It is hard to believe that 2026 is more than half gone. I find that, as I get older, time seems to whiz by faster than ever. Part of that is forgetting what has been going on most days. Every night, as I get ready for bed and am taking out my dentures, (yes got those), it seems that I was just there a few minutes ago. And as I climb into bed, I lay on my back and do some simple stretches before laying awake for a couple of hours reflecting on what I did not get done through the day and what I want to be doing for the next decade or two. I doubt anyone else has these reflections.
I posted a list in January of some Plans, Goals and Dreams for 2026. Last night I was reading back through all my blog post for this year. I doubt anyone else does that either. I was reminded of some of the blog intentions I had considered. Our summer house guests are gone home for now and I have 6 weeks of space in my days to complete a few things. Then I go on an epic Alaskan cruise with my duaghter and 2 younger granddaughters. I have not told them all the plans. Need to have some surprise adventures.
Here is an recap of my plans and goals and dreams so far for 2026. I may have more as I start writing, because I usually write whatever comes to mind. But I did make a list of things to consider. I really did. Does anyone else do that before writing up their blog post?
Quilting
I started 4 new quilts for the Choodshed Challenge. I have one more new potential start on the list. I started Omigosh, Wreath of Roses, Tumbling Blocks and Wensleydale. I think I only bought fabric once back in April when we went to a quilt show. I bought 4 layer cakes. Two of them are reproduction shirtings for more variety for OMIGOSH backgrounds. I made progress on Bricks and Mortar. And I put in a few hand stitches to a couple of TOMDO blocks. Not much visible progress on Stonefields, but I have 1 outer border laid out for positioning the many hexie flowers. This is tricky since I have all the papers still in them.
Finishes
I finished one top Churn Dash but I may still add a border. I have been wanting to get back into machine quilting. My skills are really rusty. But I need a few finished tops to practice on. I consider the possibilites often then turn around and forget.
Travel
We went to India in March. My Sweetie and I. It was an impulsive decision and we told no one until we were leaving. It was wonderful to make that trip with him along. We were there together in 2008 and I had been there12 times without him. Trips planned for later this year are Alaska with my daughter and 2 younger granddaughters and England to celebrate my sister there turning 80.
Health
I turn 74 next week. I had a goal and dream of losing 26 lbs. I have lost some of that several times and found most of it again. Two more of the female massage therapists I have been seeing left the local place I go to. I have some issue with my upper right arm. Not sure what is going on, but it has been for at least 6 months. Will be getting some imaging done to see. I have been doing lots of rotary cutting and machine sewing but try to not do too much at a time. Had a bulging disc in my lower back in Feb but that has settled down nicely and I see a chiropractor routinely.
I moved the recumbant bike into the SonRoom and it sits behind one of the tables. I thought if it was here I might remember to use it. But, alas, I cannot see it so will move it front and center so I am almost tripping over it to remember to use it. I got into the hot tub regularly to soak and do stretching exercises, since I have the scoliosis thing and cannot walk far without assistance.
Blogging
I do want to be blogging more often, but not a recap of my everyday life. I do a lot of that in my journals and morning pages when I actually write them. I had been keeping track of my 15 minutes daily stitching and have 91/161 days for the first 6 months of this year. But I forgot to link up. And the To-Do Tuesday. I keep writing to-do lists but not written up any blog posts. And OMG. I think I posted 2 times. I kept up with the RSC colour of the month 5/6 months with OMIGOSH.
Reading
I have read a lot about adult ADHD and forgetting is a huge part and avoidance is another as well as distraction. I re-read the entire Anne of Green Gables series this month. I have a boxed set that was sitting on a shelf in the SonRoom out of reach but moved it when many of the house plants went outside. And didn't I buy not just a few new books. Maybe I will write up some insights on some of them. They are not all fiction novels. I read 66 books. This includes individual book of the Bible that I read often. I also have read through most of the journals I have kept over the past 30 years looking for insights for my memoir books.
Leading
I have been leading a monthly writing group. We met 5 times and have taken a break until Sept. I keep getting scathingly brilliant ideas but then forget unless I write them down. My Sweetie and I lead and host a bi-weekly small group from our church. Two of our members died in the spring. We are taking a summer break and will resume in Sept.
Writing
I submitted 16 chapters to my editor for my book in progress called How We Stayed Married for 50 Years. A month of house guests put a stop to that. However, I have since learned how to locate all my edit recommendations in Google Docs. Who knew? And how to save all the changes with just a click of a key. Who knew? I hope I can remember how. I continue to write morning pages and journal, but not everyday.
Gardening
I contune to amaze myself with how ever year I buy lots of flowering plants and forget to actually plant them. And why? I cannot make up my mind where to put them. But I must have flowers.
Enough reminiscing for now. Now to remember to follow through on the plans and goals and dreams for the rest of the year. We decided to take a quick trip to Pennsylvania next week to visit farming friends.
blessings,
Chris
