Getting Older

One morning last week we had a hard rain. A friend and I had to attend a meeting at the Sternberg Museum here in Hays that morning. We got soaked getting into the car. It was difficult to drive because visibility was poor. I made a left turn and we were suddenly in deep water. The water rose over my tires. I had to keep going because there was a car behind me. Fortunately, after a couple of blocks I turned right and pulled into the parking lot. The rain stopped. I locked the car and my friend and I entered the Sternberg. We were cold and wet, but ok. After the meeting, I could not unlock the car. My keys would not work. I had to call a locksmith to unlock my car. He thought excess moisture may have shorted out the lock system. The locksmith refused to take any money for his efforts. He said,"It's raining and I'm happy to help."

Today, exactly one week later, I locked my keys in the car after returning home from running errands. Imagine my embarrassment when I had to explain to the locksmith that I needed his help again. He cheerfully came and unlocked my car, even though a hot sun was shining down, and he had to struggle to get a car door open. But the locksmith prevailed. I breathed a sigh of relief and paid him. I can drive again!!! But a moment's inattention cost me money. And I have the feeling that I am getting older and more forgetful. Not a good feeling. But I guess I'll survive. The rest of the day was loverly. I still have a little sinking feeling in my stomach, though. Am I really getting old? Maybe I'm just hungry. That's it. I'm just hungry. Carry on.

Surprises can be good

Well to quote Sister Honor "Surprises can be good." I didn't know that I had such a sneaky and clever family. You all really managed to pull off a great event. I have to say first of all that you shouldn't have. We just had a big family gathering and to ask people to do it all over again so soon was a lot to ask, especially for the out of towners and the hoster. You all put so much hard work into it, with the planning, shopping and endless cooking---unbelievable. It was amazing. Beth the hummus was very very good. You are forever in charge of bringing hummus. Ellen the baklava, well what can I say, you could open a baklava bakery when you retire, special orders only. Carol, the sugar cookies were tremendous. You really out did yourself and it sounds like Tom and Matthew will be happy to never see another sugar cookie again. Thank you too for the cherry pie, I think the sisters missed their calling, a tea room or something food related surely is in the stars. The chicken was excellent. It has been at least 20 years since I had Mom's chicken. Thank you Sharon and Honor for all that work. You did Mom proud. Once again I have to say that my favorite gift in the world was the original poems and stories my family created. You guys are all so talented. Sharon you have been hiding your writing talents under a bushel. Beth don't forget to e-mail me your poem and I will print it and put it in the folder. That really was such a wonderful thoughtful gift and very unexpected. Ellen, thank you for the grapefruit scented candle. It is very fragrant and I look forward to enjoying it soon. The roses are beautiful and very fragrant. I have never rcvd a dozen red roses in my life. I think John gave me three yellow roses once when we were dating and once when I was sick he gave me a grocery store bouquet, but that is the extent of my receiving flowers in my 50 years.
So 50 years has started with my very first surprise birthday party and my first dozen of red roses. You all better start planning my 60th now. It might take 10 years to top this one. Thank you all again for all that hard work and thanks to everyone who traveled to Sharon's to particpate. Surprises can be good. Love to all.

PS: Katie it won't be much longer and you will be able to join us for family events more frequently. It will be great to have all the kids close again.

Down, down, down

Hi, all. We significantly reduced our list price on the house last week in the hopes of generating some interest (and staying competitive with other houses that keep dropping their prices). I think we're as low as we can go now. Say some prayers that we'll get some buyers in the door. So far, so slow.

My official move date: July 28 (our ten-year anniversary). I'm looking forward to building our lives back in Kansas, and I'm also hoping we can eventually make a clean break from Georgia by selling our home.

On a higher note (pun intended) ... I sang a duet in church today. I've never done a solo before, and I'd never done a duet before today. I and another woman from the choir sang "In Flanders Fields." And I didn't screw it up! She sang the soprano part, and I sang alto, and I think we did the song justice.

HOLIDAY

HAPPY 4th of JULY FIDDLER KIN!!!!!
PARTY HARDY!!!!!