tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28777208192527498032026-09-09T18:48:45.588-05:00Chronicles of Our Family AdventuresCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.comBlogger412125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-70218473218110862652026-09-09T18:47:54.799-05:002026-09-09T18:48:45.588-05:00

 My dearest Dahlin',Apparently I need to get better about writing to you, because I looked back and realized my last post was August 19. It's only been three weeks, but somehow I've managed to cram quite a bit of living into them. The biggest thing was finally getting to go home to Louisiana for a few days. I had doctor appointments and other things to take care of, but mostly I was ready to

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-68129453277048612172026-08-19T21:39:16.734-05:002026-08-19T21:39:16.734-05:00

My Dearest Dahlin',The story lately seems to be about finally finding my groove. Work has certainly had its challenges, but after a pretty bad run of incidents, we are now on Day 20 without one. TWENTY DAYS! Considering where we were a few weeks ago, that's HUGE. I'm relieved, proud, and cautiously optimistic all at the same time. We're about halfway through this project now, and it finally feels

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-5753122955069746532026-08-01T22:31:06.217-05:002026-08-01T22:31:06.217-05:00

 It's been a few weeks, hasn't it? Life has settled into a routine up here. During the week, I go to work and deal with my overgrown toddlers. (Some things never change.) Then, when the weekend rolls around, I point the truck in a direction and go see what I can find. A couple of weekends ago, I spent the day at Old Fort Niagara. Oh my goodness, you would've loved that place! The history,

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-50376831794447826972026-07-06T12:16:46.748-05:002026-07-06T12:16:46.748-05:00

My Dearest Chahles Dahlin', The story this week wasn't really about the Fourth of July. It was about learning that life doesn't stop just because I'm by myself. As the holiday weekend got closer, I found myself getting anxious. I didn't have any plans, no family coming to visit, and no one asking, "So, what are we doing this weekend?" For a little while I thought about just staying in the

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-22164021128560476882026-06-30T20:32:50.750-05:002026-06-30T20:32:50.751-05:00

 Dearest Dahlin',Good grief... where has the time gone? I didn't realize it had been this long since I wrote.  I guess that's what happens when life settles into a routine. The days just sort of run together.Since I last wrote, Barnhart flew me over to Michigan to pick up a company truck.  Now tell me... who would've ever thought I'd be flying to another state just to pick up a

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-11653825934004111712026-06-10T11:20:59.718-05:002026-06-10T11:20:59.718-05:00

 My Dearest Charlie,Gosh, I can't believe I waited this long to give you an update.  Let's see... Since I last wrote, I had company!Wednesday night around midnight, I drove up to Buffalo to pick up Dana, Remi, and Mel for a quick three-day visit.Thursday, I had to work, so they spent the day exploring Ellicottville while I earned my keep.Friday was our big adventure day.We loaded up

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-80984069548733260362026-05-30T20:33:04.025-05:002026-05-30T20:33:04.025-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,I really need to start writing down my daily activities.I'm finding that I'm forgetting things, and I don't want to do that. There are all these little moments that seem insignificant at the time, but later I wish I could remember exactly when they happened.Since I last posted, my brother Alex came to visit and bring me a large delivery of boudin.  You know how I like

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-7678788471368390642026-05-24T20:51:07.135-05:002026-05-24T20:51:07.135-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,So… this one’s probably gonna be a long one because I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.As you know, I’ve been trying to get into safety work and away from massage therapy.For almost 28 years, my main job was being a wife and mama. Taking care of you, the girls, the house, all the moving parts of life. Then you died and suddenly I was left alone trying to figure out how to

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-31432110951075668522026-05-20T21:37:36.526-05:002026-05-20T21:37:36.526-05:00

My Dearest Charlie,I sure do wish you were here to see this jobsite.Watching these men and machines put these wind turbines together is fascinating. We have two of the largest cranes in the world out here. The Liebherr LR 11000 is absolutely massive. Fully assembled, it stands over 430 feet tall—that’s about the height of the Louisiana State Capitol building.And the turbines themselves are even

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-64834225027818458912026-05-17T16:01:35.244-05:002026-05-17T16:01:35.245-05:00

 Dearest Dahlin’,I know I’ve put a few days between posts lately.I had big plans this weekend too. I was going to get out and do some exploring… maybe see something new, take a drive, get out in nature a bit.  Instead, all I managed to do was get a hydrofacial and then spend the rest of the weekend laid up in the apartment.My back decided to “do a thing” while I was climbing the stairs,

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-87865753625741036572026-05-13T18:51:55.262-05:002026-05-13T18:51:55.263-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,It’s been a few days, hasn’t it?Not because anything huge has happened… just life. Work, rest, trying to stay ahead of things, trying not to spend money, trying not to let my knee or this pollen nonsense take me down completely.  The past few days have mostly been a cycle of work and coming home tired.I’m settling into the job more now. Things don’t feel quite as

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-63557070233534438322026-04-29T21:16:00.007-05:002026-04-29T21:16:59.943-05:00

My Dahlin' Chahles,The past few days have been a bit of a mix.I had all these ideas about getting out and exploring more… but the pollen had other plans. It hit me pretty hard - congestion, scratchy throat, that overall “I just don’t feel right” feeling.  So instead of adventuring, I’ve mostly been laying low.  Resting. Drinking fluids. Trying to let my body catch up.  Not exactly

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-72058993261237366822026-04-26T12:12:00.002-05:002026-04-26T12:12:13.723-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,I’m feeling pretty icky this weekend.  I had big plans to get out and do some exploring… but the pollen has other ideas. It’s winning, and I’m over here fighting congestion, a scratchy head, and just that overall “blah” feeling.  Not exactly adventure-ready.I keep thinking I should get up and do something… anything… but I just can’t seem to find the motivation.

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-65785224282797982272026-04-24T17:28:00.002-05:002026-04-24T17:28:27.729-05:00

 My Darlin' Chahles, This week has been pretty relaxing for the most part.Yesterday was beautiful. There was fog settled down in the valleys, and I managed to catch a sunrise photo. It was one of those quiet, still moments that just makes you stop and look for a while.  Then later that evening, I came home, took a quick nap, and on a whim decided to head out to Allegany State Park

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-86920462249439610282026-04-22T18:00:00.008-05:002026-04-22T18:00:44.958-05:00

My darlin' Charlie, How was your day?  I sure wish I could ask you that and actually hear your answer.Since I last wrote, I told you about waking up to snow. Well… let me tell you - there was snow, but not much of it stuck. Mostly it felt like I was standing in a very cold confetti factory, with flurries flying everywhere.  The next morning there was a little ice, but then the

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-16067154460385644082026-04-19T19:37:00.001-05:002026-04-19T19:37:10.441-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,Today wasn’t very exciting.I spent my first night in my “new-to-me” apartment and woke up to snow.  Snow… in the middle of April. Thankfully it didn’t stick, so tomorrow’s drive to work shouldn’t be too bad.I spent most of the day just laying around, getting used to the place. It was quiet. Really quiet.For breakfast, I had two bowls of Raisin Bran and a banana—so I’m

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-83362185244492618012026-04-18T20:58:00.006-05:002026-04-18T20:58:50.075-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,So… about my journey.  There are some things happening right now that I just don’t believe are coincidence.First - Barnhart =  They called me out of the blue to offer me this job. I had applied months ago, heard nothing, and assumed I’d been passed over. So when they called, I couldn’t even remember what I had applied for.  That should’ve been my first

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-37108625586410412592026-04-13T20:17:00.004-05:002026-04-13T20:17:32.832-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,I'm sorry didn’t write yesterday. My left leg was hurting too much, and I just didn’t have it in me. But… I did have a really good afternoon.I went over to Letchworth State Park.  Charlie, it is beautiful.  I never imagined seeing something like that up here. The birds, the waterfalls, the sound of the water, and that mist rising up when you look down over the edge

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-57438995230104132422026-04-11T18:27:00.004-05:002026-04-11T18:27:28.266-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,Yesterday, I was invited to go with some of my new co-workers to Niagara Falls. At first, I was excited. Then I came to my senses. Two reasons.One - I really need to stay focused on finding a place to live while I’m up here. And two—my knee is not cooperating. My joints are all inflamed, and the only thing I can blame is my current gourmet diet of ham sandwiches, chips, and

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-64638742936398454182026-04-07T19:18:00.001-05:002026-04-07T19:18:02.131-05:00

Dearest Charlie,I have arrived.Well… technically, I got here Sunday evening and booked two nights at a place called Chaffee’s Lodge.It’s… cute. In that “somebody tried” kind of way.The room, the entire hotel, smelled like stale cigarette smoke and air freshener fighting for dominance. The furniture looked like it had all been picked up at different garage sales over the years - none of it

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-628971186307614782026-04-04T22:06:00.001-05:002026-04-04T22:06:56.669-05:00

Dearest Charlie,Just a quick update since my last post.As you know, I’m on my way to New York for this new job.I stopped for a couple of days to visit Mom before heading on, which was nice. I needed that pause more than I realized.I’ve been a little worried about my car the whole way, but she’s holding up. I’ve been checking the oil religiously, and so far I haven’t had to add any. That alone

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-13993951876653549482026-04-03T10:17:00.009-05:002026-04-04T22:06:41.068-05:00

 Dearest Charlie,I figured I’d sit down and catch you up on everything that’s been going on since March 29.It’s been… a lot. Not one big thing, just a bunch of moving parts all at once.I left Louisiana and started heading toward New York for this job. I didn’t rush it - I broke the trip up so I wouldn’t push myself or the car too hard. I made it to Dallas, Georgia and stayed a couple of

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-53208793416407890482026-03-29T23:08:00.001-05:002026-03-29T23:08:10.135-05:00

 My Dearest Charlie,Today felt like a mix of quiet, normal, and just a little bit of that “this is really happening” feeling underneath it all.I went to church this morning - for the first time in a while. Why did I wait so long?  Well, because I'd been working that turnaround, ya know.  Anyway, it was Youth Sunday, so the young people led the whole service. There was something

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-47563705976135494112026-03-28T18:45:00.005-05:002026-03-28T18:45:39.812-05:00

 Dear Charlie,Everything lately feels like it’s shifting - but not in a chaotic way. More like the ground moving just enough to remind me I’m not standing still anymore. And somehow, in the middle of all that, I feel steady.It’s been a full stretch of days since March 22. The kind where life doesn’t just move forward—it shifts under your feet a little.I think the biggest thing… I’m getting

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877720819252749803.post-85651449827315131642026-03-22T21:21:00.003-05:002026-03-22T21:21:51.036-05:00

Dearest Charlie,After a night alone, I got up fairly early and drove over to Covington to have breakfast with my brother.  I really hate these nights alone.  But what can I do?  Heck I even re-did a dating profile, for all of 24 hours.  Deleted that thing already.  Anyway, back to the day.My brother and I met up at Abita Roasting Company. I ordered a chai latte and eggs

Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462976128414111440noreply@blogger.com0