Thank you so much for being here and for following along. I know I haven’t been the most consistent with updates lately, time tends to sprint ahead while I’m still trying to remember where I put my glasses. RA is part of the package, but these days it feels more like an unpredictable dance partner than a tragedy: sometimes I lead, sometimes it leads, and sometimes we both spin in different directions and hope no one is watching. The mountains may have quietly added a few extra meters when I wasn’t looking, but honestly, wobbling forward with humor works surprisingly well.

And because I never learn, I’ve already written a new alpine adventure into my calendar. I know there will be breathtaking views, great company, plenty of sweat, and if the universe is kind, only tears of joy. At this point, that feels like a perfectly reasonable wish.

We’re spending time outdoors, moving through the seasons, getting a little older, and trying to enjoy the whole wonderful ride. We have the trails in our backyard. Most days we shuffle around the forest with the wieners who operate entirely on their own mysterious time zone. They’re tiny dictators with very short legs and very strong opinions. Some days they charge through the woods and up the mountains with impressive speed, covering hours of trail like they’re training for a miniature ultramarathon. Other days they more or less fuse with the moss and move so slowly that even the squirrels look concerned. But they keep us entertained and occasionally humbled by creatures who are roughly the size of a baguette.

Some people in the family golf with impressive skill and a good dose of enthusiasm. We glide around on cross‑country skis, breathe mountain air like it’s a vitamin supplement, and call it balance. We meet friends, laugh a lot, and occasionally enjoy a glass of wine (or five) while solving absolutely none of the world’s problems. It’s a good life and just the right amount of chaos.

Meanwhile, the kids are busy building their own grand plans for life. There’s so much happening for them right now, and we’re endlessly proud of each of them and their partners. We really are incredibly lucky.

The Seahawks won the Super Bowl, which is wonderful for Seattle. I mostly clap when everyone else does and hope I’m on beat. I love the company, the food and drinks. Still struggle a bit with the game. But Bad Bunny? Love! That I understand. If he so much as hums, I’m ready to declare it a cultural moment… but we’re not here to talk politics, 😉

If you enjoy these glimpses into everyday life, I’d love for you to subscribe. Soon, the blog will be closed to the public and available only to subscribers. It’s simply time for a small shift as I move into a new chapter.

And speaking of what’s next… My first book will be published in early 2027. It feels terrifying and exposing and exciting all at once, like opening a window a little too wide and hoping the wind behaves. It’s taking me some time to get used to the idea that my stories will be out there in the world. And I should confess this isn’t technically my first book. I wrote my debut at the age of four, a phone book with an impressive number of pages. A real page‑turner, if you were into alphabetical lists of imaginary people. I’m hoping this new one will be slightly more interesting.

I hope you’ll read it and join me for everything that follows.

Thank you for being part of this adventure.

Charlotte