Odd—big long blank space at the end of your post and then at the bottom after scrolling there's this: "(she says)." Was there supposed to be a photo there? I cracked up at your old blender! Tee hee! I had one that looked similar, I think. Funny! Maybe a Dad shirt quilt? Hey, there, Ashley...! ;o)

I love your jacket in your walking pic. Isn't it funny what kids choose to play with? Cats, too! I remember so many Christmases with cats in boxes playing with ribbons (even though there were catnip toys and treats) and my grandson adores beach glass and rocks. Absolutely you own your grief! And while it eventually eases, we never stop missing them.

I'm just so happy for you having your daughter and son-in-law and GRANDSON with you, having the opportunity to really get to know that little guy. I know it's exhausting (we're old for crissakes), but doesn't it bring back memories of "how the hell did we do it?!" when our kids were little? And we "did it." We just did. (And do). It intrigues me how different the Littles can be. There are no stairs here, so that's not an issue, but Quinn never showed one bit of interest with the outlets or other dangerous things. I remember a friend's young one constantly pulling out the books from the bookshelves. Haven't had to deal with that, either. Mostly it has been the animals (Bailey, when she was alive, and always on the stake-out for the cats, who are good at hiding). I highly recommend one of those rugs with roads and parking places printed on them, plus a bunch of those little metal cars and trucks. Even as young as your grandson, Quinn LOVED that. (Also necessary here at just a place to sit and play because of all the hardwood floors). And to be totally honest, a tablet with Baby Shark or something is great for when the adults need a break. But going and doing is so much fun! (As long as it's not eating time or nap time or...you know how it goes).

John's had a Ford F150 that he bought used (it's a 2007) several years ago (needed for building the house) and he has loved it. It's basic, it's big, it has been totally dependable. (He's changed out brakes, tires, and I think water pump, but that's it! It did have a new transmission when he bought it). But...it's getting old and it's actually 265,000 miles that are on it! Yikes. I'm excited for him to have a NEW truck! Ford trucks are the bestsellers.

Looking forward to hearing how the zoo went. Today wasn't too bad (a few showers depending on location), but also pretty cool. I hope it was decent for you all. I love that picture of the two of you! What a cutie patootie! Is he walking?

Not one bit familiar with that thing in the teacup. Seems like it would get in the way of sipping. (I do drink tea now and then [pretty rarely] and have not clue). Sorry about the unhappy baby night. Teething, probably, right? That's why we're supposed to be young to be caring for a baby. At 30, I certainly did NOT feel young dealing with all of that. Fingers still crossed for Ashley. Interviews are hard to judge.

What a GREAT selfie! Oh, my. It's a keeper. What a cutie! (Both of you!) I'm glad he's snuggly for you. Quinn never really has been. (Well, except with John!) It seems from that picture that his hair has lightened quite a bit. I LOVE that Korean dogwood. That is gorgeous! I'm sad you haven't been able to see John. I sure hope things settle down for both of you soon so you can get together.

I am over the moon for you! (And your mom!) What an adorable little boy he is! I LOVE his smiles! Squeeeee! And absolutely a perfect bike ride for you two before company arrived. PERFECTION.

I totally support the kids' position about not allowing unvaccinated (covidiots) around their precious baby and your precious grandson! THEIR LOSS. (I could say so much more....GRRRRR). At least your brother was honest about it, so there's that. I can sure relate to the disappointment and discouragement (and the wedge) between siblings. My brother hasn't even seen Quinn since Nate and Sandra moved to Everett over a year ago, which is only about 25 miles away. I very much doubt that my brother and his wife are vaccinated. Can you tell I'm hoppin' mad? I am so tickled that your mom now gets to see her great-grandson! And that she comes by every day! I love it! What a joy for her.

You had to hit the ground running when you returned from your trip (and then your bike trip across the Narrows!) Wow. So they must be there now. I sure hope their flight was OK and not too stressful with the little guy. It must seem weird to have Ziggy in your house! I love that cat (even though I've never met him!) My RSS feed also showed repeats of your post. Odd!

I just know that people will forget all of the SHIT he did. Already, memories are becoming selectively "fuzzy" about January 6th. Not gonna let that happen.

My word, there is a LOT in this post. The neighbor! Who dates waaaayyyy back! And then the sheriff's response! (I believe there are some real tools on that force). Man oh man. Then the "sketchy" taxi/Lyft car! (see what I did there?) Holy crap! I have to say, I'm happy that Ziggy and the Little Guy will soon be in WA. (Yes, the trip will likely be nerve-wracking). But the other end of it will be ultimately wonderful (albeit with some stress, I'm sure).

Are you on Social Security? Because if you have been, you're supposed to be automatically signed up for Medicare at 65. That would be me, but I never got the card and I cannot even access my account info because I don't have a card. If you haven't been on Social Security, you have to manually sign up for it. And if you want Rx or supplemental insurance, well, good luck with that. (GRRRRR)

OH MY GOSH HE'S ADORABLE!! I love seeing his smiles! What a charmer! 90 degrees. UH. And humid. I would be perpetually crabby.

Wow, Chicago! I've been there once when Nate had his Bootcamp graduation back in 2009, and we saw a bit of the city (and liked what we saw). The base was about an hour north, so one day we took the train down to the heart of the city and got a taxi to take us to the Navy Pier. (That's a fun, festive, and beautiful place, at least in summer!) So glad you had quality time with Alison and got caught up after over a whole YEAR. That's a long time to miss out on hugs.

"The scent of Mari?" Does that mean...he won't be dealing with the EXISTENCE of Mari?! Lots to contemplate, huh?!

Have a blast on your trip! And I'll be interested to hear more about Canada! Very intriguing!

That IS an ugly gate--makes me wonder if it's temporary (for construction)? Hmm. However, there are a whole lot of wealthy people with bad taste. I really like your hair cut! Definitely an improvement.