So I have not posted for awhile.   We have been keeping busy though.   We had our first snowfall here in Oshkosh (I could have waited longer).  But the good news is I did not have to plow it and most of it is gone now.  I should change oil on the ATV and put the plow on,  it won’t be long before I will need it.   We do have most of the outside work ready for winter.   Not all yet,  but everything that needs to be.  I guess the garden will need to be tilled in the spring.     I have a fire going tonight,  time to get that going,  probably most days now.  The wood is stock piled and ready to burn.  I may need to go down and check on the fire shortly,  and grab a beer while I am at the bar.   I was not going to drink today,  I had a couple of nights out this week,  but spent most of the day with Mom.   It was stressful for her, and the rest of us.  Even Chris asked for an Old Fashioned tonight.

Mom has a couple of weeks they would like to continue working with her in therapy at Manor Park, and we need to get things in place for her leaving there.  We had hoped she could go back to her apartment and do the assisted living ‘light’ they offer there.  But they are very worried about admitting her to that program, as they feel she needs more help than that.  And they are probably right.   Today we toured the assisted living apartments at Harbour House, in the same community she lives now.  Skip Claire Chris and I all think it will be a good fit for her and give her good care, but it will require some significant downsizing from her current apartment.  But still much larger than the ones we looked at Manor Park.  And much more inviting.  But she would rather stay in her apartment.  But at the end of the day she acknowledged she needed help and would try it if that is what we want.  So more pain to come, but I think a plan is coming into place.

So that is consuming some of our time.  And work is always a challenge.   But we are still blessed to be able to enjoy life and do the best we can.  Last weekend we had a great time at the St Pius auction and enjoyed time with John, Jo Ann, and Father Bob.  And spent a few dollars.  We splurged with a group for Father Bob’s Bar B Que which we let pass last year.  And I missed the dinner, good food and friends.  So this coming year we will enjoy Father Bob’s hospitality, and great food and wine.  And we donated a nice chunk of money to St Pius!   And I had my homebrew club executive board over this week for a business meeting and lot’s of great beers!  And last night Chris and I were out to meet some friends at a great bar in town (missed you being there Marie) and then out for some supper and listening to Mike play with the SNB band.  So we are having fun.  And we pray for you all.  John and Debbie entering the next stage of their life,  Mary Judy and Muriel a safe train ride back to Milwaukee!  So everyone get out there and enjoy life!