Maggie is featured as Picture of the Month. She has such a sweet smile and is so active. She's even started dance lessons. My, she's growing up so fast.
2025 was such a mess working with our insurance carrier (USAA). After the August flood the home insurance claim was denied because of flood conditions (great that FEMA stepped in). They did cover Nancy's car when it was totaled in the flood. But I had to use them before the end of the year after Nancy banged up the front end of the replacement car. 2026 has to be a better year. Well, in early January I was driving my truck to watch Matthew play Beloit HS, over 50 miles away while Nancy had a meeting at church. Long story but here's the short version. About 40 miles into the trip, I was on I-43, when the car in front of me slammed on the brakes and swerved into left lane. I hit the brakes but hit a metal chair which was laying in the right lane. The truck seemed to drive OK, but I should have checked instead of thinking that I could wait until I got to the high school. What I didn't know was the the chair (or part of the chair) was wedged into my grill or bumper. When I got off the highway, it was a a rural road-- very dark and no other cars. I must have hit a bump or something because the chair came off and tore apart some of the exhaust system. I pulled over then but it was too dark to see anything. I decided to continue to the high school since I could at least meet up with Jeff and Rebecca. I made it but the right front tire wheel was also shot, either from the original accident or when the chair came off. Another insurance claim and road side assistance. I was able to make it home on the spare. A week plus later, Nancy's car wouldn't start (corroded ignition) so more road side assistance. I needed road side assistance again to jump start the truck and drive it to the repair shop. As I write this at the end of January, both vehicles are in for repair. We're using Emily's car since she's back to school. Thanks for trusting us with your car, Emily. 2026 can't continue like this.
Weather in SE Wisconsin continues to be interesting. The first part of January was rather mild, but the last half pretty cold. Looking at the county weather statistics I see a 74 degree difference between the monthly high and low. Winter has a long way to go. But I have ordered my tomato plants.
The 2026 Family calendar is now available here.
Two notes to remember from previous months--
One NIL link for Charlie is here. Since the end of his freshman year, he's changed his number to 0.
The tremendous outpouring of support to 2 special causes in memory of Noah continues. Significant dollars have been directed to the Waukesha Catholic Tuition Assistance fund, plus a scholarship fund has been set up in Noah's name at Waukesha South High School. Noah is loved by so many. For those wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund, you can find further information here.
(Update 8/2022. In June 2022, 2 $1000 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.)
(Update 6/2023. In June 2023, 3 $1000 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.)
(Update 6/2024. In May 2024, 3 $1000 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.)
(Update 6/2025. In May 2025, 3 $1000 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors.)
Enjoy the pictures!
