CHANGE AND A REQUEST

HERE AT THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, there is change afoot. After her recent health challenges and multiple hospitalizations, Kathy is doing better. Each day seems a little more normal and her daily confidence grows. But it has been scary. She had to give up her plans to travel to Sioux City, Iowa to Morningside College, our Alma Mater, this weekend, there to participate and sing a solo in the big alumni choir reunion and concert. Too long a drive and too far from doctors if more unpredictable problems should arise. To our old friends who will be there, have a grand time and we will miss seeing you!

Another, bigger change. After teaching piano lessons for most of her adult life, Kathy has made the difficult decision to retire. It has been emotional. She will miss her wonderful students. But she has not been able to teach most of this year and she wants them to move ahead with their musical journeys. She also decided in light of her own cancer journey that she wants to have more personal time, more free time, and more time with grandschildren and family. It’s a big change.

A related change, and a request. In the last month, I have begun this column on Substack. I’m still learning the ropes, the ins and outs, but I like the format and it’s going well. Many of my readers have followed me here. Thank you! One of the options on this platform is to subscribe to the writer, either for free or via a modest monthly or yearly fee. For all who have done either, I am grateful and glad to have you! But with Kathy’s retirement, we need to replace some income. If it is within your ability to be a paid subscriber (I think the lowest amount is $8 a month, or less if extended over a year) that would be most helpful and appreciated here at the old cabin. I hope you are finding the posts useful, inspirational, comforting, challenging, or in some way valuable. I enjoy writing and sharing them with you all. So, thanks for reading!

Finally, one more report. Little Paddy (Paddington J. Cat) our St. Patrick’s Day waif, continues to adapt beautifully. And yesterday was a Big Day. He allowed Kathy—who has not been able to be around as much—to hold him for the first time. He buried his face in her arms and purred and purred. And now, despite the fact that he is always hungry, he will not eat until he has been held and petted first.

So, life… it’s the strangest thing. And still full of joys and beauties. Good wishes to all and I hope you are well, dear readers. The campfire is warm and crackling.