I’ve been meaning to write.

For a while, really. Looking in my “Drafts” file, there are three unfinished posts remarking on my continued recovery (two thumbs up!), various music shenanigans, and the clockwork arrival of the barn swallows on April 15th. I’ve never been able to actually turn the last corner on any of those posts and bring them home, and now I probably never will.

Last month, on Earth Day, we lost Steve, Devon’s father, and it’s kind of hard to write about anything without coming to grips with that first.

Steve was Devon’s father – my father in law, but so much more, and to so many people. Brilliant, kind, generous, energetic, inspiring, absolutely hilarious (ask me some time about how we met…). He lived a life both of dogged public service and of exploring and celebrating the world around him. And guiding and coaxing others to do the same.

He was my mentor, my friend, my father-by-choice.

At 87 he was ferociously active, both mentally and physically. Only a few years back, he took us on a five day kayak expedition in Palau. We were scheduled for four days hiking together in the Canadian Rockies this July.

And then on the morning of April 22nd, he just…didn’t wake up. He leaves behind Karen, his college sweetheart and lifetime companion, two kids, four grandkids, and an unforgettable legacy.

It’s been a bit over a month, and we’re still trying to take in the loss.

So with that in mind, let me just give you a few little updates so that, posting-wise at least, we can move forward.

Many of y’all may be worried how I’m doing, healthwise. Short story is, couldn’t be better. All the tests indicate that the young rock star surgeon who worked on me knocked it out of the park: good margins, no side effects, and absolutely clean blood test. Doesn’t mean that the cancer can’t come back, but for now, I’ve got a clean bill of health.

The farm is continuing well. It’s May, so everything is growing way too fast and too much to do but, going into Year Ten(!?!) of Natembea, the amazing group of farmers we’ve assembled is working together beautifully. My main headache continues to be trying to work with the City which, for don’t-get-me-started reasons, seems uninclined to allow any progress on the permits we need in order to build needed housing and infrastructure. But, as I said, don’t get me started.

Devon is well, all things considered. She’s been in California for most of the last month, holding things together and providing practical (and emotional) support for Karen, who is trying to deal with all of the logistics of suddenly losing a life partner. Kids are thriving – Jeremiah has landed a job at an amazing little manufacturing startup in LA and moved south. Andy is wrapping up their tutoring work in Palo Alto and looking toward July, when they’ll be moving up to Oregon to be with their long time sweetie. For the first time in 22 years, it’s looking like the Palo Alto house will be empty. Yeah, it’s probably going to go on the market, looking for the next family with a passel of kids to raise.

Other things?

I’ve not been traveling as much as I’d like, but hey – first world problems. I snuck away for a day trip to Victoria a couple of weeks ago, and am playing hooky on Whidbey Island this morning, having walked my bike onto the Coupeville ferry and biked into town.

But more farm chores beckon – we’ve got a work party this afternoon, and I’ve got three more pastures to mow before the rains come this weekend. If I can get the mower back together.

I’ll keep you posted.