Love in abundance

Most of you have received Christmas and holiday cards with the proverbial annual letter. These letters often relay special events and other happenings that recap, for the sender, the highlights of the year.

We decided, in our 2025 Christmas letter, to share some of the moments that made for an amazing year. It was amazing because of the kindness of some special people who, time and again, shared their abundance with us.

It happened first when we visited the Oakland House Inn near Stonington, Maine. We noticed a teapot matching Lisa's grandmother's pattern. We knew the teapot's value so we asked if we could buy it. "I’ll check," the woman said. Moments later, she returned and gave it to us as a gift. We were speechless. To thank them, Lisa sent a postcard painting of their lovely inn.

The next time was on Deer Island in Canada, when we were invited to join an all-day trip to see puffins on Machias Seal Island. For many of us, that day was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was truly amazing and once again led to a painting.

For many years, we have taken a picture on the same bench at Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. This year, knowing the garden was closing, we planned a photo at the gate. But when we arrived, the attendant said, "Come in. Let's lock the gate and go find your bench. I'll take your picture." He also gave us a short tour and a beautiful memory. Lisa is planning a painting.

Finally, when we returned to Florida, we took our granddaughter Annalee to Nantonio's Harmony Gardens in Hilliard. Nancy and Antonio created the garden as a place to share their passion and sell some plants, too. Nancy met us at the gate with a golf cart to personally drive us around. She even let Annalee "help" drive. You can guess where we will be buying our spring plants.

The year 2025 came to an end, and we looked back with gratitude on all of the beautiful people we met. In the coming year, we hope that we will be able to freely share the abundance we have been given.

Wishing you love in abundance in 2026!

~~~

Lisa and Richard moved to Amelia Island in 2017, before retiring. They live on Deer Island, NB, Canada during the summer. Their days are blessed with their family, especially their granddaughter, Annalee, who lives locally, and twin grandsons Caleb and Curtis, who live in Virginia. In retirement, Lisa has become a watercolor artist while Richard has been active with right whale conservation, birding and playing music. They both help care for their gardens and for Richard's mom, who is 91 and still sharing her abundance.

If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observer - about a neighbor or friend or stranger or business that showed you kindness - please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com