Tree removal

 

Don't much like dropping trees, especially oak, but this thing has completely trashed the front yard, blocking the sun and not letting the grass grow, so OUT it goes,,, I'm amazed at just how much shade this thing threw... now maybe we can grow some grass . The amount of leaves this thing drops is enough to smother anything trying to grow, you'd never know there was new sod there a year and half ago...its almost sand at this point.

Re-union..

 

Had the question posed to me today of whether or not I would be attending our class re-union this year. I hesitated to answer and began thinking that approx. 90% of my friends here on FB are class members, yet only about 2% actually stay in touch anymore, why is that? Yet I am suppose to attend the event and act like long lost bud's merely for a few minutes to hear everyone's BS stories.? Personal feelings on that... if ya can't be bothered now, why bother then. I thoroughly enjoyed my class back then and for a few years thereafter, but as life goes, we all went separate ways.. It is not from a lack of trying on my behalf, I contacted many people and initiated staying in touch over the years, but folks just can't be bothered unless there is some major event they heard about and wanted to free their thoughts, guilt, or opinions. I am sure I have lost a few along the way as well, as I am just as guilty as them. So I am really on the fence about this whole reunion thing coming up.. I am inclined to just file it away like so many times in the past, as I am sure they are as excited to see my ugly ass, as I am theirs. To much of a headache to prep, travel, stay, and return for just a few moments of smiles, lies, and more..Kind of to bad, as we are getting older and there are some that I would loved to have remained close with over the years, but alas... c'est la vie.. like I said, if ya couldn't then, why bother now.?

Downsizing on the horizon.??

 2026 may bring a few changes in our small world. With the cost of living on the rise yet again, we are entertaining the thought/idea of maybe relocating to a new home. The costs here have all but doubled for us now that three incomes are no longer available towards expenses. Katelyn and Orion have relocated back to Maine, and Tristen has pulled up stakes and returned to Tennessee, not that he really ever contributed financially to begin with. But it is making it more difficult to maintain and stay on top of the finances needed to run this big house. So, Deb and I are considering and entertaining the idea of finding something a bit smaller and more affordable in the long run. It will definitely be here in Florida and preferably in the same area, just smaller and more affordable. Entertaining the idea of using the VA homes program if I can qualify credit wise. Anyway, it is something we are looking into.

The house we now live in has two bedrooms not being used and an oversized loft area basically just a play area for the cat at this point. Waisted space, extra electric and waisted A/C...but more-so, $$ spent on useless areas. So downsizing makes more sense if we can find something more affordable and possibly the ability to actually save some money for the future. Right now we are having to scrimp and save all that we can just to cover everyday expenses with nothing going to our future or unexpected expenses. Its always unsettling when it comes to having nothing to fall back on when in need.

 We'll see were it goes and were we end up, but all I know is at this point we can't afford this place any/much longer.

On the horizon

 

As we begin 2026, we have scheduled a cruise to celebrate our Anniversary and the birthdays of myself and Lorrie, Deb's sister. We are cruising with her and her husband Mike again to start the year off right. So looking forward to a relaxing cruise, drinks, and a chance to just chill to start the new year. Only reserve is that the siblings of Deb have all been dealing with, arguing, and trying to settle their fathers estate, and it has gone wild, is extremely time consuming and so repetitive in accusations, clarity and so much more. I am just hoping that it gets put to rest soon, especially not taking over the conversations and emotions of the cruise. Lord knows we have been listening to this BS way to long already. I truly hope that they can put the brakes on at least for a few days and deal with it afterward with clear heads and a more relaxing environment. The battles and repetitive nature of dealing with a lawyer , PR,  and so much more is getting really ridiculous, its like playing a broken record with a scratchiness across the vinyl.

Anyway, hears to hoping we have an uneventful cruise and enjoy ourselves, however I hold reserve in that regard.

Little mans 1st Christmas

 

Brandon/Lara's home all decked out. Christmas 2025.

Little man is all smiles, 

He is absolutely adorable and really loves his sister as she can crack him up so easily. He now has a couple teeth so everything goes to the mouth and ya have to watch him like a hawk. Great kids, couldn't ask for better...