2022
Strictly Marblehead news: We have waited two and half months, but we now have our very first roundabout!! It was worth the wait as now I can turn left on our road and make it across St. Rt. 163 without such a long wait (we’re talking summer here) to cross over the other side so that I could meet my friend, Nancy, to walk at Meadowbrook Marsh. It will be interesting to see how this roundabout handles the tourist season.
Now on to strictly Collins’ news: This past February we sold our house on Prairie St. and moved a mile away to our new house at Lighthouse Bluffs. We loved our old house, but so love our new house, especially when paying cash for a house that is only two years old.
Mike has about 1/5 of a yard to take care of compared to our old house and a company mows the lawn which took Mike some time to adjust to. I think we may be the only ones who own a lawn mower! Mike also has three options to choose from (trail, path and open field) to walk Jackson (108 lb. boxer). This spring he has landscaped the front and backyard. He has just finished building a workbench in the garage.
I have enjoyed finding decorative pieces to enhance our home. We have a great room with large walls and high ceilings. I am currently working on stitching two Christmas stockings which will be done for Christmas 2023.
This past May Derek made arrangements to take us to France, England and Ireland. We were a week away from our departure when someone came down with Covid. It was not me or Mike. So back to someday!! Mike and I will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in July.
Now on to strictly baby news: Jack and Imogen are just the cutest babies (NOT biased at all!). So much fun watching them as they move towards the toddler stage. Announcement…Derek and Erin will be having a second baby arriving in May – our 3rd grandchild!
Now on to strictly boys, husbands and wives news: In the past four months, Chris has been spending more time at his home in Milan than with us. We and he were very fortunate to have two independent providers come into his life. He has done very well due to the skills that they brought with them (approach is everything!), but sadly one of the providers gave her notice because she needed a job that provided health benefits. We are not sure what this next year will bring but sadly this is the reality for many caregivers.
Derek and Erin along with Ryan and Annie spend a lot of time structuring their days around nap time! Erin started in on her nursing clinical, but made the decision to put this career on hold to spend time with Jack and now the new baby coming May. Derek, Ryan and Annie are mainly working remote. I am sure they are saving money on gas!
Now on to strictly Jackson news: In the spring of this past year, Jackson made a friend. His name is ICE ( a 3 year old husky). They loved to run and play together. Unfortunately, ICE moved to Huron in the fall. How do you tell a dog, his friend is not coming back? Is was sad to see him for a month or two, laying down on the lawn waiting for him to come.
Friends and family are the best and we treasure all of you!!