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.

I have an approach to family holiday gifting and follow my own model every year.  There is always one big gift and a bunch of small ones. There is usually something playful and very often a gadget or two. This year, everyone was gifted a set of herb scissors and an electronic measuring scoop.  Seemed fun for my foodie children.We have also started leaning into experience gifting.  Tickets to a show or a concert are always a hit.Then there are the staples – socks, dreidels and chocolate.What is your gifting model?

My very close friend’s daughter got married last Friday. It was a Friday afternoon reception in a beer garden/hall in Staten Island. I had no idea, at all, what to wear. Another friend of mine lent me two beautiful dresses. I tried them both on but felt that they were a bit too dressy for the venue. I looked into my closet and found a classic style dress that I have had for, at least, fifteen years. I tried it on and sent a picture of me wearing it to my biggest fashion critics, my daughters. They both pronounced it as “perfect.” 

In advance of celebrating each New Year, my blog traditionally shares my verified (meaning all the links work) Songs to Ring In The New Year playlist to herald New Year’s eve.  In the process of re-checking all the links on YouTube (32 songs) and updating two links there I noticed the list now approaches a dozen years.  Time does fly.