It's time to begin again.

Looking back and looking forward.

I have never really been big into New Year's resolutions, but I have started to reflect at the end of each year. Maybe it's all the holidays, or maybe it's the little lull that seems to happen about now, but it does lend itself to looking back and then looking forward. I thought including the critters in that process might be fun this year. With that in mind, I have some reflections or a sort of review for each of us, followed by our resolutions.

Dwyers: Commitments were not well matched to available resources, especially concerning time and general bandwidth.
Resolution: Try focusing on wellness and balance again. Aim for exercise of some sort at least 2-3 times a week. Finish pitching (and hopefully writing) the book (Darla). Use the animal chiropractic skills I worked for this last year (John).

Nellie: Continues to be basically the best dog anyone could ever ask for. Attitude on change--especially to give the grass in certain areas of the yard a break--could use work.
Resolution: Be the best dog ever. Bring joy and happiness to anyone available by being available for petting to anyone that sees me, ever. Keep the cat in line. It's a big job, but someone has to do it.

Wanda: Always full of gusto and enthusiasm. Greeting and public relations with new people could use some work.
Resolution: Never slow down, never give up.
Me: On what?
Wanda: Yes.

Bessie: Notable improvement in attitude. Weighting the strategy of communication and manipulation toward cuteness and requests rather than judgmental demands is much appreciated.
Resolution: The same goal as every year: try to take over the world.

Earl: I suppose 32 years old is enough good horse years to merit being higher maintenance. Response to senior feed was favorable. Willingness to be caught and lead others back to reason is much appreciated.
Resolution: Always be available for snacks. Try not to lose any more teeth. Be the Dick VanDyke of horses: always happy, usually mistaken for 10 years younger than actual age.

April: Thanks for being low-maintenance and dependable. Maybe work on some standards. If you want to eat chicken litter in broad daylight, at least try not to let anyone see you do it.
Resolution: Find more snacks.

Chili: Maturing into a pretty nice critter to be around.
Resolution: Find some cows to boss around.

Theodore: Basically the perfect cat. We appreciate you always greeting and talking to us before you eat.
Resolution: Lead with strength and dignity.

Peppy: How does such a small cat make so much noise jumping on the vehicle? Thank you for accepting you are not, in fact, feral. Thank you for hunting the local vermin, but please try to keep your hunting carnage out of the shop.
Resolution: Level up my hunting game by going for the Farmyard Three (Chicken, Guinea, Sheep).
Me: Not allowed, Peppy. Stick with gophers & mice, please!
John: Maybe a Guinea.
Me: Definitely not the Sheep or Chickens.

Guineas: I know we live pretty quiet and boring lives, but that does not mean you should raise the alert about residents rather than intruders. Please tell us about snake. Please do not yell at us for walking through our own barn.
Resolution: I DON'T KNOW WHY WE'RE YELLING!!!

Chickens: Weed disposal was excellent. Egg production could use some work.
Resolution: 50% egg production.
Me: That seems like a pretty low standard. I think you could do better.
Chickens: Meh.🐔

Well, that's the response from our crew, for whatever that's worth. I'd love to hear your reflections & resolutions in the comments!

Tails from the Front Porch

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope this letter finds you refreshed, re-funned, and ready for the new year! 2024 was a lot, as I reflected on it. There was good there, but there was also a lot of confusion at a high pace. Some years are like that. As we start 2025, I do not have lofty expectations of finally finding all my ducks and getting them in a row, but I do hope for a little more balance. Below are the blogs from this last month, a few oldies for reflection, and a few new ones from some friends I thought you might enjoy.

You’re Invited! (Yes, you!): Join me at the best party ever! I’ve been invited, and now you are too!

What if God Doesn’t Like Me?: Have you ever thought, "God doesn't want me or like me because I __________." Maybe someone told you that after finding out something about you. If my invitation piqued your interest last time, but you don't think you belong there, this one is for you.

Check Out These Blogs From a Few Friends

Here We Go Again by Ashley Olivine

Starting A New Year Again by Dianne Vielhuber

A Few Oldies for the New Year

New Year, New Questions?: If you’re feeling a little scattered, you’re in the right place. Me too! I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does!

Join Me in Seeking God as We Start the New Year: Everything works better when I approach things by asking God questions on the front end rather than in the middle. Why not try that to start the year, too?