Last weekend, I had the chance to spend some real quality time in Austin with my good friends Pete and Dolores and their kids, Peter and River. It was one of those weekends that fills the tank — easy conversations, lots of laughs, and the simple joy of being around good people. The kids are growing fast and have that spark that reminds you what life’s about. It felt good to slow down and soak it all in.
And Austin — man, it felt like summer had already arrived. Warm sun, green trees, and that familiar buzz of life that comes when winter finally backs off. It gave me a shot of hope that maybe we were done with the cold for good. But when I got back to Wisconsin, I was quickly reminded that nope — we’re not there yet. Cold. Rain. Gray. Just classic Midwestern spring teasing.
And then there was Loosey — a domestic goose with a flair for the dramatic. He strutted up like he was about to take me down. Head low, posture like a bouncer at a dive bar. I figured I was about to be on the losing end of a goose encounter. But instead, Loosey just lowered his head and sat right next to me like we were old friends catching up. Still not sure if I was accepted or sized up. Either way, we survived each other.
After I got back home, I went to a protest. I felt like I needed to. The direction this country is heading — with a president acting more like a king — is something I just can’t sit quietly about. Power is being grabbed, freedoms are being chipped away, and too many people are too tired or too distracted to notice. Being out there with others who still care — who are still willing to show up and push back — gave me some hope. There’s still a fight in people. There’s still a voice.
As always, feel free to drop a comment — I’d love to hear from you.
