Although we have spent a longer stretch in the States this summer, we have had a great time with friends and family. The World Cup and America’s 250^th birthday were the drivers that kept us in the States longer this time – we spent about ten weeks this time compared to five weeks last summer.

Highlights for both of us over the last couple of months include:

• An extended time “back home again in Indiana” for the Indy 500 festivities – qualifying weekend and the race (pickleball in Portland in between the two) – and most importantly spending time with our race weekend friends
• Morning pickleball games with friends at Longwood Run
• Champions League Final at Wings n Things (Arsenal lost to PSG ☹)
• Alex’s play at the Straz in Tampa (Danny and the Deep Blue Sea)
• Sarah and Doug visited from Orlando (Marina Jack, O’Leary’s, and St. Armands Circle)
• Sandy’s girls weekend with Sarah, Kathy & Kathy in Eau Claire Wisconsin
• I watched every World Cup game on television – that is 104 games
• Lunch with Mom, Raney, and Tony in Brandon
• Birthday party for Dee, Rusty, and me at Terry and Mike’s house
• Dinners with the wallyball crew at Rodizio and Sarasota Ale House
• Mom’s hip surgery and recovery – rock star recovery!
• Dinner with Tim and Roy at D’Corato
• Dinner with Wayne and Theresa at Divan Turkish Cuisine
• Lunch at Donna’s house with Donna and Ernie
• Group dinner at Hob Nob in Sarasota with the family
• I went to the Bradenton Marauders baseball game with mom
• Ireland planning meeting at Dee and Neil’s (Angie and Alex facetimed in)
• Dinner at Todd and Kelly’s house
• Dinners with mom at Siegfried’s and Melting Pot
• Mom’s Day dinner at her house – steaks, baked potatoes, and salad
• New York City weekend with Bill, Jenn, Brian, and Camper – Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championships, Manhattan sightseeing, Independence Day fireworks
• Lunch at Brewster’s with Dee and seeing his new office
• Siesta Key Drum Circle with Brian and Camper