My Summer Update

Dog days of summer. And 3500 miles on the bike so far.

So much to share...

Karen and Kristen did their annual Jellystone week with all their girlfriends and their kids, and grandkids. So I did a staycation/mancation in Edwardsville. I spent plenty of time riding, reading, watching the Tour De France, and entertaining the dogs. I even managed to knock off about 3/4 of the list Karen left me (chores).

Nathan has been living in the apartment near Chicago while finalizing his school. He had one German class to nail and the U of I said it was either Germany for real or a school in Palatine. Guess where he ended up? He is looking for that first job while working on working out. I think he may finally be able to take me.

Karen and I have been doing the Edwardsville Market almost every Saturday. She's done well with her jewelry and I have sold a couple of framed prints. It's fun. Hot but good people watching and conversation. Small town perk. We enjoy it a lot. She's becoming known there as the 'ceramics lady' as she seems to be the only one making her own original pendants and centerpieces. Her work has really progressed.

Kristen is getting fat. Well, I mean with child of course. She's funny. She and Bryan have been busy making the baby's room and finding room for all the gifts they're already getting. Jonah will have no problem being well dressed--that's for sure. He'll look best in the little Harley jammies I got him though. Now, if only she can find room to love Jonah as much as her Chuckles. That dog...I love him too. Someone has to. Poor guy...missed the good looks line by a mile.

We're getting the house painted. Same red for the barn but a different trim. Karen has the place spiffing up nicely. We absolutely love that house. Odd--of all the homes we've owned we seem most attached to this one. It has a strange familiarity and coziness we can't explain--but certainly love.

Otis has decided that he wants a side car and to go riding with me but he's yet to convince his momma that it's a good idea. He knows he'd look really cool in a leather cap, goggles, and scarf flying in the wind. Otis is a chick magnet and would love the attention. He'd be the envy of the dogberhood.

Karen and I went to the Eric Clapton guitar festival with our Michigan friends, Rob and Sharon. In one day we saw Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Jeff Beck, BB King, Robert Cray, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, Los Lobos, most of the Allman Brother's band, Gary Clark Jr., Ronnie Woods, Joe Bonnamassa, Johnny Lang, Buddy Guy, and many many more. Amazing day.

Work is work. We got bought by the Hearst company. I got a tour of the Hearst Tower overlooking NY Central park. I must say, I wouldn't mind working in that building. It's amazing. So far they are being great to us and making us feel quite wanted. They should after forking over $325 million for us. Of which I got about $0 million of...naturally.

I went to a specialist the other day and am being put on Sandostatin shots 3 times daily for a month. Then on cycles thereafter. I've also been prioritized for a new scan coming to the states in October. And this pre-qualifies me for a treatment in Switzerland if the disease does resurface. So I am getting the best of care and finding the right doctors.

So, it's been a crazy summer. Graduations, weddings, trips, riding, working, traveling, etc. I can't remember a busier summer. And we have a ways to go. Bryan's birthday is this Saturday. We have several market shows yet to do. I am getting new pipes on my Harley. : ) I have a few work trips already lined up--NY and LA. We are going to San Diego in October. Then Kristen will let Jonah out of the belly--get it? I kill me...

All is good. We're blessed.