Years past I closed up outside later this month. Not this year. A variety of reasons contributed. Celebrating a milestone in Vegas played into my “calculations.” Weather also influenced; needing to secure umbrellas, electronics and furniture, I decided — out of an abundance of caution— to protectively break down my setup. So umbrellas, cushions and fan to the shed: outside monitor, surge protector and charging cords, and mini-portable air conditioners to the chest on the deck; and home mini-pod to its winter quarters on a living room side table.  Yard work still gets me out there. Last Sunday I deployed my iPod sometimes watching and always listening to an improbable comeback by my  football team as I swept up my yard; alas, no game for me today.

I certainly look forward to “redeployment” after winter ends and weather allows in 2026. Big question remains: setup as usual or make to changes.  Watch this space as we enter Spring in 2026 to find out.