Your January Issue of TI Life is now online

Please stay safe and warm this January – whether you’re reading this email beside your fireplace or, if luckier, on a beach. When you read Mike Folsom’s Seaway article you will see it ends with, “. . . The opening for the 2026 season is just over two months away.” That is good news!

We have 11 articles, plus an assortment of super old postcards for you to enjoy.

Volume 21, January 2026 issue of Thousandislandslife.com is now online.

From the Editor, January 2026 – by Susan W. Smith
2026, a whole new year. This month I pay tribute to Gordon Byers from Bostwick Island and Half Moon Bay, links to winter activities, and please check my explanation as to why we need your comments and suggestions.

Delays on the River: Winter, Ice, and Ships – by Michael Folsom
Bitter cold, ice freezing temperatures are a given in northern New York and eastern Ontario every winter, and with those conditions comes circumstances.

The Seaway SHIP WATHERS Network kept everyone informed throughout the end of the season.

"Last Chance" & Aluminum Work Boats – by Rick Casali
Some of the relatively new marine designs to arrive on the St. Lawrence River are the all-aluminum work and dive boats . . .

Stained Glass Windows Series: Elizabeth Brown – by Cindy Rusho Hagemann
. . .On Grindstone Island, Elizabeth operated a boarding house and saloon in the small village of Thurso, mostly serving the quarry workers . . .

Carpe Diem, a Tribute – by Mark E. Russell
Daniel “DBoy” Kerstetter came to the River the way so many of us do, by family, and by a shared love for the River itself . . .

The National Wall of Remembrance – by John Stencell
The building of the National Wall of Remembrance in Kingston – a project that began in 2010 . . .

Interview with author John Lefevere – by Susan W. Smith
When author John Lefevere wrote to tell me that he had a new series coming out, I knew we were in for a treat . . .

My Story – by L’Harmonie Chico Gitane
I was born in Quebec on April 19, 1997. I am a cheval canadien, or a Canadian Horse, declared to be the national breed of Canada . . .

Small World Pride! – By Michelle Gloumeau
For the past five years we have been spending winters in Costa Rica. We frequent a bar/restaurant called Coconutz . . .

Now hanging in Coconutz, in Cota Rica [Courtesy of Michelle Gloumeau]

Call for Recipes: Alec’s Chili Recipe – by Elspeth Naismith
This recipe came from a friend many years ago. He hadn’t actually ever written it out, until I badgered him to do so . . .

Sudoku for January 2026 – by Dan LeKander
Another year, and another 12 monthly articles will unfold for your enjoyment . . .

Winter Postcards, Waiting for Summer - by Richard Palmer
We share these photographs from a postcard collection, saying "thinking about summer in the past or present is a welcome idea in January and February."

Remember to send comments or suggestions. We certainly appreciate as much feedback as possible. Why? "From the Editor" article explains (hint 2,500 articles).

Enjoy,

Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com