Family — one of God's masterpieces

It is a profound miracle when
family bonds weave beyond themselves

and bind us into true friendship.

Dedication by Shauna Niequist,
Cold Tangerines

Gram and Sam Score

This is my sister Lou and her youngest grandson interacting during a Baggo game. No captions are necessary. It was too cute!

Her Light Shines

Tanyale graduated!

Not that it was unexpected.

It is just that Pomp and Circumstance celebrations remind us how quickly time marches!

Tanyale has a special joy that radiates from her and is contagious.

To know her is to love her.

Tana has a special spiritual sensitivity and maturity that was obvious even when she was a little girl. It will be exciting to see how God uses her life for His glory.

I was reminded of these verses for Tanyale.

[Continue to] let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

For [you] are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which
God prepared in advance for [you] to do. Eph 2:10

Therefore, [Tanyale] as God’s chosen [daughter], holy and dearly loved, [continue to] clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12

On a less spiritual note . . . She has
probably never even heard this song sung by the Beatles, but her grandparents have . . . and it fits her.

Oh ain't she sweet,
Well see her walking down that street.
Yes I ask you very confidentially:
Ain't she sweet?

Fishing is not about fishing . . .

Bob has been fishing at the same place
each spring for 50+ years.

Some things have changed very little
in half a century.

This is for Rebecca.

We did not go fishing as planned on Wednesday
because of this.


The master fisher, farmer, cook, housekeeper,
boat renter, minnow provider—I could go on—
is still the same—except a bit older.

Humble Harley, kind and unselfish,
makes his guests feel right at home.


There is one upstairs bathroom for six bedrooms
that can sleep up to thirteen guests.


Breakfast and lunch are served in the dining room,
just off of the kitchen.

Harley does not have a liquor license.
The bar is open on a BYO plan.

We did go fishing today—properly outfitted.

One of us caught fish.

Having a nearly new personalized fishing pole did not improve that casting or catching of the other one.

However, she did have her first ever
boat driving lesson.

And she almost caught on camera . . .
but you will have to use your imagination . . .

A grosbeak singing in a tree,

Terns catching minnows,

A heron fishing--far left in the photo,

And an osprey landing in its nest.

She was not quick enough for the
orioles, hummingbirds, and eagles.

The sandhill cranes couple with their two babies
were too far away,

As well as a single deer that bravely
entered the pasture alone.

Harley, the ever helpful host, rode his bike down
and was waiting for us when we returned.

Ahh, a fishing trip is so much more than fishing!

This left me speechless . . .

A grandson experimented with making a subtle suggestion today. I think he had my best interests at heart.

On Channel # __, I saw an exercise thing. It helps people lose weight. There was this lady that was really fat and she used it just three minutes every day and now she looks really skinny and nice.

Showing his generous and diplomatic side,

I think every Grandma and Grandpa should get one even if they are not fat.

And then the final punch . . .

It will give you the sexy V shape that you always wanted.