Thursday, January 23, 2025

Monday, February 3, 2025

Good morning family!! I’m trying to get in the groove for taxes and I’m not quite there…yet. It doesn’t help that I slept in this morning. I was trying to catchup on the sleep I missed the night before because of the TV being on. Losing the 2nd bedroom doesn’t give Cindy a place to go and watch TV when she can’t sleep. Somehow…the audio puts her to sleep. Last night she was awake and didn’t turn on the TV, so she missed out on her needed white noise. We’ll have to alternate the nights with TV on and TV off over the next five weeks to stay somewhat rested or tired depending on which day it is. Construction in the house is not fun when you’re living in it!!!

Last night we were invited to Joy and Tom’s, close friends of Barb and Cindy, for a nice casual intimate dinner with other high school friends. This was the first time I’ve seen a few of the friends since this summer. One couple (Jenny and Tom) were on the Baltic cruise with us. There was lots of hugging, a few tears, from you know who. I made a short toast to the group for inviting me into their circle and the friendship that has developed. When I moved out here almost 20 years ago…just after Nicole graduated high school I didn’t know anyone. Since then I have made many friendships and become a part of the community. Sure…I didn’t grow up in what I call “Crystal Lake, Iowa”, but I’ve grown to love it here and wouldn’t change a thing. As the city motto proudly states, “Crystal Lake, a good place to live”. So true so true.

On that note…everybody have a great day.

Love you guys!❤️