We just completed our second week of school, our first complete 5-day week. I feel better, finally getting over almost a 3-week cold. Both Nadia and I tested and it was not COVID or influenza, but a very strong cold virus. My mucous membranes produced an overabundance of phlegm for the entire 3 weeks. I unfortunately gave the cold to Nadia who is in week 2 of symptoms. She has been miserable and hopefully, she too, will be feeling more like herself sooner rather than later. She had a complete breakdown of her immune system with an ear infection and other issues. It is going around the city with many parents and employees reporting similar symptoms. As you can see in the photo below, Nadia was not feeling 100%
On a more positive note, I went shopping with Ocean, Oliver, and Nicole and we bought soccer shoes and equipment so they are ready for the season. It was fun taking them to DY Sports and helping them find the right gear. Oliver is entering his final season in grade 12 and has really developed an interest and ability in soccer. He plays a lot of FIFA Premier League Soccer e-sport and fantasy soccer. This has actually improved his physical soccer and I am really looking forward to his season. I am concerned about his feet however because he easily gets blisters. He has had this problem for several years and we’ve tried a variety of shoes. Nadia also bought some protective foot gear as well, and we’ll try that again. This will be Ocean’s first time out for the soccer team and I hope she has a good experience. I love watching my children compete in interscholastic sports. All young people should have the experience of participating in a team sport. Being a part of something bigger than yourself is good for you.
Michigan Senator Gary Peters was in Tashkent yesterday on a tour of Central Asia. He is the chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The Senate committee has a broad range of responsibilities, both national and international, so I think his tour was part of his work as chair of the committee. I was invited to have lunch with him as the token Michigander! Senator Peters was down-to-earth and funny. He mentioned he had been through my hometown of Iron River on a motorcycle tour recently and we both agreed that it is a shame that so many young people leave the Upper Peninsula, like I did. Peters is a Democrat and won in 2020 by only 1.7%. Michigan is a “blue state” but only by a narrow margin. I am an independent voter and choose politicians by who they are as a person and look at their beliefs and voting record. I am pleased that Michigan recently has been more progressive than nearby states like Wisconsin and Ohio and hope that it continues in that direction. He was friendly and I was honored to meet him and get my photograph with him.
The summer weather is cooling a bit with temperatures in the morning in the high 60s and highs in the low 90s. Cool weather (high of 75) and rain are coming Sunday, so looking forward to the change.
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