Thursday, July 24, 2025

Freezer Full, Heart Full

Today's garden harvest.

Time got away from me today. It’s already 9:19 p.m., and I’m smack dab in the middle of blanching and vacuum-packing vegetables from the garden. Kale has taken up most of my time tonight. I think the zucchini may end up as more loaves of zucchini bread—and I still haven’t decided what to do with the excess cucumbers.

They might get shredded and frozen for later use in tzatziki or cucumber-infused water, or sliced to be used in my beauty routine (well… if I ever decide to go the beauty route) as soothing eye compresses to reduce puffiness.

I found a video that explains how best to freeze cucumbers—now I just have to find the time to watch it before I collapse into bed around 2:00 a.m. There’s also a second video about making frozen cucumber lemonade using frozen cucumbers. I assume it involves actual lemonade, and thankfully we already have plenty of lemon ice cubes in the freezer. So many possibilities!

Earlier today, I spent time with Megan and the grandkids at the pool. Oliver napped in my arms while Megan swam laps, and Caleb and Charlotte played in the water. Just as Megan finished, the baby woke up and was ready for some splash time. Caleb and Charlotte were more than happy to help with Oliver’s water adventures.

I usually sit near the side of the pool, where the little ones play in the shallow water. At one point, Megan was holding Oliver facing away from her, and he spotted me and gave me the sweetest smile. Not long after, his dad arrived from work and was rewarded with a huge grin and excited little bounces. Charlotte and Caleb didn’t bounce, but they were definitely excited to see their dad too.

Now, I need to get back to the kitchen and tackle the rest of these veggies!


Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Broccoli, Babies, and a Bit of Kryptonite

Broccoli first harvest (Minnesota).
Ready for the freezer ...
Joe harvested the first round of broccoli this morning. There was so much that I ended up blanching and freezing all of it. Having almost fresh broccoli in his lunches this winter will be a treat for him. Tomorrow, I'll be tackling the kale.

Earlier today, I had the joy of watching baby Oliver feed himself. He was working on mashed potatoes and some mashed, seasoned zucchini. Megan would load up his little rubber spoon or fork, and he’d do his best to get it into his mouth—though sometimes it hit his chin first. After five or ten minutes (not that time matters when you’re watching a baby eat), Megan gently stepped in to offer a bit of physical guidance, letting go of his hand just as the spoon got near his mouth. With that little boost from Mom, he started having more success.

Charlotte was sitting nearby, also eating her lunch (she has excellent utensil-to-mouth skills at nine years old) and shared that earlier in the week, Oliver had managed to get food in his eyes and ears. I commented that these little rubber utensils and the idea of babies self-feeding must be a relatively new thing. Jeremy chimed in to say they were actually around when Caleb and Charlotte were babies—but admitted they didn’t use them because the mess made him too anxious.

As Oliver wrapped up his (very messy) lunch, Jeremy said he might go take one of Pan’s anxiety pills. This made me laugh, because Jeremy truly is the best son-in-law we could have hoped for. He always comes across as calm and unshakable. We tend to think of him as our very own Superman—though it seems baby-led feeding may be his kryptonite.

Pan, for those who don’t know, is Megan’s rescue dog. He gets pretty anxious during storms and fireworks. We were in the middle of a thunderstorm this morning, so Megan had just given him one of his anxiety meds. Even with the pill, Pan was still pacing and panting, so she set him up in the garage with Sylvie, the other family dog. She didn't put Jeremy in the garage with the dogs—though I suspect he would’ve appreciated the quiet.

Speaking of the garage, the next phase of our garage upgrade is scheduled for the second week of August—a new heating system! Once it’s in, Joe will finally be able to use his machining equipment year-round without having to dress like he's heading to Antarctica. Machining with gloves isn’t easy (though he’s made do with handwarmers), and the combination of cold air and age doesn’t help when your nose won't stop running. We’re also planning to add more insulation to the attic in September, before the real cold sets in. By next winter, it should be cozy enough in there for Joe to work comfortably in a sweatshirt and bare hands. Honestly, the garage might end up with better climate control than the shop he worked in back in California.

Life continues on, full of broccoli, baby milestones, and garage dreams—and I feel blessed to be racking up these treasured moments of joy. 


Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Joy in the Little Things

Started my day with a virtual chat with my friend Mary Anne. She’s on vacation in Connecticut and still made time to talk—such a treat! I’ve written about her before under her family nickname, Anne. We stayed with her during our 2023 trip through Pennsylvania. Just seeing her face and catching up made my morning feel joyful.

Our vegetable garden is prolific, especially the zucchini. I baked two loaves of zucchini bread this afternoon, and the other four zucchini got sliced up for salads. I also cooked up the green beans we picked yesterday and today, and sliced two English cucumbers to have ready for the week.

I spent part of the day trying to catch up on some podcasts. Honestly, while I enjoy listening, they don’t do much to spark my own creativity. So I’ll keep today’s entry short and sweet.

Here’s to good friends, fresh veggies, and finding joy where you can.

  • Monday, July 21, 2025

    Meme Monday!

    Forty-Seven swore to the MAGA faithful he’d release the Epstein files—just enough bait to keep the Q-Anon crowd frothing about “elite” pedophiles and shadowy trafficking rings. But when the moment came? Poof! Suddenly, there’s “nothing” to release. And when his own base dared to question him, he lashed out, called them stupid, and insisted he doesn’t need their support. Cruel, petty, and predictably vile. He’s never hidden who he is—some folks just refused to believe him.
     
    A program I can get excited about ...

    This is… painfully accurate. If you ask me a question and I respond with something completely off the wall, just pause, look me in the eye, and say, “You didn’t understand a single word I said, did you?” And you'd probably be right.
    Some days I like to be a Poopyhead. Those are the days I avoid other people because why make someone else suffer?

    Okay ... this made me laugh out loud.















    Sunday, July 20, 2025

    Doug’s Legacy of Love

    One of the hardest parts about getting older is that it’s not something we do alone. On July 17th, my Uncle Doug passed away after suffering a massive stroke. He was eighty-two years old.

    Doug was married—twice—to my mom’s youngest sister, Aunt Janet. Together they had three children: Troy, Kurt, and Angela (Angel). Their love story was one that stayed with me my whole life.

    In 2023, during our cross-country post-retirement road trip, Joe and I had the privilege of visiting Aunt Janet, Uncle Doug, and Angel at their home in Pelion, South Carolina. At the time, Aunt Janet was already having memory issues, and Doug took care of her with such kindness. Angel stopped by often to help out and check in on them. It was clear how much love surrounded them.

    While we were in the area, we also got to reconnect with Kurt and his wife April, and later with Troy and his wife Candice. It had been decades since I’d last seen my cousins. Joe and I were so grateful they all made time to see us—it meant a lot to reconnect and get to know them as adults.

    Now, Aunt Janet is in memory care. I haven’t asked my cousins whether she understands that Doug is gone. Part of me hopes she doesn’t have to know. That may sound strange, but if she doesn’t remember, she may be spared the pain.

    What I know about Uncle Doug is this: he retired from the Navy, and I believe he later did some hazardous waste consulting—at least that’s what I remember him saying once. I know for certain that he also worked as a substitute teacher in North Carolina.

    When I was growing up, Doug and Janet’s love made me swoon over romance. Their wedding photos were beautiful—almost magical. My grandmother had the album, and I loved flipping through the pages. To me, they were royalty.

    But in 1974, just before I got married, Doug and Janet divorced. Janet moved back to Bryan with the kids. I remember hearing whispers about why they separated, but I never knew the full story—and I’ve decided it’s not mine to tell.

    A few years later, though, they reunited and remarried. They were the first couple I had ever known to divorce and then find their way back to each other. In my eyes, that was proof of true love.

    In July of 1992, when Megan was five months old, my mom and I traveled to North Carolina to visit Doug and Janet. They doted on Megan, of course, but what struck me most was how affectionate they were with each other. I don’t remember any of my other aunts and uncles holding hands or sneaking little kisses. But Doug and Janet did—and it was beautiful.

    When Joe and I visited again in 2023, Aunt Janet’s memory was fading. But Doug and Angel treated her so gently and lovingly that I left feeling deeply moved. I remember thinking how lucky Janet was to have found the love of her life—and to still be loved like that, even in her most vulnerable moments.

    And now, her love’s light is shining in another dimension.

     Copied from obituary online:

    Douglas Vernon McLean

    March 8, 1943 — July 17, 2025

    Pelion

    Douglas Vernon McLean, 82, of Pelion, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

    Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 21, 2025 at Sharon Crossroads Methodist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday in the church sanctuary. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

    Mr. McLean was born in Lima, Ohio, a son of the late Russell Vernon and Ruby Gilbert McLean.

    Survivors include his wife, Janet Ruth Hudkins McLean; children, Troy Douglas (Candice) McLean, Kurt Vernon (April) McLean and Angela (Donald) Parnell; grandchildren, Brittaney (Mike) Wray, Ashton Parnell, Brandon Parnell and Jessika (Mark) Harris; and a number of great grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughters-in-law, Margaret McLean and Evelyn McLean; and a grandson, Matthew Briggs.

    Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).


    Saturday, July 19, 2025

    Home Sweet Homes - Saint Michael, Mn

    May 2025 Google Maps Street View of our home.

    On April 19, 2024, we moved from Megan’s basement in Rockford to our current home in Saint Michael. We're just fifteen minutes away from Megan, Jeremy, and the grandkids.

    This home is perfect for us at this stage of life. It got me thinking this morning about how people retired when I was growing up. Most folks looked for warmer weather, smaller homes, and more affordable places than where they had spent their working years. That may still be true. But Joe and I seem to have done everything backwards.

    Moving from the Sacramento Valley in California to Minnesota means we now get to enjoy all four seasons—including snow in the winter! We went from a 1,400-square-foot home to one that's over 3,500 square feet. And oddly enough, the cost of living is about the same for us in Minnesota as it was in California.

    Of course, there are some differences: insurance costs are higher here, and Minnesota property taxes are steeper—based on property value, not square footage. Another big difference: California doesn't tax Social Security income, but Minnesota does, on a sliding scale.

    Still, the size of our home is just right. We have room for family and friends to visit comfortably—with privacy and quiet spots for everyone. Yesterday, during Movie Day, the grandkids sprawled out on the couch and floor in the family room to watch their shows while Grandpa relaxed downstairs with his YouTube videos about machining. Everyone had space to enjoy what they wanted without stepping on each other's toes.

    One of the things I love most is that our home was custom-built. Every house in our cul-de-sac is unique. That suits me well. In California, we had a tract house that we personalized over the years, but this home feels special from the start. Joe likes that it looks ordinary from the outside. He says it’s not until people come in that they’re surprised by how spacious it is. He’s not one for flash or attention—he likes to go unnoticed. The less attention we draw, the happier he is.

    I truly love our neighborhood. It’s quiet, and our neighbors are kind and thoughtful. People of all ages live here, and we enjoy the cultural diversity around us. Joe and I have always liked getting to know people who are different from us. It enriches our lives and opens our minds. We've also grown more grateful for what we have, especially knowing how hard we worked during our careers.

    I'm happy living in Minnesota, and I'm grateful for the town of Saint Michael. If I could just transplant a few of my dearest friends and family members to live closer, I’d be in seventh heaven! (Though I suspect most of them are quite happy where they are).

    If you ever get the urge to visit Minnesota, keep us in mind. We have plenty of space and love good company.

    P.S. This wraps up the Home Sweet Home series—for now. Thanks for coming along on the journey with me.


    Friday, July 18, 2025

    Movie Friday Fun (and a 'Fantasy Floor is Lava' Celebrity Version)

    My first ever AI created image

    Charlotte, Caleb, and I had our usual Movie Friday today — we watched Floor is Lava and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 on Netflix. But first, we ran a few errands, including an important stop at the movie theater just to grab a bucket of popcorn (only $1.00 refills for our take-home bucket!) and Icees. Gotta have the snacks.

    Shockingly, the main villain in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 reminded me of Forty-Seven. (Yup. Him.)

    As for Floor is Lava, I couldn’t help but imagine a celebrity version. Picture this: one team made up of Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, and Stephen Miller. Another team: Kristi Noem, Forty-Seven himself, and Steve Bannon. And finally, a third team of journalists — Aaron Parnas, Joy-Ann Reid, and Jim Acosta. I’m pretty sure that Parnas, Reid, and Acosta would win. (Actually, no question.)

    In between shows, the “Grands” checked out Grandpa’s garden, helped harvest some veggies, and then ate lunch. Earlier during our errands, they had grocery shopped with Grandpa and picked out their own lunch items. They love doing that.

    After dropping the kids off at their home around 3:00 PM, we headed to Maple Grove for dinner at KPOT, which offers either Korean BBQ or hot pot. We went with hot pot today — turned out pretty good! We also discovered that if you go before 4:00 pm you can opt for lunch instead of dinner, saving $11.00 per person. So, it ended up costing about the same as a regular lunch at a restaurant. Win!

    We wrapped up the evening with a haircut for Joe, a gas tank fill-up, and our Costco run. Very productive day!

    I absolutely love Movie Friday with the kids. Makes my heart happy.

    Thursday, July 17, 2025

    An Afternoon at the Pool (and an Unexpected Conversation)

    This afternoon was spent at the community pool with the grandkids and Megan. After a couple of hours of swimming, Caleb and Charlotte were hungry, so we grabbed some food from the snack bar while Megan and little Oliver stayed in the water.

    As we sat eating, the conversation took an unexpected turn. Out of the blue, the kids started talking about what they would do if they were ever homeless as adults. What a different world they’re growing up in! When I was their age, I never once considered something like that. It honestly caught me off guard.

    Caleb, ever the planner, laid out his idea step by step. First, he said he’d find a job, then buy a backpack to keep his things in, along with food and water. Once he had work, he said he’d try really hard and save every bit he could. Eventually, he’d buy a camper so he’d have both transportation and a place to live. I told him that as long as I’m alive—and as long as he’s not doing drugs—he will never be homeless.

    Later, he added that if things ever got that bad, he’d talk to his parents first to see if he could live with them until he got back on his feet. And if that didn’t work out, he’d come live with Grandpa and me.

    The fact that my grandkids—at just eleven and nine—are aware of homelessness and feel the need to plan for it… well, it breaks my heart a little.

    Charlotte, our storyteller, had her own thoughtful (and characteristically detailed) plan. She said she’d work multiple jobs at once and try to sleep at one of the places she worked so she wouldn’t have to sleep outside. Her first purchase? Clothing. "If I live on the street," she said, "my clothes will probably have holes and look dirty. I have to have better clothes for my job." After that, she’d buy food and water, and continue working hard while teaching herself new things so she could get a better job.

    Eventually, she said, her first big purchase would be a house. Then she’d save more money to buy furniture. And finally—my favorite part—she said she wants to have twin girls. “I’ll feed them, spend time with them, and help them brush their hair,” she said sweetly.

    So yes, it saddens me deeply that our grandchildren even feel the need to think about homelessness. But at the same time, I’m encouraged. They believe in themselves. They believe they can work hard and change their circumstances. That gives me hope.

    Wednesday, July 16, 2025

    My Thoughts on Jeffrey Epstein


    Saint Michael is an archangel, a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He’s known as a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of the Church. In art, Saint Michael is often depicted with a sword, a banner, or a set of scales—sometimes shown vanquishing Satan in the form of a dragon.

    I finally looked him up today, something I’ve been meaning to do for a while. I love our new hometown (Saint MIchael, Miinesota) and the warm, friendly neighborhood we live in. It feels fitting that the town is named for a spiritual warrior. If only we could all agree on what "good" and "evil" actually mean.

    Here’s a clue: Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of underage girls was evil. Period.

    As a woman, I’ve encountered men like Epstein—men who abuse power and have no regard for the harm they cause. What I want to know is this: Who else participated in or benefited from Epstein’s access to vulnerable minors? I don’t care what political party they belong to. Protecting molesters should never be a partisan issue. A predator’s politics are irrelevant.

    Yesterday I listened to a podcast featuring a lawyer who explained that the statute of limitations has run out on many of these crimes. So yes, if we can't put these people in jail, I'm okay with public shaming. Here's what we can do:

    • Call them out.

    • Demand they step down from public office.

    • Fire or impeach them if possible.

    • Refuse to re-elect them.

    For years, some MAGA supporters have claimed there's a "deep state" filled with Democratic pedophiles. I’ve never bought into that theory—if it were true, the FBI (which has traditionally leaned conservative) would have cracked down long ago. Clinton's relationship with an intern was deeply inappropriate and a clear abuse of power—but she was legally an adult, which is different from what Epstein did.

    What I’m sick of—truly exhausted by—is the way some people try to justify or downplay sex with minors, or protect the abusers because of their wealth or influence.

    No one should be above accountability. Not because of their fame. Not because of their money. And definitely not because of their politics.

    Okay. Rant over. For today, at least.



    Tuesday, July 15, 2025

    Home Sweet Homes - Rockford, Mn

    The living room section of our basement apartment (July 2023).

    The final stretch of our 2023 road trip took us from Coldwater, Michigan to our daughter Megan’s home in Rockford, Minnesota. After retiring, we had decided it was time to leave California and find a place with more water—and hopefully be closer to our kids.

    At the time, Joe’s daughter was planning a move to Florida, his son lived in New York City, and Megan and her family were settled in Rockford. After months of conversations and reflection, Minnesota felt like the best fit for our lifestyle. We’d be near our grandchildren and still within reach of both Florida and New York. (As it turns out, Joe’s daughter did live in Florida for a while but is now back in California.)

    Once we’d settled on the location, the next decision was whether to rent an apartment in Rockford or stay in Megan’s finished basement until we sold our California home, which we planned to do in mid-2024. Since our household goods had already been delivered to Megan’s basement in April, renting a place would have meant yet another move. So we chose to stay put in the basement—and honestly, it worked out better than we expected.

    We bought a used refrigerator and set up a little kitchen area with a microwave and coffee pot. Most nights, we had dinner with Megan and the family—she did the cooking! While we had access to the upstairs kitchen, we tried to keep things easy and avoid disrupting their routine.

    The basement itself was quite spacious, with a comfortable bedroom, a full bathroom, and a large living/great room. It gave us plenty of room to create a cozy, homey space. The only real downside? Cold air settles in the basement, so we ended up wearing jackets pretty much year-round. But we stayed grateful—the benefits far outweighed the chill.

    The biggest challenge for me personally was learning how to communicate well in a multigenerational home. I stumbled more than a few times, but eventually found my footing. The best part, without question, was getting to spend so much more time with our grandchildren, Caleb and Charlotte, as well as with Megan and Jeremy. If we’d chosen an apartment, we would have missed out on all those everyday moments.

    Next up: Our current home in Minnesota.

    Monday, July 14, 2025

    Home Sweet Homes - Coldwater, Michigan (Interlude 3)

    Living on the road for three months made us deeply appreciate the chance to stay at my brother’s family cottage near Coldwater, Michigan, at Long Lake, for a few weeks in June 2023. (Photo above from Google Maps.) It was the perfect base for visiting family and friends in northwest Ohio and across Michigan.

    The cottage was a lovely, peaceful place to regroup after our time on the road. And honestly, just having a bathroom nearby felt like pure luxury! No more waking up in the middle of the night, unzipping the tent, and stumbling across uneven ground just to find the restroom. That alone felt like a major upgrade.

    It was during our stay in Michigan—and the frequent drives back and forth to Ohio—that I realized just how many deer live in the region. I’d estimate roughly one billion. I might be slightly exaggerating. Slightly. From 1974 to 2023, I hardly had to think about deer while driving. Suddenly, every trip required deer-watch duty! We had several moments where we had to slow down or stop completely to let a deer cross the road. Just this past Sunday at 1:00 a.m., Joe and I were returning from Rockford when he reminded me (again) to keep an eye out. Felt like I was on “vacation” all over again.

    I’m so grateful we had the cottage as our retreat. It was exactly what we needed.

    Next up: Rockford, MN – Multigenerational Living

    Sunday, July 13, 2025

    Home Sweet Homes - Road Trip (Interlude 2)


    On March 29, 2023, Joe and I said goodbye to our Southwood Drive home in Woodland, California, and hit the road for a cross-country adventure. (Note: The blog posts dated March 29 through July 1, 2023, chronicle the trip and the people we visited along the way.)

    As we drove across America, we found ourselves sleeping in all kinds of places—our car (which prompted one friend to quip, “Ah, so you’re homeless now!”), guest rooms of generous friends and family, the occasional hotel, and a fair number of nights under the stars in a tent.

    Each state greeted us with its own brand of beauty and friendliness. The landscapes wowed us, and the people warmed us. We had a rough idea of certain towns we wanted to visit—usually because we knew someone there or it had been highly recommended—but otherwise, we made up our itinerary as we went. That kind of flexibility is what allowed us to add in bonus stops in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. 

    When we weren’t driving, one of our favorite things to do was visit libraries. Joe and I are both big readers, and libraries are our happy place—enforced quiet, comfy chairs, outlets for our laptops, and an unlimited supply of books and magazines. Heaven. They also gave me a comfy place to write this blog and a place to research and plan the next leg of our trip.

    Life on the road with Joe Coehlo? Surprisingly easy. Our initial plan was to mostly sleep in the car. We'd even splurged on a fancy, highly-rated air/foam mattress combo. It worked great—until we hit the Carolinas and discovered that car camping in parks wasn’t allowed. Enter: our tent era. Lucky for me, Joe is an experienced camper. So instead of disaster, camping was (mostly) fun. Emphasis on "mostly."

    Along the way, we also uncovered a few quirks in how we communicate under new and mildly stressful circumstances. Translation: we had a few moments. And by “we,” I mostly mean me. I learned to do better. Progress!

    Joe recently asked me, “Remember how people used to ask if we were still speaking to each other after all that time on the road?” Oh yes, I remember. Most people—my own friends included—assumed Joe must be a saint. And honestly, he kind of is. Not that I’m that hard to live with, but we were together almost 24/7. The only alone time Joe got was when he went for a walk. Sure, he loves nature, but I’m guessing those hikes were also his version of hitting the reset button... from me.

    But we did it—we survived all that togetherness! And in the process, I learned to admire Joe’s adventurous spirit even more, along with his uncanny ability to stay flexible no matter what each day brought.

    Next up: Our stay in Michigan.


    Saturday, July 12, 2025

    Just Vibing!


    Today was quiet and peaceful, ending with a birthday party for two of the neighborhood kids. I really enjoyed the company of our neighbors and meeting new people—and I even got to hold a sweet 14-week-old baby girl for a little while. She's part of the family that lives at the end of the cul-de-sac. I’d met the dad on Halloween, but tonight was the first time I got to meet the mom, along with her own mother, who also lives with them. It was a treat to finally connect with them.

    I stayed off the internet all day—no social media, no political news—which really helped reset my brain. I took a quick scroll through the headlines tonight, and now I’m planning to spend the next few hours reading until bedtime.

    Good night!



    Friday, July 11, 2025

    Jurassic World Rebirth - When Life Imitates Art



    Photo credit Universal Studios

    Not a movie I would’ve picked for myself—but the grands had already seen it and chose to watch it again. So, off we went. This was actually the first PG-13 movie we’ve watched together.

    The graphics were incredible. Truly impressive visuals. It’s available in 3D, but I’m glad we watched the standard version—no need to intensify the thrills. I was on the edge of my seat through most of it, while Caleb and Charlotte took it all in stride. I’m assuming that’s because it was their second viewing—not because they’re bloodthirsty little creatures. (Though the jury’s still out.)

    After we got back this afternoon, I read a piece by Andy Borowitz: “Are We Thinking Too Much About Politics?” And instead of paraphrasing it (I couldn’t do it justice), I’ll just share the part that really hit home:

    “We’re all faced with a tricky choice. If we bury our heads in the sand, the dictatorship wins. But if we’re in a constant state of panic, it also wins. It’s hard to mount an effective resistance if your hair’s on fire 24/7.”

    “Maybe we should reframe the choice.”

    “Well-informed concern and vigilance that lead to action? Good. Relentless doomscrolling and freakouts that induce catatonia? Bad.”

    “Now, I’m not here to dispense New Age wisdom. (Full disclosure: I did live in California for 15 years.) But worrying nonstop about politics isn’t just bad for the resistance. It’s bad for your health.”

    “When times are this dark, we need to find moments of light.”

    Yes, we do.

    Meanwhile, a follower of 47’s recently created a meme with him as Superman. MAGA is up in arms over the new Superman movie because—brace yourselves—Superman is portrayed as an immigrant. (You know, because he’s literally not from Earth.)

    After watching Jurassic World Rebirth today, I’d say a more accurate comparison would be to the D-Rex—Distortus Rex—a genetically-engineered mutant based on T-Rex DNA. It’s about 26 feet tall, 47 feet long, and weighs 20,000 pounds. It eats people like breath mints.

    Do you think D-Rex could outsmart the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey? Personally, I wouldn’t bet on it. But the chaos it causes feels... oddly familiar.

    My moment of light today? Time with the grands—Caleb and Charlotte. That, at least, is real. And really good.

    Thursday, July 10, 2025

    After Retirement: A New Kind of Knowing

    The drive home from Rockford to Saint Michael is a favorite of mine. I often just enjoy the sound of the tires on the road as I follow the winding path along the Crow River. In the winter, the bare trees make the river visible for most of the drive. During the rest of the year, I catch glimpses of it through the leafy green.

    Other days, I’ll put on some John Denver music. And when my grandchildren are in the car, I mostly listen to the sound of their voices as they chatter away to each other. My hearing isn't what it used to be, so I rarely catch the actual words—but that’s okay. Their voices are music to me.

    Yesterday, as I drove home from Rockford, I skipped the music and found myself entertained by a thought that came to me—seemingly out of the blue. The thought was this: “I used to know what to do in most situations. I’m not sure I do anymore.”

    That idea stuck with me. I realized that during most of my time BR (Before Retirement), I lived in reaction mode. Life was a series of moments requiring me to listen, assess, and respond—especially in situations involving other people. I tried to be thoughtful in my responses, but much of it came down to reacting to what others needed or expected.

    AR (After Retirement), the opportunities to make decisions are different. Most days now, I spend time with one or more family members—and they’re not particularly interested in having me make decisions for them! Even the grandkids, at nine and eleven, usually want to call their own shots. Like on our movie Fridays: they pick the film, and I provide transportation and snack money. And honestly? That arrangement suits me just fine.

    The baby grandson is another story. At almost seven months, he’s not quite ready to make decisions, but he’s remarkably clear in communicating what he wants. He lets us know when tummy time is over, when he’s ready to eat, or if the book I picked isn’t to his liking. He also seems to know when he’d rather play with Grandpa Joe than me. My role is simply to keep him safe, read his body language, and tune into the kinds of noises he makes when he’s uncomfortable or wants something different.

    Perhaps it’s those interactions with the baby that brought on the thought: “I used to know what to do in most situations. I’m not sure I do anymore.” After all, trying to interpret the wants and needs of someone who can’t use words yet is its own kind of challenge.

    Still, as I wound along the Crow River yesterday, I realized something else: maybe it’s okay not to always know what to do. Life isn’t asking me to solve every problem or jump into action like it once did. These days, I get to observe more, listen more, and sometimes just be present—whether it's beside a chattering grandchild, a fussy baby, or a quiet river. Maybe that's the new kind of knowing: not having the answers, but showing up anyway, with love and snack money in hand.


    Wednesday, July 9, 2025

    Public Service Message (IC3.gov)

    Today I learned that the FBI has a website called the Internet Crime Complaint Center — IC3.gov. While the site can’t help you recover lost money, you can report scams there. This helps the government track scams that are happening across the U.S.

    A number of years ago, one of my bookkeeping clients fell victim to a scam. He was a sharp businessman, but at the time, he was going through intense radiation treatments for stage 4 cancer. During that vulnerable period, he received an email — followed by a phone call — claiming to be from the IRS. They told him he had a “problem” that he could fix by either giving them access to his bank account or providing a credit card number over the phone.

    He had the good sense to say no to both options. But then they offered a third “solution”: buy one or more pre-paid VISA cards and give them the numbers. The catch? He had to do it within the hour. Under pressure, he went out, bought cards totaling $4,000, and gave them the information. When he tried to call them back later, the number was already disconnected. And only after the fact did he look closer at the email and realize it wasn’t from the IRS at all.

    The FBI considers this type of scam a government impersonation crime.

    The IC3.gov site includes resources and information, including annual reports that break down cybercrime by state and by type. Here’s the link to the 2024 report for California:
    California Cybercrime Report – IC3.gov

    Once there, you can select other states if you’re curious.

    Joe and I both get scam texts and emails almost daily. Joe never opens them — he just forwards them to me! As we age, I think the Resources for Older Adults link on IC3.gov will come in handy for both of us.

    Staying aware is half the battle — and sharing what we learn helps others stay a step ahead, too.




    Tuesday, July 8, 2025

    Searching for a Laugh - Meme Day

     

    Definitely me! Since retirement though I've learned to just use okay the first time.

    Me on the days I forgot to check my calendar!!


    Important reminder to continue to look for joy.






    Monday, July 7, 2025

    Sixty-Nine Today: One Day at a Time


    Even though turning sixty-nine years old is no big deal for me, I’m genuinely excited to have made it this far! Each year feels like a quiet victory—a chance to keep growing, learning, and appreciating the simple joys of life.

    I often think about my family and how our lives have been shaped by both love and loss. My dad died from cancer when he was just fifty-three. His life had been tough, and after suffering a stroke during surgery, he spent his final years in a wheelchair. My sister passed away at fifty-nine from breast cancer. My mom, too, lost her battle with breast cancer at age seventy-seven after it had spread to other organs.

    All three of them were smokers and had become more sedentary toward the end of their lives. After my dad died in 1989, I made the decision to quit smoking on January 1, 1991. I was thirty-five years old at the time. That choice, among others, has shaped the way I try to live now—with intention, care, and gratitude.

    My goal is not just to live longer, but to live well. I want to make it to a ripe old age with my mind sharp and my body strong. Thankfully, I have relatives who lived into their mid-to-late nineties, so I know longevity is possible. I try to take care of myself—not out of fear, but out of respect for the time I've been given.

    These days, I focus on what I can control: eating well MOST of the time (including limiting my alcohol intake), staying active, keeping my mind engaged, and surrounding myself with people I love. I don’t take any of it for granted.

    Each birthday reminds me that life is a gift—unpredictable, sometimes heartbreaking, but also beautiful beyond words.

    One day at a time.


    Sunday, July 6, 2025

    Forest Bathing the Minnesota Way


    Megan and Oliver took me to brunch this morning. Afterwards we came back to our house and took a few photos on the patio. The above photo is the view from my comfy chair.

    After Megan and Oliver left, Joe and I sat outside 'forest bathing' for an hour and a half. It was a beautiful day.

    Happy 51st anniversary to our friends Ginger and Jim Burden!


    Saturday, July 5, 2025

    Don't Be Misled: The "Big Beautiful Bill" Doesn't Mean Your Social Security Is Tax-Free

    • On Thursday, I received an email—allegedly from the Social Security Administration (SSA)—celebrating the passage of what it called the One Big, Beautiful Bill, signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The tone was triumphant, describing the legislation as a landmark victory for seniors.

    • Here’s a quote from the email:

      "The Social Security Administration (SSA) is celebrating the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that delivers long-awaited tax relief to millions of older Americans..."

      It goes on to claim that “nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits”, and that the bill provides “meaningful and immediate relief.”

      Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, this message is misleading—and I want to help make sure no one gets caught off guard.


      Here’s the Reality: Your Social Security Could Still Be Taxable

      While the bill does provide tax relief, it does not eliminate the taxation of Social Security benefits for everyone. If you’re assuming your benefits are now automatically tax-free, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise next April.

      Let’s break it down:


      Who Actually Benefits?

      • Middle-income seniors who currently pay taxes on their Social Security benefits will see the largest relief.

      • Low-income seniors already don’t pay taxes on their benefits—so this bill changes little for them.

      • Higher-income seniors may not benefit at all, as their incomes exceed the thresholds where the deductions apply.


      Key Points to Know

      • Tax relief ≠ Tax elimination. The bill reduces the tax burden but does not eliminate taxes on Social Security for all retirees.

      • Temporary enhanced deduction. The legislation includes a temporary increase in the standard deduction for Americans aged 65 and older. This increase is meant to offset the taxable portion of Social Security benefits.

      • Set to expire. The enhanced deduction expires in 2028, at the end of President Trump’s current term. There’s no guarantee it will be renewed.


      Why This Matters

      Far too many people living on fixed incomes rely on every dollar. An unexpected tax bill—especially after being led to believe one wouldn’t arrive—can be devastating.

      So let this serve as a friendly public service announcement:

      Don’t assume your Social Security benefits are now tax-free. Stay informed, double-check your tax situation, and talk to a professional if you’re unsure.


      If this post helps even one person avoid a surprise tax bill in 2025, then it’s done its job. Please share with any friends or family members who rely on Social Security.



    Freezer Full, Heart Full

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