Reflecting on 2025 and looking to 2026

It has been an eventful year for me and everyone else, to be sure. 2025 started off with my lung surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. Three months of recovery and 10 pounds later, I was able to breathe again with minimal struggle. I had many moments with cherished friends and family. I managed to go on a cruise around the United Kingdom, visiting England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. So much history and political unrest over the centuries came to life. William country was stunning and the coast felt like I was in the Mediteranean. And then, for a completely different trip, I went on a whirlwind tour of Japan, visiting many famous shrines and temples. I discovered that Toyota started off making textiles and that the Jappanese love ferris wheels, Pachinko, and anime. All of that, with not a speck of garbage to be found on the streets. I swear, elves came out at night and gobbled up the garbage.

And my writing? In August, I completed my fourth manuscript, Murders in Deer Park, sent it out to publishers, and I'm patiently waiting their response, which can take up to a year. I have the patience of Job. Well, sometimes. But earlier events in 2025 helped me to temper my expectations. I got a couple of rejections already and I'm waiting to hear from eight more. All I need is one.

And by my side was the best decision I made in the last 10 years. My dog, Neo. He truly is the best companion one could ask for. He asks for love, food, and to be near me. What a treasure.

So from both of us, Happy Holidays. May 2026 bring health, and happiness with a copious amount of love. We can never have enough

.