Wow! Another year has flown right by and this year the holidays have really snuck up on us. We hope that these words find you and yours in good spirits and health.

In the deja vu segment of this holiday missive, we have to tell you that while, once again, we had not planned to grow our little family, but in February (again!) we adopted a Quaker parakeet from a parrot sanctuary. Anna had been wanting a Quaker for a while now and this bird was in need of a loving home. MysQ, her temporary name made permanent, is quite the quirky girl indeed; so much so that she decided that Gregory is her human and that’s that. He’s made great strides with her and divides his bird time between MysQ and Duncan, the cinnamon turquoise conure. Possum, our amazingly adorable white-face pied cockatiel, continues to be -quite simply- the best cockatiel in the house. Please don’t tell her that she’s the only cockatiel in the house!

Sully, our Cane Corso mix, has grown up to be such a good boy. He, like most big dogs, has no idea just how large he really is. He loves to spend time outside as well as gnawing on the many hard bones purchased for that very purpose. At 11, our old man, Brodie, isn’t as spry as he used to be and is a little more grumbly, but will chase balls when thrown for him.

After years of talking about it, we finally made the trek to Hawaii! Flying out with our dear friends, Mike and Justine, we soaked up the sun and island vibes on Oahu for ten days. Mike, who has been to the island several times, made a great tour guide. The food and people were a delight and the sunsets were stellar. Of course, while everyone was researching attractions to visit, Anna was scoping out the local tattoo shops (which should surprise no one). Although traditional kākau (hand-tapping) wasn’t an option, she found an artist whose Polynesian art was exceptional, and – most importantly – had time that fit our schedule. By the time we left, Gregory had added another piece to his growing skin art collection and Anna brought home three souvenirs, including some free-hand Poly art.

Speaking of tattoos, Anna spent a good amount of time in the local tattoo shop this year, including getting ink with family on several occasions (with niece Ella twice). It has been noted at the shop (Black Sheep Studios) that Anna has now passed into the ‘heavily tattooed’ club, information which makes her immensely happy. Gregory is now up to four pieces and has more on the drawing board.

Prancing Pony Pottery had its best year ever with successful seasons at both the Virginia and Maryland Renaissance Festivals, and a well-attended annual open house. New pots this year included square and rectangular casserole dishes and toilet brush holders, while teaspoon rests got a redesign that more closely matches the full-size spoon rests, and clay buddies got a new look with white and hand-colored clays. The future is a bit in flux for the potter at the moment, as the partnership with Dancing Pig Pottery came to an end after one year, so stay tuned for what is in store for 2026.

Anna has hit the 1.5 year mark of being cancer-free and ‘might’ be planning a cancer ribbon tattoo of some sort. Gregory continues to work from home, with occasional forays to his company’s headquarters or to meet with customers.

We hope that you enjoy the holiday season!

Anna Marie, Gregory, Brodie, Sully, Possum, Duncan, & MysQ

⇓ Keep scrolling to see our year in pictures & past holiday letters ⇓