No better way to start a new year than with the 2026 Canadian stamp program … and an apology … of sorts. 

Last year was a bit of a wipe out, posting wise. Didn’t get much done do to health reasons. I’m still dealing with them, but slowly adapting to a bizarre reality. Some days I can see clearly, some days I can stay upright; other days, well, lets just say it’s an interesting experience. I’m hoping to have much of this controlled by the end of February, but we’ll see. This greatly affects how much I can get done. I’m finally figuring out how to work around the issues. I think 2025 is a complete washout. I may periodically revisit it in the future, but right now, I’m drawing a line under the season and starting fresh. 

The only thing I managed to do on a constant basis is the daily This day in stamps. It’s a big archive of Stamps of the Day, or SOD as a friend named them. I’ve begun to look at specific stamp release dates to add to this growing list. 

I have been slowly working on more posts on the History of Canadian Airmail, That is near and dear to my heart which makes it easier to work on. As well, picking through the wreckage of 2025, I was surprised to see how far I had gotten in a series on France’s Marianne stamps as well as more fascinating early aviation triumphs. Didn’t realise I had produced so much. They need tidying and fact checking, so won’t be up for awhile, in the meantime, Canada’s 2026 program will be the first official series to appear. As well, it’s the Year of the Horse and that is always a blast to write about. 

The Aviation – firsts, stamps and more database should see some modest improvements as well. Did I say airmail and pioneer aviation is near and dear to my little cat heart? Its one topic I continued to read about, despite wonky, blurry vision.

If there is a stamp or specific country you would like to see appear sooner than later, drop me a note here Contact Bitter Grounds – stamps, espresso & conversation. If you want a response, leave an email address. 

You know, I’d forgotten how much I love writing. 

Cheers to 2026!I  
Catpaw