01-01-2026 — And 2026 begins

Howdy all. So glad to see the dumpster fire year of 2025 end.

The snow and winds worked their hideous magic well into the night.

The plowing was soon covered.

The snow was not always pretty. This was just a touch later and the winds around 40-45 mph. Would want to be out in that.

As we got close to morning, it was beginning to look more like a Mars-scape, than a yard.

Fortunately, I have Weaver’s Lawn Service (and snow removal) on the job. By 9:30 this morning it was already cleared as well as it could be.

So what am I looking forward to this year? I am hopeful the political and societal landscape will smooth out some. We will see. I do forecast that the stock market dip I expected in November will finally happen. And, sadly, unemployment numbers and inflation, will both grow more than expected. Not sure how the federal reserve bank will handle interest rates with growth falling, and inflation gaining.

I do imagine the “blue wave” will hit congress this election year. Hopefully there will be some “purple” (red, with a little blue) members added in. Don’t want either side to be able to run the show completely. Power begets power, and absolute power makes all not in power, powerless. I want to see congress people that will vote their own opinion, not the opinion of just one person. By the People, For the People. Important words.

On a more personal forecast. I hope I continue to do okay health-wise, and that Kitty is healthy and happy for another year. Not sure how much gardening I will try this year. I may switch to just flowers out back and my potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, near the garage.

I have ordered some mushroom kits this last week. The company from which I like to buy them, left Amazon. I just found them on Etsy, so I put in my order. Just some white buttons and Crimini mushrooms. And I will soon replace last spring’s indoor tomato plants with a new round. And maybe some other vegetable in the two empty 9 plant containers. Maybe some semi-hot peppers.

I’ve already started gathering my tax information. Couldn’t believe that the Social Security Administration actually had my 2025 1099 form available today. Printed off a copy for the tax person. And I gathered up the credit card and checking entries for the Part D and Supplemental, Medicare payments, and the Dental insurance payments, done in 2025. I had my dental office print off a summary of what I paid them in 2025, at my last visit. Also gathered up the many eye-glasses doctor visits and purchases, and added them to a folder on my computer.

I looked at what my 401k and brokerage account did for 2025, and I at least matched the stock market. My net worth is up some from last year too. But the value of my truck, and the value of this house are down.

I did check to see if the county had put out the 2025, payable in 2026, property tax invoices yet, but not today. Looking at last year, it was mid-January when they were posted.

So basically, I’m getting a good start to 2026.

I do hope everyone really does have a safe and happy 2026, and be sure to make time to Enjoy Life