Trips, and God Whispers.

My Slow Takes

1. Dee and I have been traveling for the last couple of weeks, first to New York to see our son Eric and his family and then to Fredericksburg. Both trips were great, and as always, too short. 

2. While in Buffalo we went to our grandson Justin’s lacrosse game. He’s in a local league and does well. We have watched him play before and it’s nice to see that he is enjoying the game and developing his skills. His brother Conner plays soccer but didn’t have any games while we were there. I did attend a practice and was impressed at Conner’s soccer skills.

One afternoon we played our traditional "Halo" game. When we play, Eric and I each team up with one of the boys. I still can't win if I play one-on-one with either grandson. We enjoy playing together, laughing and cheering each time we score a point.

3. Our July 4th celebration was at my sister Kim’s, who lives in Lakeview, New York. My aunt Beth, matriarch of the Trimble side of my family, was also there. I enjoyed spending some time talking with her about life while sharing Champagne. Over the years we have consumed a few bottles.  

4. The Fredericksburg trip was for my annual Historicon Convention. A weekend of renewing friendships and gaming. This year we took our granddaughter Hailey with us. Dee and her went shopping, sightseeing Fredericksburg and spent a day at the Washington, D.C. Zoo. Dee and Hailey traveled with new friends they met at Historicon on the first day. Tiffany and her daughter Olivia. 

5. I finally saw “The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies.” Eric, Justin and I went together. Peter Jackson has done a great job with the Hobbit, taking the story and spreading it out into a trilogy. I enjoyed every minute of it.

6. I managed to get yard work completed between the two trips. We have a wood in our back yard. It’s nice because I can dump tree trimmings and leaves deep back inside and create various natural compost piles. While I was back there I saw a box turtle sunning itself on a log. I found that to be a God whisper, reminding me to pay attention to what He has created for us. But, it didn’t end there. Dee has planted some Russian sage next to our St. Francis statue. The plant has grown over the mulch bed. Each time I mow, I have to prop up the plant so that I don’t mow over it. Honey bees love the plant and there are always a dozen or more gathering nectar. I calmly talk to them letting them know I mean no harm. I know they’re not listening, but they seem to move back until I’m finished. However, God whispers sometimes come in groups of three, so I wasn’t surprised when a beautiful yellow Swallowtail butterfly landed near me while I was picking weeds.   

7. The Central Virginia Men’s Cursillo weekend is July 23-26. Please pray for the team members and candidates.

Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.