Sunday October 6, 2019              

Already into October and fall!  September went by quickly.  We started the month in Sterling Heights MI with MJ and John and ended it in New Mexico.  When we left Michigan after Labor Day we headed home to a number of yearly appointments.  We did have an appointment for Chris with an orthopedic doctor.  We felt we dodged a bullet as she had been having knee discomfort for a while and our family doctor prepared her for the thought of knee replacement.  But the Orthopedic felt that is not anywhere on the horizon and Chris was trying some medication that helped fully.   But there was some discomfort when she stayed off the medication so the doc thought a cortisone shot was next.  And so far it is providing full relief.  Next we had blood drawn for our lab work as the next week we had our yearly physicals.  And our physicals and lab work came in with great result overall, a couple skewed numbers for Chris most likely the result of the cortisone just before the lab work.  So she has a follow up blood test just to be sure.  And visits to our dentist’s office for cleanings for both of us and an impression for Chris to finally get her implant.   The summer has done well for her with the implant post inserted and the bone growing around it as planned.  And next week a new, permanent tooth after a year of wait.  Throw in some days spent in safety deposit boxes cataloging coins and visits to a coin dealer, and some time for fun!  Old friend Jeff Pindel came up to Oshkosh for some golf, biking, food and drink.   We traveled out to Hartman Creek State Park to visit with Janet and Steve who were doing a month of camp hosting and ventured into nearby Waupaca for some micro brews and good food.   We also fit in a meal with John and Debbie to catch up, my golf with John has been interrupted by travel and appointments.

Then after a couple of weeks home we took to the skies and headed to New Mexico.  With a quick stop in Milwaukee for boneless duck with Noel and JoAnn (Kegels German restaurant is still awesome) we flew out of Milwaukee to see Marie for a couple of weeks.  It was an exciting couple of weeks; I am not sure how Marie would describe it.  She had decided with the condo in Florida it was time to get ready to sell her house and take a next step.  We all decided it would be best to keep a presence in New Mexico since she has been there for 35 years, so we started to look at some possible apartments.  We did find a 55+ community that we were all impressed with, and although it was not in Marie’s plans she decided making a move decision was easier while we were there.  So she signed a lease!  She had already been cleaning for a move and in the first week we were there we made a lot of progress on downsizing! Many trips to donations stops included me renting a pick up, her Corolla doesn’t carry enough!  And the landfill played a role also!   We were able to fit in a grill out with her friends to grill out Usinger brats and say good by to the house.   Then we were able to find a mover to fit us in October 1 and we signed up.  So in she moved.  Going from a 3 bedroom house to a 1 bedroom apartment required far less furniture and it was an easy move (the movers were on track to make record time other than the elevators at the apartment and 3 other  people moving in that day).  Things went well, within a day all boxes were unpacked and Marie was feeling fairly comfortable.  She did well.   As of now the house is cleaned and mostly empty.   We met with a realtor and Marie also has a possible private offer that would work wonderfully.  The 2 weeks went by quickly, not much downtime!  Next time will be a little more relaxing and involve more sightseeing.  But Marie now has a lot behind her and once the home is sold there will not be much to worry about when she is out of New Mexico.  As I am typing we are on a plane back to Milwaukee, then the drive to Oshkosh.   And next weekend 4 nights on Washington Island to celebrate Steve and Janet’s anniversary, always a fun time.  Once we get back from the Island we will then finalize some plans to head to Florida.  My hope is to be there around November 1.  We consider ourselves Florida residents and need to get new driver licenses, registrations and such.  So more travel on the way!  Enjoy life.

Grill out

the Group

2 weeks of work

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