I haven't posted since the end of August so time for an update.
Nothing earth shattering to report. We did do a couple of getaways. In October we went to Lancaster, PA for 3 nights. We had just been there in August but on that trip we discovered that Kitchen Kettle Village, a quaint shopping area, had rooms scattered throughout the village so we booked a stay there. Opposite end of town from where we usually stay and it made for a totally different kind of trip. I really enjoyed myself there and we will probably go back in the spring.
Last month we did 2 nights in Kennet Square, PA, which is under an hour from us. The big attraction there is Longwood Gardens, a huge botanical complex. We took a membership last December and wanted to get one more visit in before it expired. It happened to be a super windy day but most of the exhibits this time of year are indoors so we managed just fine. While out there, we also did some antique shopping, had some good meals, and saw "Now You See Me" at a dine-in theater, a new experience for us.
We've been to several whiskey tasting events, usually one or two a month. We've gotten pretty friendly with several of the regulars who attend and we usually end up going out to eat with two of them after the tasting so it's a fun night out.
Oh, back in September, my daughter and I went to a Star Trek convention in North Jersey. It was her 3rd and my 1st. That was a lot of fun. Getting to meet and speak with a bunch of actors from the various shows was a cool experience. I even got to meet William Shatner and get a photo with him.
I sort of took a break from my reselling activity. I didn't completely stop since I do have 350+ listings on ebay so things are always selling, but I cut back on buying and listing for a while. I was just kind of burnt out. I've been easing back into it the past few weeks.
I started a new home project at the end of August to clear the overgrowth on our property, especially in the back yard. I've been going out once a week and working for about an hour and I'm really proud of the results. I've trimmed and shaped the front bushes the nicest they've been in ages. The back part of the yard was really just a jungle, 20 or so years of wild growth that I hadn't touched forever. But working on it week after week has made a huge difference. We can now see the entire fence on all 3 sides which was hidden before. I'm not done but I'm pretty close. And truly, it will never be done because stuff will keep growing, but I plan to stay on top of it going forward.
Financially, all is well. Our portfolio is up over 450K YTD which is mind boggling especially since 2025 has been our highest spending year ever including the 40K we spent on the kitchen remodel. To see that kind of growth in retirement is just amazing.
I just did our health insurance enrollment for 2026. That was painful thanks to the loss of the ACA subsidy due to Congress' inaction but it is what it is. Our premium is rising by $880/month. Thankfully we can afford it but it still sucks that they couldn't do their jobs and continue things as they were.
Onward and upward
December 5th, 2025 at 12:01 am 1764892876
December 5th, 2025 at 03:22 am 1764904937
Good to hear that you enjoyed Kitchen Kettle Village. I too vacation in that (I stay in Wyomissing, so half an hour or so away) and I saw an ad for them and thought I would check it out next time I visit there.
December 6th, 2025 at 01:59 pm 1765029573
That is indeed a painful spike in the insurance premiums. But a lot can happen between now and when you hop on Medicare at 65. It just kills me how this administration destroys everything that was working well and rips it apart becus of ideological issues instead of what helps everyday Americans.
Longwood Gardens has long been on my bucket list. I was not aware they are open year-round and have enough indoor things to see to keep you busy?
December 6th, 2025 at 02:45 pm 1765032357
Longwood Gardens is beautiful year-round. The main conservatory is huge. You can easily spend an hour or two in there depending on how into everything you are. They opened a new conservatory last year which isn't nearly as big but still takes a little time to explore and adds nicely to the indoor space. Then there's a much smaller indoor Cascade Garden. There's also the duPont house, so plenty of indoor things to see. And don't bypass the Children's Garden even if you don't have kids with you. It's a beautiful space, one of my favorite parts of the main conservatory.
If you go and it is at all possible, time your visit to catch a pipe organ concert. Those are a rare treat. At the holidays, they do a vast outdoor (and indoor) light display and show well worth a visit. We went last year and it happened to be a bitterly cold night but we layered and bundled and were just fine. There's a very good cafeteria for casual dining. There's also a very high end sit down restaurant which we have not experienced but I've heard good things about it. And they are famous for their fountain shows although those can be postponed due to bad weather.
December 10th, 2025 at 12:27 am 1765326447
Also, I am totally jealous at being able to attend a Star Trek convention.
December 10th, 2025 at 04:45 pm 1765385130
December 14th, 2025 at 05:37 pm 1765733873
That is a huge chunk for insurance. As you said, fortunately you can pay for it, but for many, it will be quite the hardship. And it is shortsighted of this administration of hate because that will be money that cannot be spent on other items.
Good job on the steady work on the yard. It does make a difference, especially with your consistent work.
Sounds like you had some great trips!