This year has been all about new places and new experiences, as well as spending plenty of time in nature. My travels took me to eight other states, including three for the first time. Back home, sports, friends and projects kept me busy.
January
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is the best therapy money can buy. My buddy Rey is often my concert companion. Here he is eagerly anticipating Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring."
March
The TCU women's basketball team made it to the Elite Eight last season. Armando R. and I were fortunate to catch an early tournament win against Louisville. The Frogs won 85-70.
April
I flew down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over Easter weekend to visit Norberto, who moved there at the end of last year. We hung out on the beach and checked out the local flora and carnivorous fauna.
We're farther away than it looks, and that's fine.
May
After four decades in operation, the University Pub closed its doors for good. I met up with old friends, including Krista and Jacob, for one last toast.
June
My grandmother turned 90 on June 1, so my parents and I had a party for her and her friends. While there, we checked out the new signs on Wooddell Way, named for my late grandfather.
July
I flew from Illinois to the northeast, picked up a car in New Haven, Connecticut, and ended up in Portland, Maine. I'm now three states closer to all 50 thanks to this trip.
Yale University
Lighthouse Point Park
Strawberry Banke Museum
Fourth of July on the beach
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Jessica Fletcher is alive and well in Portland!
October
The whole crew headed down to Waco, Texas, to watch Norberto and our buddy Armando B. compete in a half-distance Ironman triathlon.
7:04:52
My parents, Norberto and me
Norberto, his brothers, his mom, his grandma and my dad's thumb.
I found Armando B. on the home stretch
October
This fall, Pascal made the difficult decision to move in with my parents after a decade in Fort Worth. He's doing well, though, and loving all the belly rubs and long-distance walks.
November
On Nov. 7, two of my favorite people, Kelly ("Randy") and J. P. tied the knot. The whole evening was an absolute blast. Not pictured: the happy couple, who's off shaking hands or dancing or gorging on excellent Peruvian food.
November
I'd heard good things about Pittsburgh, so I jetted up for a long weekend to check it out for myself. It did not disappoint.
This deer greeted me on my morning hike.
Armando B. and his wife moved to Cleveland this summer. He drove over to hang out for the day.
Yes, a sandwich. Thank you, Alyssa, for the recommendation. Life-changing.
Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous house
November
My parents and I went to hear the Houston Symphony Orchestra the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
It was a year of planes, trains and automobiles, and it was anything but boring. Thanks for reading. May you and yours have a restful Christmas season and a healthy and prosperous 2026!