The Woods were clear and cold with a brilliant blue sky. Deer roamed freely without fear of the orange vests. The Woods look different in the sunlight. Most things do. So it goes with our complex lives. What seems dim in the shadows is revealed in the light. Off we go into the wild blue yonder. 2026 is upon us, and we barely knew 2025. Most tell me that 2025 was a difficult year for them. I understand.

New Orleans is callin’ our names. A ride on Amtrak and hopefully a nap or two on the journey. My friend Matt B says to be sure to see Preservation Hall. He also told me to drink a beer or two for him. I will do so. Our last visit to New Orleans was in May of 2013, and it was humid and hot. After a few steps, our clothes were wet. I learned I did not want to be encased in a mausoleum after the cemetery guide described what happens to a body in the Louisiana heat in a mausoleum. This time, the weather should be more accommodating.

Seekers, we are on a mission and purpose. We carry our ragged souls and sick bodies toward home. Some of us are walking with walking sticks, while others are in wheelchairs. We have been in the thick of the battle. Beaten but unbowed. A bit bloody about the ears, but in good spirits. After all, we are on our way home.

‘Get On Board,’ Mr. Conductor says. ‘The New 2026 is preparing to disembark,’ Mr. Conductor continued. ‘Old 2025 will be chugging into the station shortly,’ the Conductor said with a mischievous grin. ‘He has seen a lot of living and been places we have not been,’ Clarence Conductor said with a wink. ‘Why, I remember when he was just a baby and full of piss and vinegar,’ CC laughed. ‘Baby 2025 had big ideas and plans for several years, although he only had one year to fulfill his herculean goals,’ Clarence Conductor admonished. ‘Baby 2025’s eyes were bigger than his stomach. He wanted to eat it all and do it all and be all in all,’ Clarence noted with sad eyes. ‘A year goes by so fast, and there is a cacophony of voices calling from the Cheap Seats,’ CC said. ‘Build bigger, some say, while others counsel to save your money,’ Clarence Conductor noted. ‘You have more time than money the crowd yells as others in the audience say tonight thy sould shall be required of thee,’ Clarence said with a whisper. ‘Give us Barabas, the angry throng screams while the Baby of December is sent to the Cross,’ Clarence said as he then played Silent Night on his Tenor Saxophone.