I was told that the average human’s life expectancy is about 27,327 days – hardly enough!According to my calculations, my “best by…” date has already passed. But hey, I’m not milk or sushi, so expiration dates don’t apply. I’m still here and as fresh as ever. Thus far, I’ve crammed four careers, wild adventures, kids, grandkids and just about every emotion except boredom into my years on this side of the garden. It has sped by like a skateboarding kid on a sugar high.

I can’t take credit for this, but I really liked it.I heard an interview about new habits to start in 2026.  One commentator was recommending a gratitude journal.  I liked that.  Every day, you write down one thing (at least) for which you felt grateful.Offering a twist on the theme, another commentator suggested a contribution journal.  His theory was that the gratitude journal was passive – but making a daily goal to contribute something positive to the world required active engagement towards the common good.

I know the holiday season is about so much more than giving gifts. But sometimes, when you give the perfect gift, it just warms your heart. Giving the perfect gift isn’t about the price tag, but about how well you understand the person receiving it. The most meaningful gifts reflect shared memories, inside jokes, or something the person would never buy for themselves.  

As opposed to last year when we hosted Jackson for more than a week, our niece Tara picked Marisa up on the way here and dropped him off just ahead of New Year’s eve.  Marisa, of course, was necessary to this visitation with the limits on her parent’s ability to take Jackson, one rather head-strong dog, on his storied walks. Jackson enjoyed our yard as well.Marisa had to work New Year’s Day and Shelly and I had brunch plans so Tara sister Ashley stayed with Jackson while his “hosts” were out.

Once again, the seer of all seers has shown up to predict the future. I've got my crystal ball, tarot cards, and now AI. Here's a recap... Last year, I was 2 for 3, making my total record to date 31 correct predictions out of 60.And now for the future. Drum roll, please...2026 will feel chaotic but entertaining. We won’t agree on much, but everyone will have strong opinions about everything.

A new year is upon us. 2026 AD!What does it portend? What will I write in my diary/journal?  What will I report in this space?No doubt there will be good, bad, happy, sad, exciting, boring and historic too.  It will be a recurring adventure. For sure!I'm opting for optimism and hope!  Off we go...

Frankly, I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Historically they have led to more disappointments than positive change.However, when I asked Flo if she had any resolutions in mind, she challenged me for mine and I came up with one.I would embrace some advice from my father - and add my own.My father always said to count to 10 before saying “no” to anyone. I would add…and count to 5 before saying “yes”.

In recent years recurring fees have become a part of our daily lives. Subscriptions, monthly fees, recurring charges. They hit our credit cards every month, after time goes bye you forgot what they were for. Your being billied every month and you dont even know what it is. Wall Street loves them, its dependable recurring revenue. I hate them. My New Years resolutions is to cancel as many as I can and at least understand what they are if i decide to keep them. Often times if you try to cancel them the provider will offer a discount.