I just made an orchid rescue run. A fellow grower had to move to Nashville and had no room for his collection, so I bought the whole thing. I can’t imagine parting with them, and I don’t know how he did it without breaking down. I drove over eight hours to Athens, Georgia, and back the next day with my minivan packed to the brim with 150 new orchids. It was worth every mile. There were some duplicates, so I’ll be sharing the wealth with friends at the Sarasota Orchid Society.
Our oldest, Chris, has stopped coming home every weekend from Southeastern University, and we couldn’t be happier about it. It looks like he’s found his people in the chorus crowd. Everyone needs a little group where they belong, and I think Chris has found his.
My father-in-law, grandfather to 14 grandchildren, including our four, will likely pass away within the next few days. He has had an incredible life, and he is so loved. He always put others before his own desires, and his grandchildren adore him. He taught me how to be a grandfather. He met my mother-in-law in Thailand during the Vietnam War, and they have been married for 63 years. Please pray for a peaceful passing to heaven, but more importantly, please pray for his wife, Yaya, my dear orchid buddy. I guarantee you there are orchids in heaven.
(He didn't play the drums, but he tried out Chris's)
Bitcoin for Retirees: Fortune or Fool’s Gold?
Ah, Bitcoin. The digital currency that’s either the future of money or a glorified video game token, depending on who you ask. If you’re a retiree wondering whether to jump on the Bitcoin bandwagon or run the other way, this list is for you.
Here are the pros and cons, minus the tech-speak and hype, so you can decide whether it deserves a slice of your hard-earned nest egg.
The Pros
It’s (Kind of) Like Digital Gold
People compare Bitcoin to gold because it’s scarce. Only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist. Nobody can print more of it, so it can’t be inflated away the way regular currencies can.
It’s Easier to Buy Than Ever
You can buy Bitcoin on an app like Coinbase or PayPal. You can also skip the apps entirely. Since 2024, Bitcoin ETFs have traded in ordinary brokerage accounts and IRAs, just like a stock fund.
Potential for Big Gains
Bitcoin traded under $20,000 in early 2023. In October 2025, it hit an all-time high of roughly $126,000. That’s the kind of run that makes headlines and makes your neighbor brag at the cookout.
The Cons
It’s Wildly Volatile
Here’s the other half of that story. By late February 2026, Bitcoin had fallen nearly 30% in a single month, and its drop from the all-time high had reached roughly 50%. As of early this week, it was about 28% below where it stood one year ago. If you bought at the top, you’d have watched half your money disappear in four months. In fact, you would have made more money in the stock market in the past three years. Bitcoin is currently priced at $76,000.
It’s Hard to Understand
Let’s be honest: Bitcoin isn’t intuitive. For most of us, it’s like learning quantum physics.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Washington has become friendlier to crypto lately, but rules change with elections and administrations. What’s encouraged today could be restricted tomorrow, here or overseas.
Hacks, Scams, and Security Risks
Where there’s money, there are thieves. On October 29, hackers stole $6.3 billion from Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange. Most of the funds were drained in about 20 minutes by North Korea. The previous record was the $1.5 billion Bybit hack in February 2025.
The bigger danger for retirees is closer to home: fake investment websites, romance scams, and "tech support" callers who insist on crypto payments. Once Bitcoin leaves your hands, there’s no bank to call and no way to reverse it.
Should You Invest in Bitcoin?
Here’s the deal: Bitcoin isn’t for everyone. If losing half your investment in a few months would keep you up at night, it’s probably not your cup of tea. But if you have a little "fun money" you’re willing to gamble (and I do mean gamble), a small amount might be okay. Think of it as a lottery ticket with better odds. Just don’t bet the farm.
As with anything in investing, moderation is key. Bitcoin isn’t the magic answer to your financial goals, but it’s not the bogeyman some folks make it out to be either.
Be Blessed,
Dave