Sunday, July 27, 2025 – Day 348

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Good morning.

Yesterday was a wonderful day. There’s just something about having the kids running in and out of the house, filling the air with joy (and the occasional chaos). Their energy is infectious—most of the time—and their curiosity cracks me up. I love their endless stream of questions and their tender instincts. Without even asking, they bring me my walking sticks like it’s part of their job description. I brought three canes on this trip so I’d always have one nearby, but honestly, with this crew, I could’ve just brought one. If I wander off without it, a helpful hand is instantly extended—as if I’m seconds away from face-planting. Which happens without any advanced warning.

Wyatt and William—the resident four-year-olds—haven’t witnessed the tube feeding process yet, but there will be plenty of opportunities in the days ahead. I can already picture their wide-eyed wonder as I pour formula into a syringe and watch it disappear into my stomach via a tube. I fully expect an avalanche of questions—or possibly a full-speed exit from the room if they decide Grandy has officially turned alien.

We picked up Alex from the airport yesterday, and true to form, he jumped right into work on his wedding ring. Between the family gold donations and some Amazon-sourced bullion, he’s got enough material to forge something meaningful. Right now, he’s carefully hammering a small gold bar into shape—heat, hammer, repeat. We all took turns on the anvil yesterday, which means this ring will be infused with layers of love, effort, and slightly off-beat hammer rhythms. When it’s finished, it will hold not just gold, but the weight of a lifetime commitment.

While we were off retrieving Alex, the rest of the crew headed to the newly opened Andy’s Pontoon Saloon—a bar that’s quickly become the go-to spot for beer, pizza, and full-family chaos. It’s so popular that by 11:15 a.m., there’s not a seat in the house. Apparently, lines start forming outside like it’s Costco on a Saturday morning. The crew brought me back a t-shirt, see me modeling this morning. But now I kind of want the full experience of being there. Beer, pizza, and a place named after me? Sounds like destiny.

Today, Lis and Steve return from their long Norwegian fjords cruise, only to find their peaceful Northwoods home transformed into basecamp for a kid-led expedition. I hope they weren’t counting on serenity, because our little adventurers have no intention of staying quiet. They’ll be outside from sun-up to sundown, whooping and running and exploring every inch of the place. Me? I’ll be stationed in the shadows, watching it all unfold from the safety of my wheelchair, soaking in the sounds and the smiles.

And a quick note to my anonymous book gifter: thank you for the continued supply of Prey novels. I’m still working my way through Phantom Prey, and now with four more added to the stack, I’ve got enough thriller-fuel to last me through Labor Day. I’ll try to catch up… just not this week. The forecast looks too good to ignore, and the water is calling.

Wishing you a joyful Sunday, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Love you guys! ❤️