Markus Randel's Blog

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

Your Great Grandfather, Elmer Hiram Randel, lived a full life.  It was sadly too brief. After all the airplanes he flew through war and peace, it was eventually just a domestic act of violence that ended his life when my own dad was only 14.

He had his own flying circus with a his biplane. Your great grandmother did the wing walking. When war came about, he volunteered to train young pilots and flew supply routes all over the globe. It makes me proud to be a Randel after him.  I can only hope I’m filling the shoes left behind.

Enjoy the pictures. I’ll be waiting.

Love,
Dad

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I came across a few pictures of our dog, Joan of Arc.  We got her as a puppy at Christmas time.  She was a stinker and a handful.  I have so many fond memories of you two with her.  I’m sad to say that she got out and was hit by a car not long after you guys left.  She survived, but was severely handicapped and had to be put down.  It was another loss at a time when I thought I’d already lost so much.  Enjoy the memories of her.

Always know I’m waiting for you.

Love,
Dad

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

It was a wonderful time with the girls yesterday.  We opened presents and had a great meal of Fondue.  I made sure everyone had plenty of presents (including myself).  I got Michèle and I matching FitBits.  Hopefully, I start getting back into better health.  The girls both got a full set of sweaters, scarves, and pajamas.  And of course there were gift certificates and cash accordingly so they can get whatever they wanted.

I had fun with a present to Michèle.  I repeated the clue hunt from limericks.  I’ll post them all below.  She had a blast doing them. She had to find printed clues I hid around the house while she was still asleep.  This is a very helpful way to deal with large presents that are near impossible to wrap.  In this case it was a pillow with arm rests so I can server her breakfast in bed.

Maybe I can do the same for you one day.  Until them, I’ll wait.

Love,
Dad

Start

There are things that are planned that never get done
There are toys bought that never get won
When mixing a rhyme
Always take time
To look under items fun.

Under Mixer

Mixing the brew might seem easy
Stirring a bigger pot can be breezy
The switch is controlled
And always polled
It’s eventually going to get sleezy.

Pump Switch

The pool was a simple find
The next will need brine
Just follow your nose
Neighbors will always impose
Just be careful not to burn the rind.

Grill

Since we’ve cooked outside tonight
Let’s turn our sights inside
We radiate the meat
While turning up the heat
I’m afraid this one won’t hide

Microwave

You’ve done well on your search
The last is in a lurch
You loan your clothes
But never find those
Only one place left to find them

Mel’s Closet

You searched far and wide
Many places to hide
Now rest your head
And lay down in bed
It’s time to let not rhyme anymore and just lay down in bed

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

Today is the 8th time I haven’t shared Christmas with you.  It always makes me sad. There are plenty of presents under the tree for Michèle, Melynda, Rachael, and me.  I’ll try to enjoy my time with my family, but there will always be something missing without you here.

I love you two so much.
Dad