Although uneventful, today was a lovely day.  We had lots of sunshine throughout the morning and early afternoon, raining only when we happened to be going into town for a few groceries.  Figures, right?  We managed to stay dry, though, so that was good.

Sid finished all the posts--all eight of them are in the ground, cemented, and of the same height.  He started putting up the beams (whatever they're called, I don't know), but the rains came and brought a halt to that.  Had it just been a little shower, he probably would have continued, but there was lots of thunder and lightning, and I told him he couldn't work with that going on--hammers, nails, ladders--I don't think so!  He agreed, though, so he's home inside and safe.  It does look nice, though, to drive into the yard and see a shape beginning to form.

Randi and I went into town to get meat for tomorrow--green onion sausage and ground meat, along with a pack of hot dogs.  Of course, it's not a lot of food, but we'll just be the three of us, so that's really plenty enough.  We'll probably cook inside and bring the food out to the patio of the barn and eat there.  (Sid joked and said that he would have to clean out the grill, but that was Troy's job--it seems poor Troy always ends up cleaning the grill when they come here for an outdoor eating experience.)

While we were out, we stopped at DQ just to pick up a iced drink--that heat is terrible, and we were both very thirsty.  It occurred to me that her ID card might be ready to expire, so we checked.  (Randi doesn't drive, so she has an ID card for use in going places that require an ID--she's a very young-looking 22 year old, and most places wouldn't believe her otherwise.)  We went to the local DMV to see if it wasn't too early to renew, and it wasn't.  So, we paid (read:  Randi paid) the money, had her picture taken, and off we went.  I think I've mentioned this office before, but I want to say it again--these folks don't fool around; waiting is minimal, and they are so nice to deal with.  Anyway, Randi is set now until 2012--and I'm pleased that we thought of it today.

Because of the rain and Sid having to stop working, we were able to spend a good bit of time sitting out on the swing.  We went from the front porch to the back porch, putting on the fan in back to make us more comfy.  All of a sudden, the fans stopped moving and we realized that the electricity had gone off for a little while.  No problem, though, 'cuz it came back on almost immediately.  Of course, that meant having to reset the microwave and possibly (I haven't checked yet) the channels on the tv.

Joey sent me my regular, weekly newsletter from out in CO; they sure do a lot of things out there, and I think that's great.  Joey is a health-nut fanatic, too, and he exercises regularly, including taking long hikes with Beau.  Speaking of Beau, he began a new job this past week, and he seems to be enjoying that.  Great news on that, and we wish him the best.

Again, my newsletter filled us in on the activities for the past week.  Joey often mentions eating sushi, and that blows my mind.  He was such a picky eater when he was younger, and now--raw fish!  YUCK!  Anyway, it's always nice to get that newsletter, so THANKS, JOEY!

News on Channie's brother:  Blade had his surgery and is recovering very well, it seems.  He spoke with Channie yesterday, and she showed her usual concern.  I was told that he may even be coming home today, which seems awfully soon to me, but....  Whatever they decide, I think Blade is doing fine.  More as I know more, and please continue the prayers.

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have." 

                                                          ---Norman Vincent Peale

NOTE:  GIVING!  The magic word for feeling good!  I know that when I do something for someone, even if it's just giving them a smile, it makes ME feel better.  I get a bounce in my step and just feel all giddy inside.  That energy is expended in giving but regenerates in ourselves--and that is why we feel good about giving.  Giving to others is our gift to ourselves.