Friday, October 24, 2025 – Day 437

Friday, October 24, 2025

Good morning, everyone.

Last weekend in October—hard to believe we’re already sliding into the holidays.

This weekend is a college get-together on the shore of Lake Michigan in Union Pier, Michigan. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone. The party officially starts today, but we’re waiting until tomorrow to join the group. There’s something about getting together with college friends… it’s like you never left campus.

For me, this trip will be a bit more subdued than past reunions. I don’t expect any Black Betty (cue the music) moments—like that legendary night when I was riding on the tail end of an ATV with Dave driving, and Brad, Gary, Jim, and I hanging on for dear life. We were climbing the long set of stairs from Lake Michigan up to the house. If you’ve ever been on the Michigan side, you know those bluffs are steep—it takes serious horsepower to make it up, especially when you’re, well… overloaded and over-served.

Dave had the pedal smashed to the floor, and we hit one of those steps just right—it was like riding an angry bull at the rodeo. I was launched straight into the night and landed somewhere deep in the brush. It was pitch-black out, and after a full day of “hydration,” I’m pretty sure the only reason they found me was because they followed the sound of laughter echoing through the trees. Eventually, I staggered back onto the ATV for round two, with Black Betty still screaming into the night.

Nope… none of that shenanigans this time. I plan to keep the wheelchair safely away from the edge of the bluff—so don’t get any ideas!

Those stunts were a long time ago. These days, now that we’re in our 60s, the party tends to wind down before midnight. Usually. There are always a few exceptions.

Looking forward to adding more memories to our already long list of good times.

Whoa, Black Betty, bam-ba-lam Whoa, Black Betty, bam-ba-lam Black Betty had a child, bam-ba-lam…

Everyone have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.

Love you guys! ❤️

Today’s Photo