1 – Birds with proper flight

Watching a team of geese flying in their usual “V” pattern it was impossible not to smile when I noticed how several on the left had veered right in a strong, yet controlled, motion. Power Faders.

2 – Ah, remember . . .

On those times when I try to explain how we were more grounded in our childhood I am reminded that we watched TV shows about a horse that talked and a pig named Arnold who roamed around a town where the citizenry treated him like a person. It sort of takes the air out of my discussion.

3 – Enjoy the small window of light

The Winter Solstice is Sunday. You know what that means: Layer up, play verrrrry fast.

4 – Annual Dec. 30 notice

Tiger Woods will turn 50 on Dec. 30. Two things you can be sure of. One, there will be a bevy of “50 things about Tiger” lists – most of which will sound familiar because they were used in the “49 things about Tiger” last year and “48 things about Tiger in 2023.” And two, tweeters will remind you that Sandy Koufax and LeBron James also celebrate that birth date. Sandy was first, by the way, and he’s still more intriguing an athlete.

GOLF COURSE PHOTO -- When you're at Royal Chappy on the island of Chappaquiddick, rest assured that you will be shopping at Sir Reginald's. Sounds rather regal, for sure. This sign tickled my fance; should you come across a golf course sign that does similarly to you, feel free to send it to jim@powerfades.com because I'm likely to agree with you.

Weather app alert: “Cold temperatures will result in the risk of frozen pipes tonight.” You know what that means, don’t you? Get your clubs out of the cold basement, bring them upstairs and wrap them in warm blankets.

6 – Good news a byproduct of bad news

I made a healthy percentage of putts for double-bogey in 2025. That’s the good news. Of course it stems from the fact I usually had 15- to 20-footers for bogey. That's the bad news.

7 – We need to do better

It saddens me to think how many tees were frozen into tee boxes, left there by inconsiderate players. We’ll continue the mission in the spring.

8 – He’s learning

Diego Pavia had no comment when asked for his reactions to Rory McIlroy not winning PGA Tour Player of the Year. Good move, kid.

9 – OK, what's No. 2 on your list?

On the list of home improvements, my top request – “a synthetic rug in the living room” – brought a dirty look. Apparently she thinks the wool rug is beautiful, ignoring that it runs about 5 ½ on the Stimp.

With the holidays upon us, "Power Fades" will be in the holiday spirit and not be published the next two weeks. It will return on Jan. 7, 2026. Cheers, Jim