Lightning Storm

We had an overcast muggy afternoon today. During dinner the wind picked up and things got stormy. We went outside and there was a lot of lightning and thunder. It kept going for a couple hours and was crazy. Michelle and I took a ton of pictures trying to get some good ones of the lightning. I took somewhere between 800-1000, but the results made it all worth it. It was an impressive show.

Cute

Poor tired little guy. Notice the blue container. That is Micah's "lunch box" which he fills with play food and takes to work.

Yearly Business

We had our annual strawberry jam making afternoon today. Evan had fun wearing a red apron and smashing strawberries with Aunt Michelle. Yes, I remember wearing that apron myself way back in the '80s. It was a family project: Mom cut strawberries, Evan and Michelle smashed, Micah and I measured sugar, Michelle and I cooked the jam, and Mom washed the jars. I was glad we were able to make jam today, I was starting to worry that strawberry season would end before we were able to make jam, which would be very unfortunate indeed. There's nothing like homemade strawberry jam, it spoils one forever to store bought jam. On strawberry jam making days, our tradition is to enjoy it with biscuits for dinner. The end result.

Time in Texas

Last Tuesday we received the news that a dear family friend, Ken Ghent, had passed away. Dad, Mom, Michelle, and I left that night to drive 25 1/2 hours to Texas to be with the family and attend the memorial service on Thursday evening. Our time with the Ghents was a blessing as we got to look at pictures, share stories, and rejoice in the life a man who lived well; he will be missed. But I was impressed with the peace that filled their home; there was certainly sadness, but we know he is in a better place now. We enjoyed the time spent with Vickie, Brenna, and Garrett Ghent, they are delightful people to know. Brenna, Michelle, and I walked to a nearby park Friday morning while it was still cool. We also made a trip to Joanns that day for some fabric for a quilt Brenna wants to make. Friday was Dad and Mom's anniversary, so we had ribs for dinner. Brenna, Michelle, and I were sleeping in the den and Friday we stayed up late watching movies in true slumber party style. Saturday Garrett suggested we go to the Dog Pound for lunch because they have great hot dogs and it was a favorite of Ken's. That was fun, the owner was friendly and the food was good. Garrett, Michelle, and I got Chicago style dogs, which are their specialty. After lunch we had to say goodbye to the Ghents and begin our long drive back home. We made it back safely, arriving Sunday afternoon. The group: Michelle, Brenna, Dad, Vickie, me, Garrett, Art (Ken's brother), Jeff (Vickie's brother), Mom.