L'aventure américaine

I initially thought that today's subject line might be, "We'll always have Venice." But with the frequent illusions to climate change and the maps in the boat stations about where to find high ground during acqua alta (high water), I'm not so sure we will always have Venice. Perhaps this knowledge makes me appreciate Venice even more as the days here have been beautiful, full, and glowing. But first, our final day in Vigolo was a wonderful one. We tested grappa in the morning (11am is a bit early for me for grappa, but I persevered) and enjoyed a walk to nearby Bosentino in the afternoon (where Charles and Elisabetta were married). I love the outdoor ping-pong tables and the views of the Dolomites. (I could continually look at La Vigolana and think, 'I just climbed that!') We met Elisabetta's mother, Maria Assunta for aperitivi (why did I not get a picture all together?) and had another delicious dinner. It was a lovely day. Mom tries to feed the donke...

 It's our eight-year anniversary today.  We made Milo's lunch and the kids breakfasts in the kitchen together, gracefully moving around each other in that small room while we heard demands shouted out: "I want apple slices!"  "I want sparkle toast!"  As we bumped into each other, I said, "sorry," and then, "oh!" And we simultaneously wished each other a happy anniversary.  And I just felt so damn grateful for these little moments where we coexist and help each other. But, we have made it through some big moments this year too.  Since the celebration of our 7th anniversary: Covid has continued and the delta variant has become a frequent conversation topic.   We have had two visits to the ER (one for Randal, one for me) and one ambulance call (Milo). We have each been on steroids to deal with out of control allergic reactions. We have gotten and lost a dear pet. We have a very small amount left before we reach our out-of-pocket maximum (we ...

 It was our seven-year anniversary on Monday.  We didn't forget - we have always taken an overnight trip for our anniversary and this year we decided we would go camping at Mom and Dad's in light of COVID - but, it was about 10am on Monday morning before one of us said, "Oh!  Happy Anniversary!"  (By the way, it was Randal.) We had lunch together at home and split a beer to celebrate.  At dinner, we looked at each other from across the table while Milo refused to eat his dinner and Marian screamed "Unbuckle me!" and smiled at each other at the chaos that we have successfully created in the past seven years.  We ate ice cream to celebrate.  Happy Anniversary to us.

It’s our five year anniversary today and we are having a beautiful weekend. We saw Othello and ate great food and then picked up Milo and went to the coast. Much has changed in the last five years, but I can’t imagine a better partner to join me on this path.  I love you, Randal. 

I thought that I would get that out there first thing.  If anyone found that they had a large influx of cash, I would love to take it off of your hands.  I would even name a building after you! You see, Stephanie and I are still moving along with the clinic.  However, we have to yet to permanently establish a home for the Sky Lakes Wellness Center.  While the hospital has offered to foot the bill, we are hoping for some extra money to fully renovate up to our standards (green building, teaching kitchen, community space, windows, windows, windows!) and we hate to ask the hospital for all of that money.  So, if you know any philanthropists, if you have been searching for a building in which you could invest, or if you want to save me some grant-writing time, please send $850,000 our way! Klamath Falls from the top of the ridge where Maizie and I hike almost daily. We are, in fact, moving along and are having some success.  In fact, the local pap...

The problem with having a wonderful, whirlwind two weeks before a wedding is that it is hard to remember everything that happened later.  If I go through my calendar, I see some of the events that happened: Day with Mackenzie, drinks with Charlie McKeen, Donna and Greg arrived, walk with Charlotte, massages, bachelorette party, wedding rehearsal, wedding.  But, that doesn't even come close to encompassing all that were those two weeks. Randal and I would wake up in our little attic bedroom, surrounded by wedding props and dirty laundry.  We would go downstairs and Dad would most likely make us a delicious fried egg for breakfast.  Josephine would be sitting at the table with her dad and you would try to talk to her, but she would duck her head and bat her eyes at you, grinning sweetly before looking at Charles.  Everyone would discuss their plans for the day: Me: I am finally going to finish those place cards. Randal: Tree house. Dad: Cleaning...