Spring Bonding

I fight the "people vs. stuff" war every day, it seems.  You know what I mean...do I spend today working on my many projects (stuff) or spend it on relationships (people)?  I often feel that I fall short in both categories.  But of course I know that people should be my priority.  Well, they were this month of May.  My friend, Bonnie Capel, and I headed to Utah last week.  She visited her daughter and I visited Bob and Maryanne.  It was a quick trip, but spending time with them is always worth the ride to get there.  Maryanne and I talked and bonded in our usual way and I enjoyed fitting in a quick visit to grandson Chase and his Morgan and son Hunter.  They recently moved to Provo, where Chase has started a new job with Visa.  It was a sweet pleasure to spend a little time with them.  They are outgoing and embracing.  The drive to Utah and back was even fun, as Bonnie and I talked all the way over and all the way back.  Gabbing always shortens a long drive!

Maryanne is a genius at family history research.  She spends a great deal of time at it.  Here she is in her study, working at it once again.  Well, mostly working...

Maryanne and I always have fun gabbing.  Bob is mostly recovered from his knee surgery.  The knee is still a little stiff, but I think he is on the way to getting over that.  He was very excited about a new car while I was there.  We checked it out.  I'm amazed at the features new cars provide now.  We are so blessed to live in a day of miracles.  

Layne talked me into taking my Mom's Day flowers to the Berretts so I could enjoy their slow demise instead of missing their glory days.  So here they are, mingled with Maryanne's orchids.  Lovely, aren't they?

Chase and Morgan seem very happy with their new arrangements in Provo.  Here they are, with son Hunter (my first and only great-grandchild in case you've forgotten!), in their new home, a roomy apartment with a lovely view.

I returned home Thursday of last week.  Layne texted me every day I was gone, like a good boy.  He would be perfectly content being totally on his own in my absence, with no contact at all.  But, for my sake, he connects.  I love that.  Actually, I admire his ability to enjoy time all alone and also enjoy being in the midst of the masses.  He seems happy either way.  

Daughter Jessica invited us to come to Seattle (Normandy Park) to see Peyton perform in a play this week.  So Layne and I made the 8 hour drive on Wednesday.  We had an extra sweet time with all of our Gendreaus during this short visit.  We spent some time in Jessica's bookstore.  It is such an attractive place, but she plans to close it.  It is just not making enough profit to justify keeping it open.  She was sad about that at first but is now actually looking forward to the time that will open up once the store is gone.  She has plans for slowly shutting down, with this coming January being her final closing time.  Here she is, surrounded by some of her many books.  She gets high on books!

Peyton performed in the musical, "Spelling Bee", with one of her school chums acting as director.  It was all student-inspired.  Some editing was apparently needed to weed out the "adult content".  I could see where some of that must have originally been.  The kids did a very good job of performing.  Especially considering that these middle school students did it all...scenery, script, direction, etc.  The sound was the only real flaw.  There were many times when we couldn't hear all of the narrative.  Peyton was in a starring role!  Her stage presence was among the best of all--we could hear her and she sang like an angel; on key and loud.  We were impressed!  Here she is, belting out one of her songs.

Sometimes I feel a little sad that so many stories that we hear and see today are about unhappiness and dysfunction.  It seems that functional, happy relationships and families are rarely portrayed.  I think we need more optimistic and hopeful messages.  

Layne and I headed back home on Thursday.  The trip was indeed short but the visit was worth every hour of driving.  We are home once again, and now our investment is in "stuff".