January seems like a good time to look back on the pleasures of the last year and relish them again.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/vatican-museum-will-return-parthenon-sculptures-to-greece-180981354/

As described in the wonderful book entitled I Capture the Castle.

Highly recommend this lovely book! By the author of the book that became the basis for the wonderful Disney movie, 101 Dalmations. This film was my son’s absolute favorite as he was growing up.

Nary a month goes by that Florence or her art are not written about in the New York Times or other major east coast publications. You won’t get a complaint from me! I love that city and her art as much or more than anyone!

The most recent article is this one:

Back by popular demand, Rudy sent me more images of New Year’s decorations from Japan, taken today, January 2, 2023

All the shrubs are wrapped up for the winter in burlap around this beautiful pink home.

Ah, it’s January. The time for dreaming, remembering, planning and looking forward to new adventures!

https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rabbit/?fbclid=IwAR2aHDjAQ9-8gFmDRKq2dJhWaaReCs0Yn_XBk5Jya7BZgBVdnvU4uClk95Q

My dear friend, Shiketsu Kou (in Japanese), is a young Chinese man now studying in Japan. We share texts and pictures on a weekly basis and I was delighted to receive these images to begin 2023!

The pictures above and below are of decorations placed on the front door of a home or business to welcome in the New Year! Aren’t they beautiful!?

Rudy tells me that you can buy these more simple decorations using greens and an orange at local fruit markets, such as this one in his neighborhood.

Rudy sent me this following description of the use of these lovely decorations.

Rudy also shared this interesting New Year’s greeting card which he received from his school.

And he treated himself to a feast at a local buffet! Yum!