At the age of 71, I am done with New Year’s Resolutions… I never kept them anyway, and now… well…I just don’t care! Being retired has been a real awakening for me… it is fun to do what you want, when you want, and how you want. I recommend it to everyone!
Working hard when you are younger means when you retire, you can relax and enjoy life…and that is the one thing I am good at! (my wife says too much!). So, no more resolutions, just wishes for everyone that I would like to see happen. Will they? Time will tell, but if they do, I think everyone will be happier in 2026, so here goes!
My first wish is for health for everyone. Honestly, the old saying is true: if you have your health, you have everything, and the older you get, the truer that becomes. Good health allows you to enjoy life and do all the other things you wish to do. It truly is the foundation to build on, so take care of yourself!
Secondly, invest and spend money wisely. Don’t be afraid to get advice, and don’t take everyone’s advice. Sound funny? Yeah, I just mean get good advice from professionals and spend wisely. I wish that for old and young!
Third, I wish all you Key Board Warriors who complain all the time about city, county and state government would actually GO TO A MEETING and learn what is going on! They are open to the public for a reason!
I hear some of the dumbest stuff from people who have no idea at all about anything in government. Have most of you EVER taken a government class or READ A BOOK? For example, every time the county gets a grant for the airport, you will hear how to spend the money! “I wish they would fix the city streets with the money!”(city streets??….it’s a county grant!) “I wish they wouldn’t waste money on something nobody uses” and blah, blah, blah!
First off, GRANTS are for SPECIFIC USES. If a grant for the airport is issued, lo and behold, it MUST BE USED FOR THAT SPECIFIC PURPOSE AT THE AIRPORT! PERIOD! Yeah, this is a sore spot with me, simply because it is so easy to find out how things work.
Honestly, Darke County is blessed with good leaders, and we are one of the very few counties in the State with NO DEBT!! That in itself is a testament to good government, and we should be proud. So, Key Board Warriors, go to a meeting and learn something, you may be surprised!
Fourth, I wish we could all get along better. This war between Republicans and Democrats is foolish. I have a lot of Democrat friends, and we get along great even though they disagree with me and I with them. Friendship and respect mean far more to me than politics, so keep those friendships alive, and maybe 2026 will be much more fun for you, too!
Finally, I want everyone to give thanks to God that we live in America. I have traveled a lot, and there is no place better, despite her shortcomings and problems. I also want those here in our little corner of the world to give thanks for living here. If you don’t like it here, quit complaining and try to make changes, or leave. Those are your choices!
If you just look around a little, you will find that living in Darke County and its surroundings is pretty damn good compared to other places. It is not perfect, but surprise, no place is!!
Try to be more thankful for what we have, what you have, and be proud of where you live….I am! It has provided me with a very good and fulfilling life, and I couldn’t be happier. I really wish you all would look around and find the joy, friendships, and freedom we have here. A proper perspective on where you live will open your eyes and help you realize that things are pretty good for you here!
Well, as I write this, 2026 is just about 12 and ½ hours away. I wish a safe and prosperous New Year for all of you! HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN 2026 AND BEYOND!!
