Other than a few big events, it was a fairly typical year. The year started off with eye surgery, which while successful, didn't completely restore my sight. I'm still seeing double up close, having trouble with my depth perception and reading small print requires me to close my right eye. However, my left eye is 20-20, so in the big picture, I'm dealing with it. Not really happy with it but it could be worse.
I started studying for my ham radio license early in the year. I passed the first license, then later in the year passed the next level. I was pretty happy with that. I got a rig in the truck, and later a set-up in the house. I still haven't got the house rig figured out but that'll happen.
I was back working at the college again but finished up the first week in May. Never again will I work for wages. I still enjoy working with my hands but that last stint at the college cured me of being involved with formal education.
I made a few items for Coach Jen's "jen-nasium" and then worked with a few boxers. Unfortunately, trying to make fighters out of guys who won't put in the work is about like trying to teach welding to those with the same lack of a work ethic. I did renew my boxing license again for the coming year, but depending on what comes along, it might be the last time. I really enjoy coaching boxing but if the fighters want to compete, they need to put in the work, for their own safety, if nothing else.
Lots of typical, for me at least, odd jobs for others. In addition to the pieces for Coach Jen, some pieces for a dog sled, a lawn mower, bell hangers, and other bits. I made the bell hanger and mailbox post for home - redid the backstop for the rifle range, got a bit of work done on the jitney and made some real progress on a couple of motorbikes.
I finished up the Sportster, except for the electronic ignition, and took it for a spin up and down the lane on my birthday. The trials bike is close to being done. I need to get the engine bolted in the frame and then call my buddy to come down and have him help me fire it up and get it tuned properly. It should be running come spring and after I do some work on the mill, I'll get back on the jitney and work on the BSA.
The Allis threw a wrench in the works, but something is always upsetting my apple cart. It's done now and ready for snow detail.
The Missus and I both had medical issues. She was in the hospital for a couple of days; I was in overnight after my heart attack. Both of us are doing alright now, though, and looking forward to our 55th wedding anniversary this spring.
In spite of my exercising over the years, I still ended up with a blocked stent. I haven't quite decided what my plan should be for the future, but I definitely need to resume an exercise program and clean up my diet.
On the national stage, hurricane and fire damage was in the news. It made it quite clear that our government isn't capable of coming to the rescue when things go really bad. The country is now 38 trillion in debt, people are getting layed off right and left, businesses are closing and we the people are being fed lies by both the government and the media. Not the best year for the good old USA, but as I always like to say: Don't worry, it'll get worse.
Closing out the year, I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worse for 2026. Just remember the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared.
No comments:
Post a Comment