Last Sunday my New York Giants Football team defeated the Dallas Cowboys by the score of 34-17.  I have been a Giant fan since boyhood and am proud to brag that I attended the Giants 1956 47-7 victory over the George Halas Chicago Bears in the (pre Super Bowl) National Football League Championship game and, 2 years later, attended "The Greatest Game Ever Played" when the Baltimore Colts beat the Giants in sudden death overtime in the NFL Championship game.  

       Last Sunday night, it was expected that a routine field goal in the game-ending play would give the Baltimore Ravens a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and a place in the playoffs.       The possibility of a field goal winning the game was the result of a missed extra-point kick by Pittsburgh— a mistake very rarely seen in professional football.       With the opportunity to win the game as a result of the other team’s mistake, Baltimore moved systematically toward victory in the closing minutes of the game.

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...