Blame Canada

I do very humbly beg your forgiveness for my extended absense. We were in BC last week, and having too much fun to go near the computer. And then the trip home ended up being longer and more dramatic than anticipated (much more on that later), and so recovery/unpacking/reintroduction to normal life has been slow. I will be back, someday very soon, to discuss our trip, our lives as they currently exist, the kids' college careers, etc. As we heard at the airport more than once on our trip home, we appreciate your patience, we are committed to your satisfaction, and we will be with you as soon as possible.

Hustler Spirit

Maggie to Daddy, at 6:32 a.m.: Hi, Dad! Daddy? Hi, Daddy! Um, Daddy? Daddy! Hey, Daddy! Um, Dad? Daddy Daddy Daddy Daddy Daddy! Daddy! Hi, Dada!
Daddy (opening one eye irritably): Hello, Maggie.
Maggie: Oh, HI! Um, Daddy?
Daddy: Mmpph.
Maggie: DAD!
Daddy: What is it, Maggie?
Maggie: I wuv you.
Daddy (much less irritably): I love you, too, Maggie.
[Pause while Maggie throws an affectionate arm around Daddy]
Maggie: Um, Dad?
Daddy: Yes, Maggie?
Maggie: Can I have a popsicle? A red popsicle!

Happy Birthday Auntie Aly!

I was eleven the year that Aly was born, and her tiny baby self delighted me a great deal. She was the first newborn I ever remember seeing, and I loved her immediately. She is slightly less tiny now, and certainly not a baby, but she still delights me a great deal, and I still love her. Happy Birthday, Sister. California loves you!