Sunshine & Other Thoughts

As I typed in the title for this entry I realized that sunshine is not news for most of you readers who live "outdoors" (that being the term Alaskans use to refer to someone who is traveling out of the state). Here (indoors?) the sun has been a tad indecisive. However, the last two mornings, the cloud cover has loosened; a parting of the gray sea as it were. Our temps have held steady in the mid/upper 60s which has proved to be very agreeable working weather.

Today is day three of VBS. The First Church crew has crafted an exceptional event. The number of kid-lets has grown day by day. It is a treat to gather up and download the photos snapped during each session. The running of the daily pics is almost like a movie premier with crowds gathering around the MacBook to ooh & ahh the photos of the different kids.

First Church has sent an exceptional group of individuals to represent our body. Note the wide range of ages working this venue. All ages are bound together by thick, cords of mutual enthusiasm. Their energy is infectious. You can see that the kids have caught it as well.

Back on the home front, the four-pronged project attack is advancing. The weeds have been dispatched, the back porch/wheel-chair ramp has been rebuilt and backfilled, and the kitchen remodel is just about history. The foyer awaits today's attention. A sub-floor will be laid and tiles set. Friday will see loose ends being tied and dangling projects knotted up. Work on the Palmer web continues as well with supporting print materials being prepared.

Last night, a group of Wasilla First Church-ers hosted a pot-luck for us. Salmon was the common theme. It migrated into the casseroles, swam in the soup and lined up side-by-side on hot platters. The conversation was as delicious as the food. The din of our visiting was so loud that most of us missed the tremors of a 5.6 quake that was centered just northwest of here. There was a boom of sorts but I think most of us thought the commotion came from one of the other tables and hardly a head was lifted to check which one.

We are now just two days from out late-late Saturday night departure. As is often the case, it seems like we just got here and it seems like we have been here forever! The bonds of common experience will always tie this group to this place in time. Speaking of time, it is waning unlike Alaska's days. It is the hour to giddy-up and ride into another day.