Thanks for your interest! Anita was on a work trip, but I went back for an unexpected funeral.

I went to New Jersey for my maternal grandfather’s funeral. He lived a long, fulfilling life. He had interesting stories, but he always acted like they were just routine.

I believe that he taught me about a special kind of dignity: You shouldn’t expect praise, or rewards, or happiness because you made good choices — but you can walk tall your whole life. And that’s enough, so you shouldn’t be smug or self-satisfied about it. He helped teach me that doing the right thing is its own reward in the purest sense.

It was good to see my family from my mother’s side, and some of my family from my father’s as well. There were many, many friends and family who came to Grandpa’s visitation and funeral.

The buckeye reminds me of my nature craft days in 4-H & hot glue burns from making wreaths & what not.

hey we never did get the scoop on the recent visit back to the States?
Was it just to visit family, a cheap flight, or work-related??
If it’s too personal – we really don’t need to know.

Also- you guys seem very active in Ireland with all the bike riding & walking. Are you walking more because you are in a city & it is convenient vs here in the burbs. Or is it just, when in Rome, as walking is the more preferred method of transport in Europe & we are just lazy Americans. I hope we can keep up 8 weeks from now when we visit.