Hi!

Even though you aren’t actively responding to all these letters, I trust that you are enjoying all this family news. Responding isn’t a requirement to keep me going, I’ll do that anyway, so you have permission to just read. One of these days you may find a way to touch me again.

Today I woke up early (0720) and heard Lydia sneak out the front door on a mission. She didn’t get home from her folks’ house until almost midnight. She had a good time playing games with her brothers and visiting with Mom and Dad. Because of that late arrival, I was surprised that she was out of the house so early. I knew it wasn’t for work because she took the whole week off. With a bit of sleuthing, I figured out that she was going to the car dealer that sold her the car because the display quit on her. They ordered a new one for her.

So far today, all I’ve done is take Max for his morning walk. I might take him grocery shopping if he wants to go. Usually that’s a no-brainer because shopping involves riding in the car. I prefer to go alone because he likes going up and down every aisle. As you know, I don’t. I’m getting better at it, though. Usually, when I forget the shopping list, I’ll eyeball everything to see if anything registers and wind up getting lots of stuff we don’t need. You know how that goes, right?

So, with that thought in mind, I’ll pause this and head to town. I think I’ll go alone tis this time.

Love you.

I’m back. I took two bags to Safeway, got what I needed, and a few extra things that looked like fun. I got another whole chicken I’ll cook with noodles, two boneless breasts, and a couple of thick pork chops. All the other stuff was on the list. I honestly think I could remember everything I got but that would just be showing off.

After putting everything away, I made a big salad with drenched it with my newly acquired bottle of French dressing. It was exceptionally good. Lydia told me she was going to Panera Bread for a sandwich and soup, then she visited her eyelash lady and did her nails. That was Lydia did her friend’s nails. I think it’s part of a barter system Lydia has to help with her eye lashes. I think that’s great.

Then she worked her way back home and must tell you that I did just fine. I took Max for two walks and didn’t wobble even a little bit. I was very proud of myself and I suspect you are, too.

Later in the afternoon Jeff came by and borrowed the truck to retrieve 4 railroad ties to replace those holding in the soil next to the roses and carport. The current ones are falling all to pieces, so the new ones are welcome. Now all we need is a work crew to get them in place. I think we already have that in Jeff because he got them in the truck and out of the truck which is remarkable. Those things are enormous. You should take a peek at them.

Now it’s late (2150) and time for bed. Max has hinted that to me a couple of times by whimpering to go outside like we always do. He’s really good off leash out back in the dark.

I visit with you some more tomorrow. Perhaps I’ll be allowed to dream of you tonight. I love you. Now I’ll leave you with a Fossil, Oregon sunset.