January
At the end of January, I announced via the blog that we had sold the house we inherited from Malcolm’s mom. It was quite surprising as we had just moved in and were approached by a neighbor who wanted to upgrade from her townhouse. We settled on a price, solicited the required professionals to handle the transaction, and secured a closing date of nearly two months later, giving our buyers and us plenty of time to prepare. Once the house passed inspections and the deposit was secure, we set about the arduous task of sorting, storing, and preparing to move into a smaller space.
Empty of our belongings and ready for new occupants. We said our goodbyes…
This was also the month I chose the word PATH as my WOTY. It seemed appropriate as we were uncertain of our path beyond securing a rental for the next year and following through on a few travel plans already in place.
February
This month was a whirlwind of activity. We found a townhouse that suited our needs and secured a one-year lease. Malcolm and I made multiple trips to the new place with boxes, clothing, and small items we didn’t trust the movers to transport. Moving day arrived, and we were grateful for our efforts as it helped the move go smoothly. We settled into the new space quickly (minus a few large pieces of furniture that had to be stored) and looked forward to closing day and a new ‘home-free’ lifestyle.
March
Closing day came and went, as our buyers reconsidered their commitment to buy our home. As the shock settled in, we weighed our options and decided to defer action until after our planned two-month vacation abroad. Accepting what happened was difficult, and bitterness occasionally crops up, but we have learned to let it go. There are worse things in life than owning a home you didn’t choose.
April – May
On April 1st, we sailed from Ft. Lauderdale to Lisbon, Portugal, followed by five weeks of land travel. I wrote about that amazing trip in a series of posts beginning with – Repositioning on the Silver Ray.
After disembarking the Silver Ray, we toured Portugal for a few days with our friends. When they returned home, we continued to the Algarve. This post covers those two weeks of our vacation. Even if you don’t read the full post, scroll through the photos I shared. I promise they’ll make you smile. By this time, we were in full-on exploration mode, soaking up every jaw-dropping moment. Thoughts of the disappointment of March were beginning to fade.
We left Portugal and traveled to France, Italy, and Germany by train – celebrating my birthday in Verona, Italy, and our anniversary in Bairsbronn, Germany. I recapped our seven-week journey in ‘A Travel Tale.’
June – July
By June, it was time to face the music. Stay in the rental townhouse, or move back to the house we inherited. It was a no-brainer to take our losses on the rental contract and return to the house. I posted about some realistic soul-searching and weighing our options in ‘Are We At A Fork In The Road,’ . By July, we had decided to pack up once again and return to my MIL’s house. We made a plan to accomplish that in August, just ahead of another road trip. I wrote this light-hearted post, ‘July WrapUp and Taste of Summer,’ to lift my sagging spirit and prepare for the work ahead.
August
Summer was brutal in So. Florida, so we planned a quick getaway to Canada to beat the heat. We flew to Buffalo, NY, rented a car, and hit the road for six days. ‘Hot Summer Days to Sipping Ice Wine‘ tells that story. Amazing sights and delightful weather were just what we needed to refuel for the coming weeks.
I glossed over the difficulty of the move back to Pebble Lane in my Recap of August, and as I read that post now, I remember the toll it took on us.
September
Life began to return to normal in September as we settled into healthy routines and focused on goals. I thrive within boundaries, expectations, and a general routine, so setting my mind to reduce some weight was a welcome challenge. It also helped that the oppressive summer heat began to ease. Tennis games, gym routines, and preparing healthy meals took center stage. (See Focus on Goals). Thoughts drifted toward permanence, and we debated a love-it-or-leave-it scenario with the house. After much consideration, we listed the home for sale, even though summer is typically a slow season in Florida.
October
A quick staycation in Miami to visit with the kids was a highlight in October. We appreciate their busy lives and take our time with them as it comes. Malcolm and I lived in this city for years, and although we enjoy visiting, much has changed. Some places aren’t meant to be relived, just written in your memories.
November
This month brought reflection, Thanksgiving, and gatherings with friends and family. We toured the bourbon trail in Louisville, KY, for five days (read about that trip here), and we took a six-day road trip to Chattanooga, TN. On the way to Chattanooga, we stopped in St. Augustine, FL, and Alpharetta, GA. Still harboring a desire for change (but not willing to go too far afield), we ruled out both locations as potential homesteads. We made progress this month as we accepted the realization that the house might not sell this season. Frequent interactions with friends and settling back into the fabric of the old neighborhood gave pause for reconsideration. Maybe it’s time to think about renovating??
December
While I saw the merits of not decorating a Christmas tree this year, I had to make the house somewhat festive for the short time we were home in December. The evergreens for the centerpiece are from Christmas tree cuttings that I picked up for free at the Home Depot, and I repurposed the white roses from an old arrangement. We didn’t eat a meal at the dining table, but it made me smile each time I passed by. Merry Christmas to me. I wrote about my obsession with tablescapes here.
Our annual Mahjongg luncheon and local Pub Crawl with friends rounded out the pre-Christmas celebrations.
We celebrated Christmas week with the kids in Paris. Below are a few snapshots of our time with them. I will share the entirety of the two-week trip to London, Edinburgh, and Paris in an upcoming post. There were many highlights during our stay, but one special day was shopping for a Christmas tree and hauling it through the streets of Paris back to our apartment, where our daughter ceremoniously decorated it with a single hairbow. Perfectly imperfect, just like us.
Our contentment was disturbed this past year, but we are finding our groove again and looking forward to the new year. We wish you all that your heart desires in 2026, wrapped in a way that makes you feel most like yourself. Cheers to fulfilled dreams, good health, and love. Thank you for following Picture Retirement. We value the relationships we have formed here and appreciate your kind and generous comments.
Happy New Year
We’d love to see your year in photos. Please click over to Terri’s blog and visit Sunday Stills for details.
Picture Retirement 
That was an excellent summary/wrap up of your 2025. Lots of travel which is wonderful and time with kids which is precious. A little bumpy with the house selling. Oh my. But you recovered. Thanks for the new year wishes, and I wish the same for you and your family. Here’s to 2026!
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Betty, that’s it in a nutshell. Thanks for stopping by.
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Well, Suzanne, you did what was most important this year – you dealt with all that life throws at you without losing your way. There’s always a positive outcome, even though sometimes it’s not easy to see where it’s going to come from. Enjoy ‘26 and all that it may bring!
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Yep, talk about dealing with it – we’ve been on hold for over an hour trying to book a new flight to Auckland in March. The time between our connecting flights got cut in half, and we don’t want to take a chance. Just when you think it’s all under control…
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We will be in New Zealand for the whole of March. Just sayin’ 😁
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We arrive in Auckland on March 13th and will be on Waiheke Island for 5 nights. If you are in the neighborhood??? After that, it’s cruise 1, cruise 2, cruise 3.
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I’ll have to look up where that is! We’re travelling north to south, arriving near Dunedin for my nephew’s wedding on Easter Saturday.
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Hi Suzanne – despite the unsettling times with the house, it sounds like you had a pretty amazing year. Lots of travel and lots of new experiences, with small breathers in between to recalibrate. I hope you come to a peaceful decision about the house and can stay or go happily as the year ahead progresses. Here’s to 2026 and all it holds. ❤
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Hi Leanne, we have had two showings this past week, so fingers crossed that the house will sell. We are considering alternatives, but are also willing to accept that this might be where we end up. Nevertheless, we continue to develop travel plans for the new year. No complaints…
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A wonderfully documented year through photos and journaling. Thanks for sharing this recap and Happy New Year with wishes for health, happiness, and new adventures.
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Terry, thank you. I enjoy compiling our year in review as it gives me a chance to relive the memories. Thanks for stopping by.
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Suzanne, I’m glad you and Malcolm were able to enjoy the year despite all of the uncertainties about the house. Best wishes for a Happy 2026.
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Hi Beth, waiting for the house to sell has been a weight, but not a game-changer. We’ll see what the new year brings. Thanks for your good wishes.
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It’s been quite a year for you, with the home-related ups and downs plus lots of exciting travel! And Paris for Christmas sounds just wonderful 😀 I hope you’re able to settle down somewhere that suits you in the coming year.
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Sarah, we are hopeful that this is the year everything clicks into place.
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I hope you were able to keep the deposit on the house from the potential buyer? That’s the rule in NZ. There are plenty of good memories to soften the bumps. Happy New Year.
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Suzanne, that is the law here as well. Unfortunately, it barely covered our moving and leasing expenses. We were too accepting of them (being neighbors) and didn’t ask the typical percentage for the deposit. Oh well, water under the bridge. As you say, lots of good memories to soften the bumps.
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It sounds like a good year, aside from the frustration of the house, Suzanne. Renovation still on the cards? A month in New Zealand would compensate me quite a lot. Your daughter is beautiful, like her Mum xx
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Jo, our situation changes almost hourly these days. Yesterday we saw two properties and got excited about one of them. A few hours later, we ruled it out. We switched our thoughts back to renovating, but the $$ don’t make sense. Something will bring clarity of thought. Once again, we are in a situation where a vacation seems the best course of action. 🙂
Morgan is a pretty girl, but she didn’t get it from me. She is the image of her dad. Thanks for the compliment.
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We had house sale fall through once and it is painful. At least you have a hubby who’s up for travel. Mine no longer enjoys the challenge … and at his age, it is a challenge! Loved seeing all your photos – thanks so much for sharing,
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Jan, having the house sale fall through was a game-changer for us, but we are getting past it. We recognize that our travel days are numbered. Malcolm took a tumble in Paris that gave us both a scare. He is still nursing a pulled muscle in his shoulder. At least, we are hoping that is all it is. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Happy New Year.
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I suppose being house-rich isn’t too bad, Suzanne! You and Malcom are great examples of how to live the retired lifestyle that includes travel, visiting family and enjoying being home. Wonderful recap of 2025 and cheers to a fabulous 2026!
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Terri, I agree. There are worse things than owning a home we didn’t choose. I’m just praying there is someone out there who will fall in love with it so we can move on. Where to, what to, who knows. That chapter is in the research phase. Thanks for prompting the annual recap.
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Wow, what a wrap-up, Suzanne. You were literally all over the map. Not knowing exactly where you are going to live makes life a little shaky. We spent some of last year doing the same thing. It feels so good to be settled – even a little slow. I have to admit there is a lot of adrenline flowing when you have to move – especially more than once. It looks like you made the best of it, though. I wish you the best for 2026. 🙂 xxx
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Hi Marsha, adrenaline, emotions, you name it. Life is a bit unsettled right now, but we are working on finding our new normal. In the meantime, we have lots of travel plans to keep us motivated. We ended 2025 on a high note, and look forward to more of the same in the new year. Best wishes to you for 2026. Good health and happy days.
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Thanks, I’ll take those wishes for both good health and happy days. I wish them right back for you. If you get to CA, let me know!
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All that and you still managed to blog. Happy New Year! Tracey
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Tracey, I manage about one post per month. Some bloggers write 3 or 4 a week. I can’t imagine keeping up with a schedule like that. Speaking of, when are you coming back??? 🙂 Happy New Year!
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Wow, Suzanne… you’ve had quite a year! Fortunately, there was way more good than bad (although I know the bad, when you are experiencing it, can feel pretty suckie). Paris for Christmas – how magical! Best wishes to you and Malcolm for a happy, healthy 2026, full of fabulous adventures!
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Hi Janis, Paris for Christmas was Morgan’s idea. It was magical, and I’m glad we did it, but I missed having Christmas at home. Yes, the good outweighed the bad, and we are in a good place – just not exactly where we want to be. Wishing you all the best for 2026. Cheers to your good health and happiness.
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Thebhoise sale falling throu
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My previous comment posted by mistake. The wrong button must have been pushed, sorry.
The house sale falling through was a major setback, Suzanne. I’m sure it affected a lot of your planning, expectations, and general happiness. So that’s what I wish for you and Malcolm in 2026: a smooth process selling the house of your MIL. It would be nice to have closure with that, find a smaller place, and focus on your travels and health. Happy New Year!
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