October 2026

Kirsten hosted the annual fishing tournament she created a few years ago, and it was a success. The adult fishing tournament was the evening before, a fierce competition. She has little tiles engraved for the plaque in the living room with the winners each year. She told me the engraver commented on the winners, which

– – It was a pleasure to celebrate your birthday with you in person.  We don’t often get to do this with a first week of school birthday. Donuts were perfect in morning sunshine. This whole family is lucky having you devoted to us as you are, and we love you so. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart

– – – – – – – Happy Seventeen! We were so happy to spend time with you on your birthday. All these years you have brought us so much happiness, and we wish you all that happiness and more for the year ahead. Happy Birthday to the sweetest.   Love, Grandma and Grandpa and Everybody

– – – – – Everything has that dry, end of August straggle to it, but that’s okay. – Onward to September. Love, Val

They went outside for a while.  I picked up toys all over the yard this evening. Apparently they were moving sand around in the trucks.  The bubble machine was a hit. – There they are, all in a row. Lots of love, Grandma and Grandpa

– – – – –  So much love, Grandma and Grandpa

This crazy critter took over the driver’s seat while we were loading groceries.   A few miles up the road she tried to come up front from the backseat by sneaking between the windows and the passenger seat and got herself real wedged in there.   We had to pull over and Jay had to pull her

There he is, beady eyes and all.   Maybe it is a girl.  We don’t know! I love these possum sightings, check the camera every morning. – – Ahhh!    Maybe more videos tonight! Love, Val

This was the nicest birthday weekend.  So glad we got to spend it together. – – Look at you, Mama, with your swimming kid: And teaching my dog to behave and look for fish: My whole life, and everyone else in this family too, is better because you are in it. You’re a splendid sister,

Glad we could do a little old birthday at the lake last weekend.  Cake was delicious, and the candles stayed lit in the wind long enough to blow them out. – – There you are. We hope today was a great birthday, even for an ordinary Tuesday, and always all the best wishes for the