telling me Russia launched new strikes on Ukraine. I had a hard time falling asleep.
I don’t have high expectations for 2024. It’s definitely going to be a year filled with unexpected events; good ones, and bad ones. But we need to try to give attention to the positive side. It’s all a matter of balance.
Your lifestyle is also important: you need to exercise, explore nature, eat healthy, be socially active and get enough sleep. Within the limits of reality, you can happily anticipate the good things that are about to happen. And sometimes take a moment to think about the thoughts in your head and distance yourself from them. We should not immediately start doing exotic or extreme things. Drinking a coffee in the sun, spending time with your friends, family or your cat, these are moments to cherish.
Enjoy this beautiful day, my friends, wherever you are. Peace, love and understanding.
Hands on Bowie & Jimi 
What a gorgeous photo of Seigneur! And I know what you mean about mixed feelings in January. It should be all about the freshness of a new start but somehow it doesn’t feel that way. And putting away the decorations is definitely a low point. If I could keep them up for longer, I would, but we rent a tree and we have to give it back just before Taking-Down Day. Much love to you and Jimi!
Thank you so much! Sorry if this post was a little bit too dark, like the fur of Louis. But having a pinched nerve in your back gives you such negative vibes… 🙂
Jimi sends his regards!
Oh no, don’t apologise. You echoed what a lot of people are feeling about January. Is your back getting any better?
Yes, I’m taking less painkillers since yesterday. I tried out some exercises but that was a no go. Guess I have to be patient…
Beautiful thoughts for the new year…….and then of course the sadness of having to start a new year with a continuing war in two areas of our world. Let’s hope that we can soon celebrate an end to those conflicts and see peace – which we ALL want. Meanwhile we can have our own bit of peace by enjoying life as well as we are able to……Cats know how to do this – we should pay attention! Here’s to you and Jimi having a wonderful new year Herman………………….
Hugs, Pam (and Teddy too)
Hi Pam. Thank you so much for your kind comment and thoughts! Glad you liked the post.
Having a furry friend by your side always make you feel a lot better. I’m sure we will have a good 2024 together. And yes, we should pay more attention…
Jimi sends his regards!
It’s sad to see the lights come down and the last bit of holiday cheer fade back to gray. The reality of winter cold stings, as biting winds slap our faces. But we can hope. We can hope that 2024 is better than 2023. Jimi looks skeptical. Then there are the three Cs that always make life better: chocolate, coffee, and cats.
Hi Tim. Winter arrived last night in this part of the world. Temperatures are constantly below 0º Celsius. I don’t like this but after months of rain it feels like a welcome change…
And of course, we fully agree with your three Cs statement. I’m already feeling a lot better!
PS: I don’t think Jimi likes a freelance photographer, aka paparazzi.
I read Denmark set a new record low of -49ºC and that Russia and other Nordic counties are experiencing record low temperatures.
I read the article too, it’s hard to imagine how cold that really is. I don’t think you would see me (or Jimi) outside…
The coldest temps I’ve experienced is -32ºC. That was way too cold.
Where???
In NM, USA.
The coldest temperature recorded in NM, USA was -45.5ºC.
Like Kurtz said: ‘The Horror! The Horror!’
Now that is cold…!! I remember we had a cold winter in 2009 with temperatures around -20ºC. The coldest night in Belgium was during the winter of 1940 with -30ºC.
We are inland at 1524 meters above sea level the Sandias are at 3352 meters, and the tallest mountain in NM north of us is at 4011 meters.
Thanks for this info, Tim. I didn’t know there are such tall mountains in NM. A very intriguing state for sure…
It’s the Land of Enchantment.
Jimi see things right, and expresses them so well, to make a good beginning for 2024.
Having a cat by your side is always a very good way to start another new year…!! Glad you liked the post!
Jimi is magnificent. I share your concerns about this coming year, but we must always remain positive with those we love and our cats. Ticha purrs for Jimy.
Hi Domi. Glad you liked the post and photographs!
I fully agree with you, we have to stay positive and enjoy all the little things around us. But right now, with a pinched nerve in my back, it’s a little bit harder…
Jimi send his regards!
I know about the pinched nerve problem because I had surgery for a herniated disc in 1989 and I have a second herniation that was not operated on. Since 1992, I have been doing gymnastics every day and I manage not to suffer too much. Good luck to you. 🙂
Thank you! I tried some basic gymnastic exercises but it was still too painful right now. The physiotherapist told me to take it easy and don’t rush things for the moment…
🙏
Looks like Jimi isn’t too sure about 2024 either! If we always had bright lights and fun we wouldn’t appreciate them as much but it would be nice if there could be something less extreme, in between. I think we are all a bit dubious about this year but it’s going to be important to stay on top of the gloom. Cats will help! Best wishes to you and Jimi.
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts! I fully agree with you, it’s important to find a good balance in life.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024! Jimi sends his regards!
We’re on the western edge of a blizzard pulling out of the Colorado Rockies today. This week is expected to be very unsettled, and is likely stretch into next week. Regarding the Nordic countries, we prefer they have their deep freeze now. (Sorry to our friends there.)
I hope your espresso machine is ready to work overtime and your chocolate pantry is full.
Hi Deborah. Temperatures stay below 0ºC in this part of the world this week. I hate it, Jimi hates it. Like Shakespeare said, ‘My Kingdom for a Summer’. But I guess we are lucky if you see how cold it is in the Nordic countries right now…
Don’t worry about the espresso machine and chocolate. That’s the number one priority in my life.
We have a couple of showjumping friends in Sweden. They ride indoors this time of the year. Getting to the practice facility is the hard part. They particularly don’t like driving on snow and ice. Plus, with EVs, it’s keeping the cars warm inside the garage for them.
FYI: there was an international jumping last week, ‘Jumping Mechelen, The Equestrian Christmas Party’. It’s one of the biggest events in Belgium each year.
https://jumping-mechelen.com/en/
Herman, you’re not the only one with mixed feelings on the turn of the year. I don’t think it’s wrong to acknowledge the darkness in the world today, we need to take extra measures to stay positive or it will creep up on us and we won’t know why we feel badly. I am sorry about your back issues, since my accident it’s almost a full time job to keep my back from sabotaging my life. Thankfully I got brave and agreed to foster two very shy feral kittens, right on the edge of the age to be socialized. They and my other cats were the lights and decorations for my holidays. Give Jimi a treat from me, I with you and Tim on the three C’s.
Hi Angela. Sorry to read you’re still having a hard time after the accident. Thank goodness you can find some comfort in fostering the feral kittens.
It’s always very difficult to stay positive when you have to deal with health issues. But I try to focus on little things, like this morning having a coffee in the sun light with an extra chocolate treat for me and of course, a special treat for Jimi like you told me.
And yes, the three C’s will be my new slogan for 2024!
Tell Jimi Aunt Angela is glad he got his extra treat!
Consider it done, my dear Aunt Angela! Jimi sends his regards! 🙂
Gelukkig Nieuwjaar Herman en Jimi ! What a beautiful place you call home. I always admire how European cities are planned. With a main square surrounded by cafe’s and restaurants and some little shops. Such a wonderful place to meet up with friends and enjoy all year round. I try to remain an optimist amid all unrest around the world, but it is a challenge at times. I want to focus on what I *can* do this year -vs- what’s out of my control entirely. That’s my goal anyways. I’ll join you in a nice Nespresso and maybe a little treat too. Take care of each other Belgium friends xK
Hi Kelly. The city did a very good job with decorating the Grand Place. Unfortunately, a lot of stuff was already removed when I took that photograph, but it still looked very cosy. Personally I wish there were a few tall trees but it seems to be very difficult to keep them growing with all that concrete.
Sorry if my post was a bit on the dark side. But having a pinched nerve in my back makes me feel a bit depressed. Thank goodness I can still have my daily espresso’s in the company of Jimi and my good friends and neighbours.
Wishing you a wonderful and creative 2024, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regards!
Oh no! Back pain is insufferable and believe me, I would be feeling the same. I’m always worried to take pain killers too, so it’s a double edge sword. I hope it’s getting better every day. 💛
I hate taking pain killers but I had to if I wanted to sleep. I started to reduce the daily dose since yesterday.
I’m feeling a little bit better after the physiotherapist started taking care of my back. But maybe I should double my daily dose of chocolate too…?? 😉
😀 Yes! More chocolate will most certainly be the winning solution!
Absolutely…!! 🙂
All one can do is try to create a peaceful space where one can. You and Jimi brighten the world for your readers. Ambassadors of Peace and Goodwill! Love to you both from all of us here. ❤
Hi Lavinia. Thank you so much for your kind and heartwarming words. This really means a lot to me and makes me feel better, (with a pinched nerve in my back).
‘Ambassadors of Peace and Goodwill’, well, I can live with that for the rest of my life… 🙂
Wishing you, Rick and everyone at the Farm a wonderful 2024! Jimi sends his regards!
Thank you, dear Herman! ❤
My pleasure, dear friend! 🙂
I agree with everything you wrote! 2024 will indeed be a mixture of grief, challenge and moments of joy and beauty. I made my first visit to a local cat cafe and met a dozen lovely kitties all looking for their forever homes. I also am spending time with the kitties next door😻❤. Will email photos! 😊 Happy New Year dear Herman and Jimi.
Hi Christine. Thank you so much for your kind comment!
Thank goodness we have no cat cafe in my hometown. I would probably pay them a visit each day of the week… 😉
Thanks for sending the beautiful photographs of such adorable cats! Glad to see you’re enjoying their company.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regards!
❤
I feel the same way about this year. There’s so much sadness in the world, but I’m taking time each day to do something that makes me happy. It could be a walk in nature or relaxing with my cat. I hope you have a good year.
Hi Correne. I fully agree with you with taking time each day to do something that makes you feel good or happy. I enjoyed my first espresso in the sunshine this morning, with a little extra chocolate treat. And Jimi keeping me company is always a good thing of course.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024, my dear friend!
Thank you! Sounds like a nice way to start your day.
My pleasure, Correne.
Wishing you and Jimi a happy and healthy new year! XO
Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes!
Wishing you a wonderful 2024, my dear friends. Jimi sends his regards!
We wensen jou en Jimi een fantastisch 2024, zonder miserie en met veel vriendschap en chocolade ❤
Dank je wel, liefste Joke! Veel vriendschap en chocolade… veel meer hebben we niet nodig in 2024! 🙂
Mmmm, what will 2024 bring? Best just to hope for hope…
So true, we need a lot of hope for hope this year. These are really very strange times right now. I try to find and see some happiness in the little things around me. Like today, finally no rain and sunshine from the morning. I enjoyed my espresso and extra chocolate for sure… 😉
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 and safe journeys with all your furry passengers.
May the chocolate be dark and the coffee be darker! All the best to you both.
Thank you so much!
happee mew yeer dood two ewe N dad, we hope each N everee day bringz sum thin grate yur way 😺💙🐟‼️
Thank you so much for your kind comment and wishes, my dear friends! It’s always a pleasure to see you coming back to the blog.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with all kinds of treats and happiness. Jimi sends his regards!
Beautiful photos. Jimi is looking well. I wish for peace and love in the world. I wish it for you and Jimi.
Hi Polly. Thank you so much for your kind comment and wishes! Glad you liked the post and photographs.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regards!
Beautiful message with lovely photos. Wishing you, Jimi and all your loved ones a safe and healthy, happy year ahead.
Hi Takami. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes! Glad you liked the post and photographs.
Wishing you, your family and friends a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regards!
My expectations are generally pessimistic given the bad things happening now. My neighbor still has his big Christmas display out and I can see it lighted at night. They have decorations for every holiday. His display Reminds me how quickly the holiday came and went. I guess we will find out how things will be one day at a time! Say hi to Jimi
Hi Greg. I noticed a few of my neighbours still have their decoration lights on in the evening. But they are probably blackmailed by their kids… I removed my lights last weekend.
Now I’m looking forward to longer and warmer days… and spring/summer.
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, filled with happiness and peace. Jimi sends his regards!
Hi Herman! I’m a little late in wishing you and Jimi a wonderful and happy 2024. Jimi is such a handsome boy and I love his green eyes. I know there are wars and bad things happening around the world, but I try to focus on the good and positive things that are also happening and seem to get less attention. Sometimes it’s the simple things like one person helping another that makes the world continue to go forward. Here’s wishing for the good and kind people to outshine the bad things this year. Gibbs and Hoshi send their purrs and I send much love, my friend.
Hi Mary. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes. It’s always a pleasure reading your comments on the blog.
You are so right, we have to focus us on the good and positive things around us. I had a nice surprise this morning: my neighbour (and good friend) brought me breakfast (egg omelet and vegetables) at 8 ‘o clock this morning. It made me feel happy for the rest of the day…
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regard to Gibbs and Hoshi!
Happy new year and hope it’s a good one to all of you
Hi Crystal. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes. Hope you’re ok.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness and love. Jimi sends his regards!
What a heartfelt message and such words of wisdom. The Christmas decorations in your city looked stunning! I can see why it’s hard to see them go. Happy Mew Year to you and Jimi! Hugs from Pamela and Samantha!
Hi Pamela. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes! Glad you liked the post. And yes, I still miss that beautiful decoration…
Wishing you and Samantha a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness. Jimi sends his regards!
I sure hope that 2024 is a better year! Drinking a coffee in the sun, spending time with your friends, family or your cat, these are moments to cherish … now that sounds wonderful! Hugs to you and pats to Jimi …love the photo of him! Handsome kitty ..
Hi Julie. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes for the new year! Glad you liked the post and Jimi’s photograph. It’s always a pleasure reading your comments, my dear friend.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness and joy! Jimi sends his regards!
I concur! That’s a super photo of Jimi! I feel the same about the coming year. The US election promises to be an ordeal to survive, regardless of the winner. November can’t come soon enough.
Hi Doug. Thank you so much for your kind comment and thoughts! Glad you liked the post and the photograph of Jimi.
We, the European people, are looking with anxious thoughts at the election in the US of A. Especially now the world is on fire… That’s why we have to enjoy the little things around us that bring some joy in our lives.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness and a good health, my dear friend. Jimi sends his regards!
Thank you, Herman. It is beyond me how “he” can have so much support when he clearly is a conman, a congenital liar, probably a felon before it’s all over, a provocateur behind an insurrection centered on the seat of US government, the Congressional chambers and capitol offices, where the Confederate flag was shamefully flown inside the capitol, something that never happened during the US Civil War! A poll taken during the Iowa caucus showed 62% of likely Republican voters in that state would still vote for him if he was convicted of any crimes!
About all the facts you’re mentioning, most of us Europeans just can’t grasp how it’s possible that this idiot is still walking around free. He should be in jail for many years. Now begins yet again a period of anxious anticipation to see the results at the end of the year…
I feel exactly the same way. He’s used personal wealth and the courts to get around obstacles to getting his way all his life.
It’s really hard to believe that things like that are possible in a civilised nation…
Agreed! Scary as hell, too, that so many people can’t be concerned that he has four indictments for matters as serious as insurrection, theft of national secrets, attempting to screw with election results, and defaming someone. The lat could cost him millions in penalties, and the others could end his freedom for the rest of his life…yet his hardcore supporters will still vote for him!
I can’t comprehend he still got supporters! What a crazy world this is…
It’s frightening because you can’t use facts to change their minds.
What beautiful Christmas decorations. Definitely not up to that standard here in Brisbane! I share your feelings about moving into a new year. I even feel that way at the change of the seasons! I must be a creature of habit. Wishing you and Jimi all the very best for good health and good times in 2024!
Hi Jill. Thank you so much for your kind comment and wishes. It’s always a pleasure meeting you here on the blog. Glad you liked the post and the photographs.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness and love! Jimi sends his regards!
Excellent advice. A reminder is an excellent idea: eat well, sleep well, and make sure fine friends.
And make sure you have good friends.
Hi Micheline. Thank you so much for your kind and heartwarming comment and advice! Good friends or indeed very important.
Ciao è un pò di di tempo che non vieni più sulle mie pagine, ti aspetto.
Cari saluti, silvia
Buongiorno, Silvia. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I will keep on eye on your blog.
Augurandovi un anno fantastico!
Grazie, buon anno anche a te
Grazie, molte grazie!
This really is a lovely New Year’s post, Herman. I hope you have a brilliant 2024. Hugs.
Hi Teagan. Thank you so much for your kind comment! Glad you liked the post.
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 filled with happiness and love!
Excellent advice. Hope your year is going well
Thank you so much for your kind comment. Glad you liked the post!
Wishing you a wonderful 2024 and may all your dreams come true! Jimi sends his regards!
good post
Welcome on HoB! Thanks for visiting the blog. Much appreciated!