The Latest

 Dear John,

I've really needed to talk to you this week.  All sorts of news that would interest you has been in my work email lately.  

Your former friend, MD, is retiring.  Since he's sworn, he started later than us and gets to leave earlier than I will.  MG also retired a couple years ago - I think we talked about that.  I think all the CSIs that were there when you work with me have retired.  MD, however, is going to double dip - he's going to be a Chief of Police in an area similar to the one where we live.  I'm sure it's just a stepping stone - since his sister's husband has strong Chicago connections, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as Chief of Police there.  It's probably the right path for him, since he's so rigid about rules.  I'm not sure of the subtext, though - his wife and the kids will be staying for a year and a half.  The oldest, who is S's age, will graduate high school, and the youngest will be leaving elementary school.  I'm sure he'll be successful, unless, of course, he has continued to drink as much as he did when you guys hung out together.  That was a lot.  

In other news, our friend DA was found at home this weekend, unresponsive.  Our other friend MB had volunteered to be D's contact person after his girlfriend died.  MB had texted him last Wednesday, but then hadn't heard back from him Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  On Sunday, he called the police for a wellness check - the police found him alive.  But he had probably been there since sometime Wednesday or early Thursday.  Word is he has a brain bleed/clot.  I'm not sure how he's doing, but we're going out for lunch with MB on Thursday, so I will be able to get an update.  I know D's in his late 70s, and his health is pretty good but not great.  But it's still pretty shocking.  I haven't been good about keeping in touch.  We used to have lunch every week, but that fell off after Covid.  I saw him last month.  

It's Halloween, so we dressed the dogs in some costumes.  I found some super cute fleece pajamas with skulls for $8.50 at TJ Maxx - several small children complimented me.  I passed out lots of candy and S and I watched Halloween movies.  I've got a summons for jury duty next week.  I assume they will choose not to call me.  S and I are going to a watercolor class on Friday.  That should be fun. 

So that's what's been going on.  I wish you were here to talk about it all with me.

Love,

A