I had a great Christmas with the skids and in-laws. SD21 drives me bonkers at times, but she's always respectful towards me now. SD18, who used to be my best bud a few years ago, had a hard time accepting our marriage. She's coming around. I think their BM found something else to occupy her time rather than making snide comments about me.

I'm a few provinces away getting ready for my dad's funeral. He was young (64) when he passed from Brain and bone cancer, within six months of diagnosis.  We were a bit estranged, but it looks like a ton of people are showing up tomorrow.

I needed to come home for this. We're only staying a weekend due to work, but we plan to come back in the warmer weather to do a proper trip to honour him. We were hoping to make a Christmas trip to see him, but he passed away in his sleep, just after dinner.

I'm sure I'll keep posting here.  Not to give advice because I suck at it   This site has really helped me with my perspective.

In other words, steplife got a lot better, but my home life took a hard knock.  At least I know it's going to be okay.