On the Move

All family connections involve travel now.  I don't like it.  Grandson William (son of Ben and Jessica) was scheduled to be baptized the 27th of April.  So we flew to California on the 25th and stayed with Cliff and Audrey.  I felt embraced in the arms of family and it was wonderful.  One really good thing about living away is that we get to visit the kids one-on-one.  We had a sweet connection with each of our Adams-Hart kids.

Son Ben with grandson William, on his baptism day, March 27, 2013

William was soft and open on his baptismal day.  As I spoke to him of confirmation, he looked at me with tenderness.  He got it.  I felt euphoric as the Spirit embraced us all.  So far I've been able to speak at all of our grandchildren's baptisms.  It has been a blessing to me.  We had a great family party at Ben and Jessica's following the baptism.  Jessica's family and ours all blended in happy celebration of a fine little boy, making his own commitment to be faithful to God.  What can be better?

Layne and I attended our old Pleasanton ward on Sunday.  We were a little hesitant to go at first.  But we were embraced by friends and it turned into a warm and wonderful time.  Our California time ended at Audrey and Cliff's, with Reed and Dorothy there as well.  I love being with family.  I'm so glad I have one!

Grandson Isaiah, in new Sunday duds we got
him for his birthday.

We drove our old truck home on Monday.  Layne babies it, it seems to me.  We averaged 50 miles per hour all the way home.  Ho Hum.  I had a hard time being patient with that.  The truck isn't especially comfortable and I was buried in stuff, as there is no room to put it anywhere else except on me.  This trip was loooong!  But we arrived before the day was over and was I glad.

We got home just in time to greet Bill and Trudy Ostler, who arrived Tuesday afternoon.  They stayed until Friday.  Trudy is one of my few kindred spirits.  We loved spending time with her and Bill.  We had such fun!  Layne made arrangements to take them on a hot air balloon ride, hoping they would be pleased.  "I'm sure Bill will like it but I'm not sure about Trudy," he said confidently.  Never assume.  "I'd better check on my life insurance, " Bill said when we presented our balloon plan to him.  "I've always wanted to ride in a balloon," said Trudy.  Bill continued to joke about the upcoming ride, indicating that he was plenty nervous about it.  But he wouldn't back out!

Layne and me, sitting next to Ben Franklin, at Martin's Ferry.

Bill and Trudy with Ab Lincoln, at Martin's Ferry.

Early Friday morning we headed over to the balloon lift-off location.  Bill checked out every maneuver to assure himself that we wouldn't die.  With great caution he entered the balloon basket with the rest of us.  He white-knuckled it as we lifted off.  But as we sailed higher, he began to relax.  Our pilot was the owner and very knowledgeable and competent.  He instilled confidence.  Before long Bill, and the rest of us, began to really enjoy floating above the city.  The day was perfect and the views wonderful.  For 45 minutes or so we sailed in the sky, listening to owner Bruce explain how the wind works and showing us the sights.  Gently he lowered us onto a grassy field, landing with such softness that we hardly recognized that we were once again grounded.  "Wow," acknowledged Bill, "that was an experience never to be forgotten."  So good!

Unpacking the balloon.

Bill, Trudy, Layne and me in front of our balloon.

The balloon rises.

View from our balloon.

Our landing spot.

Our soft landing.

Layne and me, earth-bound once again.

After Bill and Trudy left, I packed up the car and drove to Salt Lake to visit my college roommate Joanne Gunson.  Saturday morning was bright and sunny when I departed.  With snacks to munch, the google girl on my phone to direct me and a coke to keep me awake, I made the 6 hour drive pleasantly, arriving Saturday afternoon at the home of Joanne's brother Jay and wife Judy.  We had such fun together!  Sunday morning we attended a live broadcast of "The Spoken Word" in the tabernacle on temple square.  What a treat that was.  The choir sound was superb in the tabernacle, vibrating into our bones.  Wonderful.

Judy and Jay Rounds, Joanne Gunson (my college roommate).

The weekend also brought several friends that I ran into by chance.  So sweet to see them; magical even.  I spent Sunday evening with my sister Maryanne and hub Bob in their new home in Draper.  It is a great place and decorated beautifully, even though they only moved in the previous Thursday.  Maryanne and Bob are both very tired.  I understand how that happens.  I feel the same pressure here to get our new household functional and as lovely as possible.

Two of their sons came while I was there.  I loved it all.  To sum up this past week, it was an over the top bonding time.  What can be better?  It was a renewal of my sense that people provide the greatest joy that life has to offer.  I drove home on Monday morning with a song in my heart.  As I drove I looked out at the county sights with such an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us in the earthly garden that the Lord has made for us.  I looked above the car window to see the direction I was headed; I looked next to the steering wheel to see the googled directions home on my phone; a glance below that showed me the time; a touch of my finger controlled the temperature and a short reach provided me with food and drink.  The drive passed quickly and it was heaven.