Our new normal

We're back in Indiana, safe and sound, from our visit to NJ. We had a lovely visit with lots of time with family and friends. Patty hosted a belated 50th birthday party for John:

John and Jackie with the cakes she made for his 50th birthday party

John, Nora, and I spent a few days at Ocean City with Mom & Dad and Jen & Andrew. The water was calm, the entry was gentle, and watching Nora frolic in the water was magical:

Back on the beach... Ocean City, 8/5/13

As of Monday morning, the 2013-14 school year has started (for John, at least), and we're firmly into our new normal. John is back in the classroom, teaching 2 classes of junior English. John's colleagues welcomed him back by inviting him to throw out the first pitch at the annual back-to-school student-faculty softball game:

John out on the mound (wearing the black t-shirt),
ready to throw the ceremonial first pitch

Tomorrow is the first teaching day for John, we're in the throes of sorting out Nora's clothes (and filling gaps), I'm finishing up the last few minor tasks on my summer to-do list. Last year is officially over -- and we're going to take a break from the blog. We're happy to chat via phone or email whenever you want an update; we're eternally grateful for your love, prayers and support over the past year. But we're into our new normal, and it's time to just live it, not record every moment of it.