Travels...

It was pure delight to see the joy in the faces of young daughters at their graduations this past week. Vickie kicked off the week with her commencement at Valparaiso U, and Lizzy smiled broadly through her “walk” to her Masters’ degree at UMaryland. Of course, this dad thought of the little girls, sitting and reading….or sitting and listening. I kept wanting to say, “Do you like my hat?” during the few silent periods at Lizzy’s ceremony. With all those English majors, I thought it would have fit just perfectly. Particularly since there were many different ways to wear the same “hat” amongst the regalia.

I’ll save a longer recap of the trip for my return from Central Oregon. For now, it is off to see some of the Fubarian Brothers, and try to find some sunshine. At least the rain is a little warmer this time of year, but coming home from places that were actually HOT at times leaves me feeling like we’re stuck in some odd corner of the country. Which, I guess we are.

Short musings, before I head over the Cascades:

West Virginia is hillier than I thought it would be.

Humidity can make up for cloudy days.

Jimmy Buffett really DOES seem to like Cincinnati.

Everyone called me “sweetie” in Kentucky, maybe I don’t look as good to them as everyone else says I look. I just looked grey, old and in need of their last handicapped room.

Some old buildings need not be renovated, they should have been maintained. Now, they are just old and falling down. Just because it was standing during the Civil War, the owners since then should still have put on a new roof every twenty years or so. Reaching back that far for maintenance is a little difficult.

The view of the sunset from the Hancock Tower is still lovely, even if the tour of the Chicago River seems to have slipped.........

For now, I'm off to a Dog Party....with hats that will make other people laugh. Like them or not...the key is reading to the little ones, until they can recite back before we even turn the page.

Goodness...

Friday night was special. I'm just here a bit, to say thanks. To give thanks. To think about the "good" in goodness.

The offiice hosted a little party, many of my co-workers were able to come on a busy Friday night. It isn't really "retirement" or "going away" but the chance to say, "I hope I can get back, but if not this has been really wonderful."

There was a doc who drove with his wife all the way from Medford. Others who face their own challenges in their family(ies). Some I haven't seen in quite some time. Not a large crowd, and some docs were local. Only about a half dozen of the very special, and another half dozen delightful, clinic manager friends.

The best news, emotionally, was that I was so flattered, and happy, that I didn't get teary once. I introduced some special people, thankfully I was done with that when Nate arrived. THAT wouldn't have been easy, to introduce the wonderful young man they've all heard so very much about. Tyler came along to see what the fuss was about, it was great to have him there. Judy was surprised that I made it through because she didn't. We had a wonderful weekend in the sunshine that followed, just talking about how special it all was and how GOOD people have been to me. Special friends who would come up to thank ME, and to urge me forward on my journey. I've said for a long time that I'm a very lucky boy, however this journey ventures forth...and it feel so wonderful each time I'm reminded of that.

Thank you....Thank you....Thank you. And thanks for being so GOOD to me....

SUU

Phillip's graduation was wonderful. We had a delightful time gathering of the clan in Cedar City, home of Southern Utah University...though the weather had its own plan. Snowed before I landed, snowed much of Sunday as I got ready to depart. In between, it warmed to a lovely 55 degrees, which was tempered by a chill wind. I can tell that the wind rises off the desert and hits the mountain range, probably not a good place for me to be on a golf team.

Phillip was really proud of himself, and he should be. He showed determination and creativity, finding a school that would work for him, and a major that reached out for his interests. Now, he starts work with the City of Park City, working in a rec program that fits with his personality and love for teaching little kids something exciting...like rock climbing.

Pretty quick trip to the high desert, though. Left Friday afternoon and returned Sunday night, but it was a great chance to visit with the parents, Carrie Ellen and Steve...and a bonus of spending more time with Phillip because so many people left town early Sunday.

I wish I had a lot more to add, but it was just a trial run. The new camera and lens worked great from a distance, preparing for Valpo and UMaryland. I teared up when the kids walked in, whatever will it be like when "my baby" does the same on Sunday afternoon? I just know she'll be as proud of Phillip...and ought to be!