Returned home from Colorado Springs this past Monday night. I had planned on spending Monday night in Iowa and completing my drive on Tuesday, but the weather was beautiful and I wasn't tired, so I decided to drive straight through. I hadn't driven straight through from Colorado to Illinois in quite some time and was surprised how well I felt after the 1,138 mile, 17-hour drive. Needless to say my posterior was a little sore. I had a great time with my brother and sisters. We took my mom and dad's ashes to New Mexico and spread them there. We spent a couple of days in New Mexico and then drove back to the Springs.

Next Friday I'm driving to Fort Wayne, IN to participate in an annual Alzheimer's Walk. One of the guys in my boot camp platoon had Alzheimer's and passed away several years ago. Five of us from boot camp participate in the walk every year with his wife and daughters. We always have a good time and it's great to see and spend time with my buddies.

The following week (whew) I have my 52nd high school reunion. Life is good and every day is truly a gift.