After my eye debacle the first few weeks of the year, we’ve had a relatively easy 2025 so far. G’s done exactly what he wanted to do (took another transatlantic cruise, this one on the Majestic Princess to Rome), and I did exactly what I wanted to do, which was not cruise, but to instead get to some of McGee’s indoor and outdoor track events. They seemed even more important after he missed the cross country season last fall due to an injury (the only reason I was willing to do the Regal cruises I did). He continues to set class records and is just one second away from the academy record in one event, which, if he makes it next year, will make him the fastest in that event at all of the service academies.
McGuy had a very busy May, getting engaged to his high school sweetheart and graduating with his bachelors degree after just three years. He’s using the fourth year of his scholarship to get his masters degree next year while his fiancé (we’re all still getting used to this 😉) finishes her degree. He’s working a demanding summer internship in town right now, and checking out wedding venues for next summer. I loved his university, his college town and the restaurant scene there, and, if I can talk G into it, would love to spend part of next winter there, exploring the area.
Part of the fun of making these two and three day trips related to my guys is catching up with friends and relatives in the various places the events are taking place. I was in Albuquerque in March and recalled that fellow Cruise Critic poster, CherylandTK lived in the area. I emailed, asking if I could take her out to dinner one night, and she suggested I come to her house and have dinner with her and her husband. It’s fun to meet online friends in person, and I had the most delightful evening with them, enjoying great conversation, a wonderful meal and a beautiful sunset. I returned home ready to move to the desert southwest.
I have been continuing some volunteer work I started during Covid for area senior care facilities (sewing walker bags). My mom had so much support from friends in the community in her final years; it’s nice to be able to pay it back in a small way. My next goal is to get involved volunteering for hospice, but fitting the training in with my travel has been a challenge.
And, finally, three weeks after we return home from this cruise, I’m going to be having surgery #12 on “that” foot. Sigh. I almost can’t believe it, and was numb when I found out about it a month or so ago. It’s not the most extensive one I’ve had, but it does include some non-weight bearing weeks during recovery, which gets harder every time I do it, and probably six weeks without driving (it had to be my right foot that I crushed back in 1992, didn’t it?!?). I came home from the appointment when I found out about this with G’s favorite BBQ in a carry out bag, trying to ease the news, but he was so mellow about it, saying we’ve done it before and can do it again. G is a saint, especially since our normal post-surgical MO is to set me up in the second floor master bedroom while he delivers food and drink and consolation several times a day. I’m not a fan of summer surgeries, but the timing for this is non-negotiable; I have to be recovered enough to get to McGee’s senior year cross country meets starting in September. And then, I think, my in-person-school-sports-spectatorship years (16 of them!) may be behind me. It’s been a wonderful era.
So, lots of good, some bad…it’s life, you know, and we get through it one step (or crutch) at a time. But this summer can’t help but feel a bit like 2019 all over again. Thankfully, this cruise will prevent it from being a total aestas horribilis.
Whoa, big news just arrived by text (I’m still on the flight to San Francisco). They have a wedding date and venue for next summer!
Life is soooooo good. :-)
