Monday, July 28, 2025 – Day 349

Monday, July 28, 2025

Good morning all!

I’m comfortably settled into my new writing corner overlooking Fence Lake. It’s peaceful here—just me, a quiet view, and no one stepping over me or each other. The main house has enough space for everyone to spread out. The bungalow, on the other hand, is a little cozier Four adults and three young kiddos packed in with stray shoes, forgotten clothes, and toys littering the floor throughout. I have no idea what’s going on over there, and frankly, I think that’s for the best.

Alex has claimed the boathouse as his own private retreat. He’s spending his late nights stargazing and satellite watching. He sleeps in until mid morning. The cool breeze of the night, the white noise from the waves, and a morning sun that takes until 10:00 am to get over the trees makes for a perfect sleeping compound. A few IPAs the night before helps too.

Yesterday was a big win—I made it down to the lake! Alex took on the role of “lift operator” and got me into the lift car that walks down (and up) the steep, narrow stairs to the water. Now, keep in mind, Alex had only used this once before, and the user manual was more of a suggestion than a guide. So we lurched down the stairs like a shopping cart with one rogue wheel. Two feet forward, one foot back. I think we invented a new dance. And it’s a graceful as the “Andy dance”…off beat and no rhythm.

Zack played catcher at the bottom, ready to stop my chair (or me) if we went off the rails. I say “played,” but let’s be honest—if this thing had picked up any real speed, Zack would’ve been flattened like Wile E. Coyote under an Acme boulder. The chair alone weighs over 50 pounds, and I’m not exactly featherweight…not yet anyway. Thankfully, the engineers who designed this contraption must’ve anticipated amateur hour, because the built-in safety features saved us from any dramatic plunges. Probably for the best that Cindy didn’t witness our maiden voyage.

Earlier in the morning, I found a job I could do—and do well! The kiddos had a little blow-up pool, and Nicole bravely inflated it by mouth. I should have offered my respirator to her when she was finished. A missed opportunity. Once it was ready, I grabbed a chair and the garden hose and took on the important task of filling it.

That turned into a game: three kids in bathing suits + one adult with a hose = chaos and joy. Every time they ran by, I gave them a cold-water blast. There were shrieks, giggles, full-body flinches, and lots of “DO IT AGAIN GRANDY!” It was simple and perfect. A hose, a plastic pool, and kids having the time of their lives getting sprayed with ice-cold lake water. It was like a 1960s summer all over again, minus the metal slides that could fry an egg.

Today looks like more sunshine, mid-80s, and maybe even some water sports if I’m feeling brave. Paddleboard (in a seated position), kayak, maybe even something that involves towing me behind the pontoon boat. What could possibly go wrong? Don’t answer that.

Lis and Steve arrived at cocktail hour, delaying their arrival as late as possible. Probably a good move for two jet lagged individuals.

Big thanks to everyone who snapped and shared photos yesterday. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making the memories. More fun to come.

Have a great Monday.
 Love you guys! ❤️