There's a thunderstorm outside right now. We've needed the rain, and even some wind to blow the humidity and heat away. Hope it works. But it's also a good time to write a letter.
Guess who's here, in Pittsfield? Simon. And Margaret. Not Andrew, who stayed in DC since he still has to accumulate leave hours. Last year, they could work virtually. But not no more.
Margaret and Simon drove up yesterday, a few days after we left DC. We had spent a week down there, hoping to help out Joe and Leonor with their pack-out. Watching them, surprisingly we did not get PTSD from our many moves, but we did recognize it's a lot of work. The movers left them with a pretty empty house but with some borrowed items, they are making do for a couple of weeks. It was hot, so we spent a lot of time at Margaret and Andrew's pool they recently joined. Reminds me of the Indian Hill pool. Perfect for boys with boundless energy.
Timmy completed his move. He is down in his own house, near Daytona, not too far from John and Marilyn who have helped him tremendously in his move. They are escaping the heat of Florida to come up here for the 4th of July, but I can't make any promises on cool, Berkshire weather.
Three June birthdays! First, Melodie, who looked to be enjoying the festivities in Minnesota! Without Jeff, who's probably in the same boat as Andrew, accumulating leave hours. Then Miles, and then Leonor. Guess who went bowling on their birthday? Why not? Maybe Melodie and Miles also went bowling, but I didn't see any photos.
Andrew and Lur spent the week at their annual retreat on Green Lake in Wisconsin. They time it every year to coincide with the Ripon reunions, which they attended. A special place for them. Claire couldn't join them this year because she's in (cue the drum roll) …. Ireland. She joined a choral group a while back and they are singing their way through Ireland. The photos are great.
There's a photo here of a new building on Annie and Sankhar's place. I have already picked out my room, so you better put your requests in soon.
So that's a lot of family travel, but I'm wondering if anyone went to Venice to attend Jeff Bezos' wedding. I checked the photos but didn't see anyone I knew. Kind of upset I wasn't invited.
Instead, we headed to Boston, the day after we got back from DC, giving our old cars a real workout. I had a few appointments, check-ins mostly and my favorite – a blood draw. Next time I'll take a selfie of the experience. It'll show me with my head down, fists clenched, afraid to look up and see what's going on. Of more interest was our meeting with the nutritionist. I asked her what she gets when she goes to Dunkin' Donuts. You know what she said? She doesn't go there. Imagine that.
In a few short weeks we'll be in the Poconos. We'll have ample space this year, and the resort even took back one cabin, at no charge. Anyway, looking forward to seeing you all.
Love from up here. Happy 4th!
