Wishing Hive a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026 New Year

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Authored by @Kerris L Ravenhill

Finally, a clear rain free day.
I can see the familiar snow peaked Coastal mountains in the distance, the scene always helped calm my thoughts and put things into perspective.

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The snow capped Coast mountains beyond Coquitlam view from the New Westminster cemetery.

“Black birds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven.

My Simple Christmas

My real home is a late 50s bungalow and not a lavishly appointed Victorian manor. Nothing fancy but it has been home for the last 22 years. The majority of the neighbors are blue and white collar suburb community located about 18 kms. east of Vancouver.

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To see any posh Victorian and Edwardian styled homes you’d find them in Queen’s Park in New Westminster or Vancouver’s Shaughnessy or Mount Pleasant areas. Those neighborhoods usually have magnificent home Christmas lighting and decorating but I’ve stuck closer to home to admire more humble and less affluent areas.

I’d love to have my clay faced brick fireplace running a blazing crackling fire. That brings back memories of my early years as my family cuddled together around the front of the fireplace toasting Smores and fire baked yams in foil a part of the familiar tastes and cedar smoke aroma of the Christmas I grew up with.

My fireplace has a crack that runs up the back of the flue and I was advised by the Inspector not to use it for wood burning. Even if was 100% sound my municipality would allow wood burning for environmental reasons and carbon emissions but I must file a registration to use it subject to inspection with a fee. Registration is waived in an emergency case.
What a bummer.

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My late Roommate’s favorite Nativity set.

My Goals for 2026

My focus this 2026 is make sure my affairs are in order such that my Executor will have a clear understanding where and how my estate should be dealt with.

Updating my will.
Updating my Enduring Power of Attorney.
Plan out and prearrange my memorial service, this could be fun part since I will giveaway silver rounds to my mourning friends and guests as one of my final acts. Then quote something out of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Formalize and Finalize the succession plan of my assets and how I would expect my sons to mange my physical Precious Metal and Crypto holdings. I leaving plenty of documented suggestions.

I also have a spiritual goal with a new One Year Scripture devotional plan to keep up, I have some ground to catch up, accounts to shorten, for my prodigal ways.

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In the event that neither of my children are interested in managing my Hive account assets, I may bequest that it will be given to two worthy and active Hive member(s) or accounts in #ladiesofhive and #silvergoldstackers.

By the way, I have reached the 30,000 Hive Power milestone on Christmas Day. I have been blessed by many bloggers who have encouraged and supported me through the last seven years. So for New Year’s day I plan a bigger than usual Power Up.

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The Health Front

Anyway, I won’t mince words here as my health continues to decline. I’m plagued with more abdominal issues with the frequent feeling of discomfort, tenderness and near constant nausea in my abdomen. MRI imaging indicates something going on with my Liver other than fatty liver disease but it is clear to two Physicians that it is NOT cancer. I repeat... NOT cancer.

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I’m putting here a few nice photos of local cheery homes to lighten up this dreary subject.

I’ve just gone through a battery of blood work and I haven’t got an urgent call from the specialist other than Jan 12th’s Specialist’s follow up appointment for a Next step.

Parkinson’s disease has advanced now evidenced by right hand trembling more often and now begin to feel it in my left hand too.
My recent Emergency room visit cleared me of any cardio issues when I felt my heart pounding and my blood pressure quickly dropping and rising wildly. I nearly fainted at my front garden. My eldest son was so worried when he took me to the hospital.

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An inviting kind of cheery style and not over done.

My mind gets foggy more often, at times effecting my ability to think and write. The window of when I am able to read, write, and commenting seems to become smaller. Writing a post feels like climbing a mountain. A good part of my day is spent on bed rest with little energy. I hate feeling sick for most of the day.

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Let’s say that this is different cheery but I like it.

Apart from the slow wheels of Canadian medicine and the way things are going my first goal of 2026 is to survive at least for this year. Until I get a solid prognosis and a treatment plan, I will keep getting the feeling that I have less time than I think I do. To spend as much time as I can with both my sons as I can, my siblings, and my church community.
There is so much I would love to do.

I hope the Lord would grant me more grace and time if he so chooses as long as our reaming time be fruitful in his ways that glorify him.

Thank you for dropping by my blog.

I wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
🎊🎁🎄🎉

Up next: My Secret Santa Gift of 2025.

Stacking Precious metals and Crypto for those dark stormy days!

The #piratesunday tag is the scurvy scheme of Captain @stokjockey for #silvergoldstackers pirates to proudly showcase their shiny booty and plunder for all to see. Landlubbers arrrh… welcomed to participate and be a Pirate at heart so open yer treasure chests an’ show us what booty yea got!

2025 12 Days of Christmas Wish list posts;

My 2025 12 Days of Christmas; Part 1. The Rwanda Cutty Sark and the Florida 5 Goldback.
My 2025 12 Days of Christmas; Part 2. The ‘In Omnia Paratus’ and Asahi Compass Rose.
My 2025 12 Days of Christmas; Part 3. The Raven and Skull Tombstone bar.
My 2025 12 Days of Christmas; Part 4. The 1936 US Half Dollar Delaware Tercentenary, Kalmar Nyckel.
My 2025 12 Days of Christmas; Part 5 The 2025 Australia Proclamation Coin.

References & Sources

Photos are my own shot with an ancient 2018 Samsung SM-A530W or otherwise indicated.
P. Image under Pixabay
W. Wiki Commons
☠️🎃 Page Dividers by thekittygirl. ❄️🌞
Cameo Raven Brooch from The Black Wardrobe.



TheAlliance--banner2023-3.png

"I’m just a gal in black, not a bloody Financial Advisor!"

Physical precious metals bullion stacking is only a part of my personal overall financial strategy. Meanwhile, collecting numismatics are a different set of objectives and strategy. Unless you are a complete nutcase as I am please, do your research before deciding to buy into any bullion or numismatic products.

ladiesofhive silvergoldstackers thealliance pimp leofinance christmas pob archon hive newyear
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You received an upvote of 100% from Precious the Silver Mermaid!

Thank you for contributing more great content to the #SilverGoldStackers tag.
You have created a Precious Gem!

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Happy new year 🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊 I hope you have a fantastic year ahead 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

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We appreciate your work and your publication has been hand selected by the geography curation team on behalf of the Amazing Nature AN Community. Keep up the good work!

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Why thank you for the thumbs up @jlufer
I have the original picture. Blog format isn't conducive to panorama shots.

CoquitlamfromNWDec20251500x843.jpg

The elegant Port Mann bridge is the landmark structure crossing the Fraser river on the right. This cemetery is very lovely in the spring when all the red and white cherry blossoms come out.

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All the best in 2026!

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Despite my chronic illnesses I'm still going to make 2026 count!

Thanks for dropping in @tazi and may you have a blessed New Years.

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I hope and I wish that you will count not only 26, but also 27 and many, many more!

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Congratulations @kerrislravenhill! You received a personal badge!

You powered-up at least 10 HIVE on Hive Power Up Day!
Wait until the end of Power Up Day to find out the size of your Power-Bee.
May the Hive Power be with you!

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking

Check out our last posts:

Hive Power Up Month Challenge - December 2025 Winners List
Be ready for the January edition of the Hive Power Up Month!
Hive Power Up Day - January 1st 2026
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First off, congrats on hitting 30K HP, and on Christmas Day. Definitely worth celebrating and it is proof that consistency here on Hive pays off even when life throws curveballs.

We didn't do much outside this year at all. However, we did have a couple people in the neighborhood go full Griswold with their light displays. I never really had a fireplace that worked or could trust, so never was that nostalgic about them.

The part about getting your affairs in order, that takes guts to write publicly. Most people our age avoid that conversation like it is a contagious disease. But you are right, your sons need to know where the keys are, literally and figuratively. Your accounts, the metals, the will, all of it. I did something similar not long ago with a Will and POA. None of us are promised tomorrow.

Sorry to hear about the health struggles. Parkinson's plus ongoing abdominal issues is no small burden to carry. But your attitude about it, no catastrophizing, just matter of fact acknowledgment, that speaks to character. As you know I struggle with my own and have just in the last few months found a positive path to follow. Your focus on what actually matters (time with loved ones, spiritual grounding, contributing to this community) is the right priority stack. Everything else is just noise.

Looking forward to seeing you more active on Hive in 2026. I may not be around as much, but will be looking for you. Happy New Year. Here is to making 2026 count.

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I have already started teaching my kids how the world really works using my own financial foot print as the model. And the reality is that banks and corporations are frankly out to make as much cash from us as legally possible. They also become familiar with the charities as I regularly contribute to my front line charities because I know my dollar goes much further there than to my own wasteful government. I've even made a contingency plan to contribute some silver bullion should a certain situation materializes.

Focusing on family and friends motivates me into firming their future financial security. I want them to be as financially resilient and knowledgeable. My departure will make those I love as beneficiaries but also targeted by scammers even from those that may even come from my extended family.

I got lots to do, and as you put it nicely, to make my 2026 count.

Happy New Years @coinjoe

!HUG
!PIZZA

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Congratulations !!
You have been manual curated and upvoted by @ecency


!PIMP
!UNI
!BBH

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I'm sorry to hear about your condition and that you have to start off the new year with some rather morbid planning for the future. Sadly, that's life, too many unknowns and all we can do is to manage whatever is within our control, especially our own mental health. I know it's easier said than done, and I hope you can feel the support from those online here as well.

I hope you will get more clarity on things in the new year and wish you strength and better health all the time!!

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That's the truth.
If something happened to me tomorrow, God forbid.

We have to put aside those feelings and exercise some common sense because in my experience and Murphy's Law, "If anything could go wrong, it probably will."
When its all completed and in place I can be free to go travel 😉 should God grant me a longer life after 2026.

Thanks for commenting @livinguktaiwan

!LADY

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Happy New Year Young Lady @kerrislravenhill
You are going to be Surprised how good 2026 will be for You and Your Health Ms. Ravenhill...........

!LUV
!LADY
!PIZZA

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(Edited)

PIZZA!

$PIZZA slices delivered:
kerrislravenhill tipped thebighigg
kerrislravenhill tipped fat-elvis
kerrislravenhill tipped coinjoe
@geneeverett(6/10) tipped @kerrislravenhill
kerrislravenhill tipped stokjockey
silversaver888 tipped kerrislravenhill
kerrislravenhill tipped seki1
stokjockey tipped kerrislravenhill

Please vote for pizza.witness!

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Oh Kerris, I am not on Hive much so I am sure I miss lots of things. I am glad I did not miss this.

I knew you’ve had health issues, but didn’t realize there were several piling on, that some are not yet properly diagnosed, that you are at a point where it is weighing on you enough to be worried about your longevity in a very present way.

Health is everything… and it is so easy to take for granted when you have it. I am so sorry your issues are impeding on your ability to focus, to write, and to get out and enjoy life.

On a benign note… we can’t have a fire in our fireplace either, so I put pillar candles and Christmas lights inside instead. Not as warm as a roaring fire, but the flickering light is comforting.

Sending good wishes your way for 2026 and beyond.

And happy to help you in any way you need here on Hive. (Not as useful as offering something like a meal delivery or help with errands, but for any long distance friendly assistance… I and the rest of sgs crew are here for you.)

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My original retirement long termed plan was lots of writing on Hive but plans change.
Your good wishes are gratefully received and I appreciate the offer @dfinney ❤️

It's out of my hands yet I got plenty to do.
I may get scarce at times with less activity on Hive from feeling crappy a day or more but priorities are priorities and have to be dealt with.

!LADY

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Well this is a lot to take in. I do remember when you mentioned on a comment to me on how it's harder for you to write posts but I didn't know this was the cause.
Regardless you shouldn't be thinking so depressingly about the amount of time you have left but instead be thinking of how best to make use of it.
You will have enough time to participate in this year's Silver Santa Wishlist, I'm sure.
2026 isn't your final year, of that I'm certain luv 💞 ✨

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I was diagnosed with depression for a time, prescribed SSRI's but I think I got nowhere and some days worse. I have my tools to deal with it now, it is temporary but I am determined to make my 2026 count.
Therefore, I may not always be here on Hive.
I will be grateful for any more time beyond 2026, it's in God's hands.

Thanks for dropping in a few words of wisdom and assurance @seki1

!PIZZA

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I hope they discover what’s going on in your abdomen @kerrislravenhall… very good that it is not cancer!
Our son actually suffered something very similar, and came to the same conclusions that your doctors came to sounds like a wait-and-see.
May your health improve so you can enjoy 2026 to the fullest my friend!👍😊

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The medical system is too slow and overwhelmed, It's 4 pm and I'm feeling tired again. My Jan 12th appointment seems so far away. I should have a firm Power of Attorney by February is my next objective. Pray that I need not exercise it this year.

Thanks for commenting and the prayers @silvertop

!HUG
!LADY

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Happy New Year !LADY
I thought I would be seeing your collections, but I love your comfy Christmas tree views more hehe

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My Christmas was nothing fancy, mostly of my memories past. My Current home is similar to the one I grew up in. We'd literally camp out in front of the living room fire place until Christmas day as a family way back then. My home fire place is a wall decoration now, I can't use it by law.
As long as I spent my Christmas with my two sons, that's enough for me.

Happy New Years @jane1289

!LADY

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You are being very proactive my friend. It’s gotta be hard thinking like that, glad you are strong willed. Sorry that your condition isn’t improving. I’m very sorry. Sending you prayers my friend.

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I'll be fighting this thing for every hour I can get from 2026. Priorities may keep me off Hive one maybe two days. But if I am quiet for more than three days I may be back into the hospital and it won't be about silver in Medicine.

Thank you for the prayers @silverd510
!PIMP

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Congratulations @kerrislravenhill! You received a personal badge!

You powered-up at least 1000 HP on Hive Power Up Day and got the biggest Power-Bee!
See you at the next Power Up day to see if you will repeat this feat.
May the Hive Power be with you!

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking

Check out our last posts:

Hive Power Up Month Challenge - December 2025 Winners List
Be ready for the January edition of the Hive Power Up Month!
Hive Power Up Day - January 1st 2026
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@kerrislravenhill-you are in my prayers daily for healing and refreshment. I will continue on with those prayers.

Only God knows when our time comes, and I pray that you have much more here, for you have much more yet to do!

May God bless you and keep you, and may you see an improvement in health issues and quality of life. Enjoy the devotional, for nothing is better than drawing closer to God, for He will draw closer to you.

Take care sis! Much love to you!🤗❤️😍😘 !LADY !LUV

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I can see the concern on the faces of my family. This has become something I can't gloss over or pretend that it is better than it really is. Though my sons are adult now the though of departing them breaks my heart. MY siblings and my kids made it clear they need me.

I covet your prayers Sis.
I feel a bit short of breath again, that triggered my previous panic the last time I went to the Emergency.
Lord give me wisdom and grace.
Thank you for the Love @elizabethbit

!LADY

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God will grant you the grace. Keep your eyes focused on Him for He will sustain you always! Love ya sis!🤗😘😍❤️ !HOPE

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Oh sis!!! It breaks my heart to know that your health challenges have not let up... Only God knows what is in store for us, and rest assured that I, and those who love and care for you, always pray for your healing. And you can count on that!
Much !LUV always, sis!
!BBH
!LADY
!PIZZA

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I'm steadily feeling sicker so that prompts me to get my affairs in order. I wasn't kidding when I said that I bought a nice spot at a Burnaby cemetery for Roommate and myself.

I've always welcomed your prayers Sis, and God willing may he grant me enough time and grace for another year. I can't guarantee my being on Hive as much as I would like.
I have to make the best of my time and energy.
Make 2026 count.

Always, in eternal Love 🤗🌺❤️
!LADY

Or I may have to come back to haunt Hive.

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There is so much detail in this post. Amidst all the struggles with your health, it pleases me to know that you still have your spark to write and share your personal story. You're a strong lady and you have lived all these years with courage, so I pray for you - To have ease this new year, and remain with us to celebrate. May the load be lighter on your shoulder and may your home continue to shelter you. Sending you hugs and all the love. Happy new year.❤️

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I continue posting as a personal obligation to the communities that supported me through the years. I can't write every day but when I do I usually have much to say.

This long format had become my blogging style. My writing is usually around Finances citing my own choices, strategies and long termed goals. For instance, I now own my home mortgage free, it was a long road, some hard decisions to make, some sacrifices were made but I achieved it.

With Hive I plan to leave a legacy of documentation for my children and my descendants to refer to. Each asset category I place in my son's hands has a specific financial role and I will let them determine whether I was brilliant, crazy or both.

Otherwise, my silver collection documented here is for Insurance and entertainment purposes. !LOL
It helps with a little added humor. Happy 2026

!LADY

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That's a beautiful way to give back to the communities that supported you. I'm sure they find you kind enough for engaging with intentionality. I also had zero idea that you post about personal finance as I only started engaging your account recently. Must be really nice. Well done!

Seems you have what I call "the perfect plan." I genuinely hope it pans out the way you want it to. I enjoyed consuming the info in this single response. Hehe! You sure have your way with words. Thanks for the tip!🥰

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You are a wonderful woman, mother, and friend. It's wonderful to read these words, the conviction with which you write them.
Good things are coming this year. For everyone.Children are everything; teaching them another part of your world, even in the circumstances, is Incredible.You are a well-prepared woman and you are giving your best to teach them Congratulations on reaching 30,000! HP

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A woman with a sound knowledge of business Finances and economics can achieve much more. You should read the Bible Proverbs 31:10:31

I hope my diligence and attention to detail rubs off my children however I feel sure, like I was them in their age, that home economics wasn't exactly our gene's strong suit let alone macro economics.

I was fortunate to get them into a good Christian school that taught Critical thinking skills and I want them to make that connection in Finances and Economics.

Thank you for the encouraging comment @monachta ❤️
!LADY

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A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. You have a nice place, comfortable and is adorned beautifully with decorations this holiday season. It's always fun to see the decorations and all of the light in December, such a shame they all vanish come January.

Sorry to hear about all the health issues, good new is that it's not cancer. Only problem is they don't know what it is which is frustrating. It would probably require a biopsy which wouldn't be a fun procedure. And the Parkinson's advancing has to be frustrating. The the blood pressure issues... The heart issues I am all to familiar with and they really suck. Just hang in there, and I hope you pull through this year alive and kicking.

It's miserable to feel sick all of the time, I sincerely hope you are feeling better more of the time.
!PIMP

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I'll be keep it up another week to enjoy it's color and fragrance a little more and getting full value out of it, I keep my favorite cozy Santa sheepskin throw blanket all year round on my loveseat.

My health is what it is. The medical system is painfully slow. My typing is often slow,with more time and effort making corrections than writing, painstaking maybe a better word to describe it, like a small charge of electricity coursing in my right hand keeping me from using it.

I can't let these stop me. I got goals to meet regardless. I have my neurologist appointment on the 9th, and an internal medicine specialist on the 12th. I should have a new Enduring Power of Attorney drawn up by February. I have to make 2026 count. Thanks for dropping in @thebighigg
🤗
!HUG
!PIZZA

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Commenting on Hive is something I haven't done for years because each one is downvoted to oblivion, sending my rep toward zero. I don't care about "reputation" but graying out all my activism and content here is to be avoided. I do post, but each one takes me closer to being disappeared forever, so I can't do more than that here on Hive.
But you don't post anywhere that I'm able to, so this is my only chance to speak with you. You're not on YT anymore? Don't comment on any video platforms? I see you don't crosspost to Steem. And you never showed up on Blurt, which is really too bad. But I guess you're being paid here... kinda hard to leave that. Hopefully you don't get on the whales bad sides, or everything you've done here (and anything you do from then on) will be zeroed. We'd love to have you on Blurt, where we can speak without being watched and punished. Your account, wallet, and funds are waiting for you to log in.
A very happy new calendar to you, old friend! Keep on stacking. Silver looking happy at 114 CAD. Maples (if you can find them) are 3 for $400!
This message will be hit by a dozen whale downvotes in 6 days, 12 hours. I can not spend another comment on a reply, but will read anything left here for me.

thumbna.jpg

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Yes, most local coin shops are running out of stock. 2026 MLs back ordered ETA about a week.
VCBE has some but you have to go to their brick & mortar retail space for it. YouTube will have to be the place we could keep in contact as I still follow the Stacking community there.

I'm still subscribed to your YT channel.

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!PIZZA !LADY

Seeing this post late so sending you a very Happy New Year! A few days late but with lots of love! Cheers!! 🖤

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Greetings @kerrislravenhill ,

Happy New Year.

Hope you are feeling better.

So sorry to be late to read your lovely Christmas post.

Such Lovely lights and Christmas remembrances you have shared with us....written so beautifully.....thank you.

I am praying for you and your family. You have been busy...I see. God will continue
to guide you....rest in Him.

God's word is the most powerful thing I could leave with you.

...'Casting all your cares on Him for He cares for you' I Peter 5.7

John 3.16 and the chapter of Proverbs 8 make for good reading.

Thank you for your beautiful lettre to us all.

Kind Regards...Your Sister in Christ, Bleujay

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