** LAST POST DIDN’T COME THROUGH, REPOSTING** Shortly after the last post, Richard went on the longest and likely last deployment of his military career, spending six months in the United Arab Emirates supporting missions overseas. We were apart, fell out of our routines, and didn’t have much to share. We played virtual card games to stay in touch and …

Since we’ve met, Rachael and I have gone to Applefest in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin. We’ve only missed one or two years, usually because we are traveling. Even though I would be deploying soon, we managed to squeeze in a trip before I left town. We went with our friend Martina. We drove our new car, which made the ride very …

Rachael stayed with some friends at a small AirBnb in Hayward Wisconsin recently. She liked it so much, she booked it again for her and I to stay at. This time, we’d bring Kima too! The cabin is not rustic at all…except for the lack of running water. We had to pump water and fill up buckets from an old …

First, a very belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Last winter, we spent Christmas in Florida with lots of family. This winter, we had a quiet “zoom” Christmas. We made a big dinner and packed half up for Rachael’s parents like we did at Thanksgiving. It’s not the same, but it worked out well. We opened presents together virtually …

Rachael and I decided to get away for a socially-distanced stay-cation to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Neither of us had been to Marquette, so we jumped in the car and drove the four hours. We stopped at Bond Falls on the way and it was dumping snow. Richard was excited, but Rachael less so. Kima was also very happy to see …

Rachael has never done a corn maze before. It’s been over 30 years since Richard had done one, too. So, we took the opportunity to go to central Wisconsin and do a sunflower maze (hey, that’s close enough to a corn maze, right?) It was a beautiful day…and too hot for Kima, even! We had a blast and completed the …

We’ve been teased a few times with warm weather. Richard is a winter sports guy (he loves skiing and snow-shoeing, and just got into skate skiing) but even he’s excited to sit outside in the sun. We’ve started planting our garden (peas and onions so far), and we’ve got our butterfly garden going, too. We’re going to try setting up …

Well, we’re in the midst of this pandemic along with the rest of the world. These are crazy times. Fortunately for Rachael and I, we’re weathering the storm well. First, we’re both fortunate that we have jobs that are flexible enough to let us work from home. Rachael is teaching 100% from home; no going to school for her. Richard …