ECONOGAL

Even though a day late, I think the January 2026 Wrap-Up is important to release. The month dragged at times. Some days lasted forever. Any one with a psych background could probably explain. Much anticipated activities and the counterpart, dreaded activities create the semblance of time altering. That is the case for January 2026.

The temperatures really fluctuated during the day this month, from below freezing to almost seventy degrees Fahrenheit. But once the sun goes down the temperatures plummet below freezing. Small towns on the High Plains lack the concrete infrastructure to hold onto the heat. Perfect weather for working on quilts.

This month brought both piecing and hand quilting. Best of all, it gave me a chance to help my oldest grandchild sew her first doll quilt. She is tall enough to reach the foot peddle on the sewing machine. It did take some practice to regulate the speed.

The strip quilt was 9 x 11, perfect for a Barbie doll. She picked out a favorite scrap and then several additional scrap strips to blend with it. I helped her with the rotary cutting. She also made a pre-printed Barbie tablecloth to give to her younger sister who loves to have tea parties and picnics with her dolls.

In addition to the reviewed books, two other reviews will drop in the next week to ten days. The delightful Bob Seay book, I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees and the super scary at the start Amanda Quick Romance, The Bride Wore White.

Additionally, I calmed my nerves with the re-reading of Dolores Johnson’s cozy murder mystery Pressed to Kill from the Mandy Dyer Series set in Denver, Colorado. I also treated myself to a favorite Catherine Coulter medieval action/romance The Valcourt Heiress.

My diagnosis is too many Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and the number and symptoms are such that corrections with changes in lifestyle and medication fall short. So, I will have a PVC Ablation at the start of the week. One of my aunts has had the procedure along with others I know. It is amazing what types of medical interventions we have.

So, January 2026 passed slowly. But now I am on the eve of a heart procedure that should bring relief and prevent the muscle from deteriorating. Because the heart is the most important muscle one has, I want to keep mine as strong as possible.