Random Thoughts

I have been meaning to post here for ages. (Today, ages is defined as about two weeks.)

Here is my pathetic list of excuses:

- I think about it when my computer is at work and I am at home.
- I think about it at 11:00 pm or later.
- I don't think about it at all.

Now I will humor you with something interesting. (Maybe.)

Summer is here. I am grateful for my friend, who I will call Z-squared, who carried my AC units up from the basement last weekend, braving the two flights of stairs with hands full of heavy, awkward metal after a long day that started with a 13-mile run. There are lots of reasons why I admire him. One is because he decided the other day to run a marathon - and it's happening in less than a month. Another is because he's willing to serve me simply because we're friends. I also like our deep and philosophical discussions.

At any rate, I am much happier when my house is cooler than 89 degrees in the evening (and 84 degrees in the morning).

I wanted this week to be calm. On Sunday morning, there was nothing on the calendar except work, Monday FHE, and Saturday temple service. By Monday afternoon, I had things on Monday night, Tuesday morning, Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and possibly Saturday morning. Plus my car had to visit the shop (I finally got there on Wednesday) to have the windshield wipers fixed. Plus it rained every day - but only until Wednesday, of course. My head is spinning. Stop the world, please. I want to get off for a while.

T=23 days.

Family Fun

Family reunions are the best.

It was fun to watch M & MR become good buddies as they shared a room. It was fun to watch L & her similarly named cousin spend time together - and want to spend time with me because all three of us share a name. It was fun to watch A & Aa have a ball together. It was fun to see Young M and Young T and learn more about their personalities and the things that make them characteristically them. And Baby S is pretty awesome herself. The oldest cousin B is also a delight. They are all growing up so quickly! All the girls are beautiful; all the boys are handsome. (Not kidding... we're a good-looking bunch!)

My favorite parts - early morning scripture study on the balcony while M & MR read The Friend on my iPhone - hugs from Miss E (given in abundance!) - the view from the top of Bible Point - silk painting - talking in the hall with my fabulous sisters in law - Young T's giggles when he lets you tickle him - watching Aa and L be soft and gentle with Baby S - late-night Poohead games - a campfire after a hailstorm, s'mores, and watching everyone get the giggles - just hanging with the family - awesome hats and plenty of sunscreen.

And now I will leave you with this view from the top of the mountain near our gathering place:

Aah, the beauty of the desert mountains. :-)