Back to School

Getting back into the swing of a schedule after two weeks of vacation is tough.

Monday, Jan 6 Putting the pieces together. The first day back to school, Barrett was up early and "fully charged." Much like solving a puzzle, we had to figure out how to arrange our lives back into routine. The transition from holiday freedom to structured days can be challenging, but with patience and a little creativity, we'll find our rhythm again.

Tuesday, Jan 7 The waterfront is ever-changing, just like our lives. When we moved to this piece of land, there wasn't much of a view of the river. Our aging neighbor eventually sold his property to a builder, who cleared the land, house and all. The builder constructed new houses, and two new neighbors moved in, taking most of the view. Now, a boathouse is set to take the rest. It's a reminder of how the landscape constantly evolves, reshaping our surroundings and perceptions

Wednesday, Jan 8 Music, music, and more music—Barrett's favorite day! He has band practice and piano lessons with Mr. Daniel Driskell making it a day full of melodies and rhythms. There's something magical about immersing oneself in the world of music, especially with a great teacher to guide the way.

Thursday, Jan 9 National Day of Mourning. He may not have been our best president, but he was undoubtedly one of our greatest humanitarians. Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to service, both in and out of the political sphere. His tireless work for Habitat for Humanity, his efforts in international diplomacy, and his unwavering commitment to human rights have left a lasting legacy. We will miss you, Jimmy. Your compassion, humility, and generosity have inspired us all.

Friday arrived without a suitcase—see how they run. On January 10, Barrett and I went to see The Black Jacket Symphony perform The Beatles' Abbey Road album. Barrett danced in his seat and, at the end, went down to the front of the stage. I am amazed at how many people enjoy watching him. The kid truly feels the music—it is his soul.

Saturday Jan 11. It's that wild and chaotic time of putting away Christmas decorations. What a mess! We often strive to control the world around us. We take pride in our ability to fix things, to manage things—in fact, to control nearly everything. But sometimes, life just doesn't fit into neat little boxes, and we have to trust the process.

Sunday, Jan 12 There is no place like home. On a frosty morning, there's nothing quite like a brisk walk. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the quiet beauty of a winter landscape—it’s a perfect way to start the day and appreciate the simple joys of life.