Little darlin’, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter (and spring), but look how happy I am to be back with you again:

Y’know, it’s funny. You think you’ve done pretty well surviving one of the most harrowing tests of your life, and then what does the universe do? Tests you again. And again, and again. Such has been the case over this school year, which, I’m ashamed to say, is thankfully, finally, mercifully over.

Shew.

This year (mostly since my last letter to you back in January) I’ve dealt with suffering colleagues, troubled kids, absolutely rude and uncaring people, a raging narcissist, shady businesses, friends and family in pain, and 16 kinds of bad news. Holy cats — what gives? You’ve been there, too, though, I’m sure. Just keep zig-zagging, right? Dodge them ray gun particle beams so it looks like you’re just dancin’ the Watusi. That’s what I’m doing, because it’s never all testing, testing (even though it sometimes feels like it).

Of course, the bad stuff fades a bit when I think about Odyssey 2019! In nine short days, I’m off. So thankful for my sis Mavis, who will take great care of Remington while I’m gone, and for my sons, who will see to it that the house stays in running order.

Watch this space (or, if you haven’t already, subscribe in the box up there on the right) and I’ll ramble about all things Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, as well as post some pretty pictures. And I’m going to do my best to forget (or at least file away) the unpleasantness of this year, and concentrate on what’s important: today, and what I can make of it.

Hugs to all my fiends,
RF