If I knew how to disable plug-ins, I may have tried earlier to post. If I even knew what plug-ins are, that would help, too. However, I don’t speak that language, I get easily frustrated when technology doesn’t work for me and I have let inertia and that idea that “I’ve been busy” cloud my brain. (That last one is BS, we all make time for what we want.) Plus, I could have reached out to tech support (again) to figure out exactly what to do about the plug-ins, but I didn’t. I just walked away–for awhile.

Instead, I have set a record gap for time between posts: nine weeks. If not for those people who took a moment at our hometown’s celebration to let me know how much they enjoy reading my blog (you all know who you are, and I thank you from my heart because you keep me posting), I may have let the plug-in situation win.

The annual Tipton Church Picnic, our hometown’s yearly festival.

Nope! I have learned to keep trying, to listen to Gail’s continued rally cry: WE CAN DO IT! And, I am adding get back in touch with tech support to my to-do list.

This also explains the absence of the usual series of Thanksgiving pictures at the beginning of the post; I am not currently able to access them on my website.

Now, given my admitted lack of tech expertise, you may be surprised to learn that I am now the owner of the shiny new iPhone 16. I went into the Verizon store on lucky Friday the 13th, not aware that it had been released that day. I only wanted to replace my iPhone SE, but that would cost $420, and the new 16 was free with my plan, so…technology won. So, if you happen to see me with a confused look on my face as I am trying to figure it all out, any help would be appreciated.

Gail stopped by today with her husband and daughter, Lydia.

They will depart tomorrow to see Gail’s daughter Abby, who lives in Michigan. I was able to visit her myself last month, and it was glorious. Along with my dear friend Shari, we traveled north to see the splendor of northern Michigan, as well as Mackinac Island.

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There are no vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island, only horses and bicycles. The16-minute ferry ride to the island was beautiful. This horse picture is fitting because I feel like a horse’s ass for not posting sooner…

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I would be remiss if I don’t post the most exciting news before I go any further: I have a new grandson!

Baby Beau was born in August to my son Joel and his wife, Meghan. If you are a grandparent, you get it. He is beautiful, and his parents are wonderful, too.

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Just over a year ago, Gail, Suzanne and I were in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Now, our beloved beach has been pummeled by Hurricane Helene. While Gail and Suzanne claim they love the wind, they know this devastation is nothing to take lightly. We are heartbroken for the people, the land and the structures, as well as the spirit of this beautiful mecca. Rebuilding will take time, money and effort, but that is what they do. We hope to go back someday to share the love with them. Our hearts go out to everyone in the eastern United States affected by this monster storm. I will leave it at that because we know from experience that in times of great tragedy, there are no words strong enough to describe the pain.

Suzanne and a friend traveled to northern Florida earlier this summer. As always, Florida is her happy place. She completed another trip around the sun in August, too.

A trip together for the three of us is long overdue, and the wait is almost over. In just eleven days, we will, once again, head west. Colorado always beckons in the fall, and the three of us–as well as Gail’s daughter Lydia, will answer the call of the mountains.

Of course, there will be adventure, mischief and memories made, some of which will be detailed in a post when we return. Some, but not all. We must keep some mystery to ourselves. Until then, thank you, dear readers, for your patience and support. Because I want to be a writer when I grow up, it is important that I keep writing, keep posting; keep trying.

Until then, thank you all. And thank you Gail and Suzanne, for giving me the memories to write from.

Our Florida trip last year. Sending our love to all those affected by Hurricane Helene.