I’m a bit late. I hope 2026 has started well for you.

I’ve been taking a break from this space for the last couple of months, more or less. Partly because life has been busy (Christmas, guests, work and friends and family who needed some extra time) and partly because I have been wondering if what I have to say is making any sort of difference.

I’ve missed it though, so I think I’m going to continue with the eclectic mix if political commentary, musical reflections, travel pieces and social commentary that sometimes occupies this space. My only promise is that I will continue to be random – which in sure can be annoying. Just when you were looking for a soothing travel pieces, I’ll give you Donald Trump instead.

With this relaunch of sorts I thought to give the page a new look, given that it has looked the same for almost a decade now. After reviewing dozens of blog templates, I decided I really didn’t like any of them as much as the one I have been using. So all I changed was the photo at the top of the page. Looking at it today, I don’t think I am going to keep it, but I wanted to get this show on the road and not spend more time fretting about design. I’m a words guy. – and design is not my forte. If you have design suggestions, I am happy to hear them.

Actually, I’m happy to hear anything you might want to say to add to the discussion here. My opinions are frequently not shared by my friends and family. (nor is my sense of humor, but that is a different topic altogether.)

I hope this is a place where we can disagree about ideas without degenerating into personal attacks. I will try to do that (though there are some politicians I would love to skewer) and I hope you can too. I’m also encouraged when you tell me you agree with whatever it is I am writing about.

Let us begin again together in this new year! it will be random, but hopefully it will also be fun.