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...

Rounding down '25

 

Well yet another year is now winding down as we approach Christmas of 2025. Its been an interesting and somewhat trying year here at the homestead. Its one of those situations where we had 6 adults under one roof for the majority of the year. Then Two relocated back to Maine, and two are separated now, so we are down to three.

Employment / income has been sketchy most of the year as well with many changes occurring. We managed to dump two vehicles and purchase newer, much better ones for the near future. But along with that comes more financial strain, but we are and have managed thus far. Really seeking relief and some mellow time mentally. 

Deb and I do have a cruise booked for January as an Anniversary / birthday treat. We will be cruising out of Tampa this time along with her sister Lorrie and husband Mike as we share the month for birthdays. Nothing to spectacular, but a chance to get on the water again and just relax and collect our thoughts, enjoy, etc.

We will be going into 2026 with some changes and hopefully some more settled plans and goals.

I am so-called retired, and I'm not sure how much I like it just yet. I do like having time to do what I want and need, but I also lack some structure and peace of mind knowing there is a solid income to live from. Just feel like I am aging with no real purpose any longer. Its a routine of medications and caffeine, and a whole lot of time wasted sitting on the back porch doing not much of anything. I need to find something to occupy my time and mind.. To old for a decent job, and always have that nagging feeling that if I did work, how long would I last before another health issue sidelines me permanently.

Anyway, we shall see what 2026 has in store for us..

New used pieces..

 I like playing chess and have many boards available to me here at home, but most of my playing pieces are glass or acrylic and somewhat fragile and get chipped easily.. so when Deb came across these rather large and nice looking wood pieces at a Goodwill store, I had to snatch them up.. One or two of the pieces look like they were the dogs toy or something but mostly they are in good shape and serve the purpose. I particularly like the two toned wood pieces. Now I just need to find me a chess player....lol.