Start building an arc. . or the Summer that wasn't

After a long, snowy winter, we were ready for God's reward - a beautiful summer. However, we have seen only rain and gray gloom! There is no going to local Farmer's Markets and little concerts in the town square. No breaking in my new hiking boots. No lawn games, pool time, ice cream stands or meals on the porch. Uggggg!
We have felt a bit of heat though, as we travelled to attend weddings. We went to Nashville for the first time since our move. It was a bit of a whirlwind trying to see many friends, but we enjoyed it. The reception had a surprise performance from the groom & his band, with the bride grabbing the mic for a few songs! We realized how much we miss the friends, the pace, and the opportunities for fun in Nashville, but not our jobs.



Our second trip was a week in Texas, satisfying Brian's need to reconnect with his home land. It was my first time to see much of the state, and we spent quite a bit of time driving from Houston to Arlington to New Braunfels and back. Brian's friend Dev drove with us, which kept things interesting! Brian was the Best Man in the wedding, and did a great job keeping charge of the rings and giving a stunning toast. I was able to see the Irving Doughertys and my cousin Karen. She and her boyfriend met us at Schlitterbahn, a large waterpark, on our anniversary. We were all very relieved to leave the waterpark without burning our skin in the 100 degree heat! I even enjoyed my first visit to an authentic Texas BBQ joint. We celebrated our anniversary in a more traditional way with a couples' massage back in Friendswood, which was very enjoyable. We saw a lot of Brian's family and attempted to entice his mom and brother to visit us in New England. On our return home, we hosted the TX newlyweds on the last night of their Honeymoon.



Brian has squeezed in a few wet softball games this month I have have picked up some babysitting and extra work days (I am only scheduled to work on Mondays). Dartmouth has welcomed a new president, and we are curious to see the effects. The rest of the summer will bring 2 visit programs that Brian is coordinating. We are off the Burlington today for a "big city" Independence Day celebration, followed by local old fashioned 4ths. I expect it to be like the bazaar in Pollyanna, which was written in a town nearby. Report to follow!