Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Day 383

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Good morning, friends and family.

Coming up this Wednesday is the ALS United Classic, a golf tournament to raise awareness and money for ALS. I was invited to play, but the idea of playing golf scared me so I didn’t commit immediately. These days, swinging a golf club feels a little like entering a dance competition and told not to step on my partner’s toes. My balance is highly questionable, and staying upright is not guaranteed. I stewed on it for a week and finally realized: if I didn’t say yes now, I might never step foot on a golf course again.

So, Wednesday it is—my farewell round of golf. The big question: can I set up for a shot, swing, make contact, and still remain in that perfectly posed position afterwards? Honestly, it’s a toss-up. I don’t expect to take many full swings or half swings, but maybe I can contribute on the greens. Since it’s a scramble format, if I can be the first putter, I might at least show the others a decent line. Of course, that assumes I can actually walk to the green from the cart. If not, I may just roll up with the walker. I can already hear the greenkeeper groaning: “anything with four wheels is not allowed on the green!”

We’ll capture plenty of photos of the adventure. Nikki is flying in for the day, Tim will serve as my personal spotter/catcher, and Cindy will be the official photographer. The rest of the crew will either be cheering or covering their eyes—it could go either way. No matter what happens, it’s going to be a fun day and I’ll get to meet some great people that are dedicated to the ALS cause.

In preparation, I’ve been staying off my legs as much as possible, giving them rest for the big day. I’ve been whittling down the “Prey” series books that keep magically arriving on my doorstep. I’m down from six books in the backlog to just two. Next up is Field of Prey, and after that there are only ten left—including the one scheduled for release in 2026. I may actually finish the series before I finish guessing who my mystery book sender is. Still zero clues. Maybe they’ll reveal themselves on the last book? Or maybe they’ll just start another series…one that’s a little shorter.

One thing about this series: I’ve really connected with the characters. I find myself laughing, tearing up, and fully absorbed—even when the room around me is noisy and distracting. And unlike some thrillers, I don’t have to stomach endless scenes of deranged serial killers and their knives. Sure, there’s plenty of killing, but it’s the kind you can read without wanting to close your eyes…which of course doesn’t work so well with a book.

So that’s my inside life lately—reading, resting, and trying to stay out of Cindy’s way while she powers through the housework. I do contribute, though. I handle the bill paying… which takes me a whole hour each month. That counts, right?

Have a great Sunday. Love you guys! ❤️

Today’s photo is from our Paris River cruise 2023