October Ends

Ah, the Memorial Day squabbles have begun early this season. It is so much fun to send a group email and then wait for the responses. Our family really has no procedure for voting so the final decision has to be arbitrary. So after 39 years of meeting on Memorial Day weekend, will we ultimately change the tradition to be the last weekend after Memorial Day or some other day that we contrive each year?

The photos of Hank’s grandsons are great. Looks like you went to see some farm animals somewhere. Were you at the zoo?

Today I mailed several packages to Kenya for Catherine and James. I’m not sure why but I just wanted to do something. I liked the things James taught us about the animals and Catherine seemed to work so tirelessly and was so appreciative. Anyway the postage equaled two goats or so and now I’m thinking the packages may never arrive even though they are flown to Africa and should be in Nanyuki in 6-10 days. When I googled “Kenya parcel post” I was led to believe packages have a way of disappearing and I no doubt will never know.

Here is my typical weekly activity log as Shizuo has been asking questions about what I do with my days. You know my neighbors and I walk every weekday morning for an hour. This routine has been going on for over 20 years so we all know most of one another’s secrets. Next, if I can’t avoid it, I meet three different friends at the health club a mile up the street. We alternate classes in Pilates, aerobics and weights and are usually home by 10 unless we go for coffee.

My days then vary with gardening, shopping, lunching, or meetings. I’ve kept my joining to an investment club, a quilting group, the Habitat for Humanity screening committee and Ronald McDonald House Cookie Volunteers. My mom is appreciative of a visit each day though some days she’s sleeping and is not up for conversation. She is usually happy to see me and we visit with her friends at Harbor Glen while we watch Matlock reruns.

Occasionally I babysit for Miles and Lucas by taking them separately on two afternoons. I’m almost over the panic I get when I go to daycare to get Miles and Lucas jumps up and down asking me where we’re going. He is starting to understand that sometimes I take only Miles though it is tough on both of us. I hope to always get inside without Lucas spotting me. Miles and I stay at my house and play and Lucas and I go on hikes or field trips. We went to Al the Alligator at the Children’s Museum this week. I also babysat a few hours for Colton. He is growing up, almost walking and most importantly didn’t get the best of me in that short amount of time.

Colton’s great grandpa, Brice, is going to be 87 on Friday. He’s a pretty strong hunter and golfer at this age. He’s also willing to sleep in a rustic cabin to be with family once a year and he doesn’t complain like some family members.

Do you know anyone who would like to go to India on the cheap trip with the Chico Chamber? I need a roommate.