Another year has slipped past us and for us older folks, the years seem to go by faster and faster as we age. As a youngster growing up, I recall that the years seemed to drag by as slow as molasses in January. I guess part of that was being locked in a classroom most of the year which made the days intolerably long. Not that Ol’ Dutch didn't enjoy school but as the comedian Jerry Clower once said, “too much of anything ain't good.” 

And I do believe that big Ole Southerner was right on that account as Ol’ Dutch has certainly over done it on a lot of even good things in my life. Ol’ Dutch and the ever-vivacious Miss Trixie had a great year in 2025. And for those of you that know me, it's obvious why Miss Trixie’s year was so good. Or something like that.  

We not only survived another year of cohabitation, but we did it while working together on a lot of projects. And we work together so, so well. Well, maybe not. Fortunately, she is still here with Ol’ Dutch and for that I am thankful. We do have quite a few “rhubarbs” also known as “getting our wires crossed,” as it appears that we have two chiefs in this relationship and no regular Indians to follow a leader. Somehow, though, we find our own way.  

Looking back over the year, we lost some dear friends, and they will be missed at gatherings we attend. God will be merciful, though, and someday we will see them again in a land far away.  

Looking ahead to 2026, we are already planning all the great things that we usually get to do. And Miss Trixie has already signed us up for more things than will fit into a regular day if I know her. Spring will find us in Texas chasing cows and grands and just working around the farm. Soccer and Barrel Racing will be held often enough to regularly interrupt Ol’ Dutch’s busy schedule, but a person has to do what a person has to do.  

Sooner than you can say Bugtussle – literally towns in Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Alabama – Spring will burst upon the scene and then comes the rush to get all the major farm work done before snowmelt in the mountains. And then we will be back in Colorful Colorado and working for Mountain Man Rafting.  

That has become our go to activity for the days of summer along with fishermen shuttles of late and it's really a lot of fun. Almost enough fun to do it for free but thankfully the owners feel generous enough to pay us for working there still.  

Now Ol’ Dutch never really wanted to work at all after retiring from the railroad but working with those young guides every day certainly brings out the best in me.  And Miss Trixie seems to think that I need to continue working there as Ol’ Dutch can use all the help I can get in finding “the best in me.” 

One cannot help but wonder what world events will transpire in the next 12 months but Ol’ Dutch has decided to just leave that in God’s hands. That seems best of course as there isn't a darned thing I can do about them anyway.  

Miss Trixie and I wish you all a very Happy New Year wherever you may be and we look forward to seeing many of you on our travels during the next year.  And remember the words of the wise old sage who once said. Wherever you find yourself, there you are.  

Kevin Kirkpatrick spends his days fishing, hunting, ATVing, hiking or making people laugh. His email is Kevin@TroutRepublic.com. Additional news can be found at www.troutrepublic.com or on Twitter at TroutRepublic.