Happy Saturday morning, so far so good; being back into the routine of things that is.

“It’s funny how you go through the year day by day but nothing changes, then when you look back, everything’s different.” ~ Ritu Ghatourney

After an evening of sitting for Marin and Dinah (while Cathy and Jason were at her 20th highschool reunion) my return to the ‘Nati finally feels complete. I am now raising my morning mug of java in a salute.

The return – from Northern Comfort was memorable – all due to Nick and Emily’s wedding. See, we swung by Traverse City on the way back and were fortunate enough to be part of one of the most spectacular wedding events we’d been to (including our own).

Held in that city’s historic Opera House, and with a heavy dose of Greek influence, we had a blast!

Plus, somehow our kids finagled time away from home to also be there. It was a time not to be forgotten.

And, other than a wild 80mph dash to get Kirstin back to Grand Rapid’s airport for her flight home, all went smoothly.

So, shortly after nine Sunday evening we beat the rain and pulled the truck into the garage. Another chapter was complete.

The condo – Marcia, she of the bruised ribs, spent time organizing and doing laundry. I unloaded the truck and packed away the empty bins.

During the day I helped (sorta) Tevita update the condo kitchen electrics; adding outlets and relocating others.

Thursday Marcia and I spent the afternoon with final selection, plus an add-on here and there, ordering the new kitchen—cabinets, appliances, and ‘stuff’. Over the next two weeks most everything will be delivered.

Calls have gone out to the plumber and once that portion is complete we’ll call the installation company. This then to be followed with the countertop guys. Yes, there is progress!

Fall Festival at NAM – North Avondale Montessori held its annual Fall Festival last evening. I swear that every kid at the school was present. Add to that parents and grandparents and it seemed like a bus-load of Pizza delivery guys trooped in each carrying brim-full delivery packs.

Happy faces, painted faces, project-carrying kids were all over the place. That, plus 11-year old boys who did not stop racing about the outdoor perimeter of the playground and that pretty well paints the picture (pun).

Surely it was an excellent way to make a re-entry into the neighborhood after having been gone for the summer.

Animal Planet – The rains are still pounding northern Ontario. We’ve seen photos of road wash-outs. The heavy rains plus the cold windy conditions meant that our trek south away from Northern Comfort was timely.

During our drive south through Michigan we witnessed Fall Color ‘part deux’. Now, here it’s mid-October in Cincy and I just noticed that a few trees have started their transition. How great is this, we’ll be part of three (count ‘em, 3) Fall Color events!

Fini – Later today Jason, Marin, and I will head out to see “Fury”. It’s another WWII movie, supposedly well researched for accuracy and unlike a lot of air or trench warfare entries in this genre; this one deals a lot with tank warfare.

Wishing a speedy recovery to ‘ribs’ Marcia and ‘meniscus’ Donn.

Make it a great week everyone. Stay safe.

Cheers.

Dirk