
Holiday Greetings
As we approach the end of 2024 and prepare for 2025, I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a happy new year. I hope 2025 will be better than 2024.
Click on the images to see them larger, uncropped, and read their titles.
Looking Back
We entered 2024 in Salt Lake City with Elif and Mina and enjoyed spending time at her new KahveCafe which reflects memories and Turkish tastes in many ways. We had a great time with them during our short stay and enjoyed the surroundings during the holidays. However, something started a persistent cough and I entered a period of a series of medical problems. Collectively, they made the first three months of 2024 like a blur and I was confined to home for most of that time except for two emergency room visits as my blood glucose spiked to 590, talk about sweet! Until the end of March, Jan had to take care of me while managing her problems. But, we made it through.
April, May, June
Towards the end of March, Jan and I started venturing again and enjoyed the unexpectedly good weather. We found new public art to photograph and even walked around the building that was almost a city block! Given that we were both in rough shape that was quite an accomplishment.


As April brought spring flowers, we wandered around the neighborhood and photographed what we could find, sometimes on the ground. May and June brought us more flowers in our garden and around us. In April, May, and June, we had some unexpected visitors in the garden and even had a chance to meet the symbol of Rhode Island: The Independent Man.











In June, the Gaspee Day parade brought large crowds to the end of our street where various groups went by. On Memorial Day, we remembered our loved ones and heroes. The flowers in the garden started an even bigger show while the unexpected guests continued to frequent the shades of our plants.











July, August
July and August were very hot months, we only went out when there was a breeze. We visited our local and state parks, followed more public art, and met some artists who created them. Seeing the life-size elephants of the Great Elephant Migration show in Newport was highly enjoyable.









September On …
The last part of the year gave us comfortable days, and we visited public art and public parks. I even got a chance to have a studio session with my friend Steve to photograph an exotic Porsche at The Newport Car Museum photo studio. In October, we had the great joy of having Elif and Mina visit us for a short trip and celebrate Mina’s 18th birthday.














Holidays Are Here Again
So, as we are close to the end of 2024, we have the first real snowy winter day on December 20. As I wrote this closing paragraph, I heard a snowplow go by. Imagine that! There goes another year, and will soon come a new year. May that be a happy, healthy, and prosperous one for everyone.
Lead image: AdobeStock #926055485 cropped to fit 16:9
Haluk Atamal
We also wish Ekins a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. Many thanks for sharing a beautiful resume of 2024.
Türkan & Haluk Atamal
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you both, Haluk. I hope 2025 will be less eventful in many ways. Take care,
Cemal
jackie
What a delightful review of your year. It certainly was packed with adventure and the photographs are a wonderful remembrance. Steve and I should sit at the end of the street with you for the Gaspee Parade, I’ve never been.
We will see you at 1:00 this afternoon.
xo
jackie
A. Cemal Ekin
Looking forward to seeing you and Steve this afternoon, Jackie. You are both welcome to the next Gaspee Days parade. See you soon.
Cemal
Michael A Di Stefano
It was certainly a fun filled 2024 with lots of events and enjoyment.
Here’s a wish for an equally and better 2025.
Happy Holidays and a healthy and Hapy New Year.
Noreen & Mike
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you, Mike and Noreen, looking forward to a better 2025. Take care,
Cemal
Paul White
Another year in the books. I always enjoyed your posts and you inspired me to do more things. As we grow older it is fantastic to continue to create our art.
Merry Christmas to you and Jan. May both of you have a better year in 2025
A. Cemal Ekin
Thank you, Paul. We wish you and everyone the same. A better year every year!
Cemal