Happy New Year everyone! As I’ve mentioned before, I really love a new year. Already, I feel like the year is off to a good start – I know the freakish weather on the east coast and in Europe is a concern, but finally, we have rain in California. The local economy feels much improved from a year ago, so who cares what the Chinese stock market did today?

Our family started the year off in a big way, by welcoming a new addition, right on January 1st: a beautiful two-ish month old tabby cat, tentatively named Sparky. Our kids have wanted a pet for…well for years now, probably. They’re head over heels in love with him! We got him thanks to Melissa, a friend of ours who works with Heading Home Animal Rescue (you can also find them on Facebook). If you’re looking for a new dog or cat to join the household, check there first!

Despite an auspicious beginning for some of us, there’s no shortage of reasons to be pessimistic about the future, given the state of things today. But the world’s always going to have horrific events like what’s recently happened in Paris, San Bernadino, and pretty much all of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Libya. Bad things are going to happen. I grew up terrified of a nuclear winter; now we’re terrified of climate change, and who knows what our kids will have to worry about.

But thankfully, most of this feels a world away. Here in Aptos, the economy is doing well, the rain is pattering on my roof, and California’s crime rate is at a 47 year low. Our kids are healthy and happy – the new kitten is an additional joy in our lives. We are truly blessed, and we are looking forward to a beautiful 2016 with our friends, family, and our community at large.

We hope all of you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2016!