At Home

Ande and Abe

It is great having the kids home. Ande is the best companion. If it couldn’t be misinterpreted, I’d compare her to a dog. She is just such a pleasant companion. She’s happy. She’s easily contented. She’s pleasant. She gets excited for little things. She’s appreciative. She’s just fun to have along. We went to the Farmer’s Market this morning looking for fruit and found cherries and apricots with a big, fresh bunch of lavender for good measure. Ande hung it on our drying rack when we got home and now the whole kitchen smells peaceful.

We have several Hutterite colonies in the area and a few of them have this little bake stand. Their baked goods are beautiful and they sell the driest, blandest, poppy seed, sweet rolls that I’ve ever tasted, but Ande just loves them so we picked up one of those for her.

After going to the Farmer's Market, Ande and I walked over to the library to pick up a couple of movies, A Girl Named Zippy and The Tightwad Gazette, the Complete Edition (I think the funniest frugal tip I’ve ever read from the TG is when a lady crocheted herself a bikini from old nylons.) I love having a book waiting in the wings.

Calvin picked Abe up at the airport this afternoon and they came home starved. Ande had fresh cookies waiting for them and I’d made a pot of chili so after they’d eaten we sat at the table and Abe told us about his last assignment to a nuclear facility. It was fascinating being taught by him about nuclear energy. I learned more about neutrons in our 45 minutes than I have in twenty-one chapters of physical science. Abe looks great and it’s just so fun to have him home. I love his enthusiasm.

Cali will be home after work later tonight, hooray. She’s also bringing a friend that we really enjoy, so that’s a double bonus. That explains why I’d make a pot of chili on a hot summer day, it serves all hours.

Ty hit his mission one year mark this week. He’s doing great. (I cannot figure out the Chinese directions on the picture cd he sent home, so you'll just have to picture 6', blonde Ty with shortish, dark haired Chinese and great big smiles on everyone's faces.) Life is always going to be a welcome adventure for Ty. I just smile thinking of him trying new things and new people getting to meet him. Did you know before he sends his weekly e-mail home that he always sends a little one to me that says “Buongiorno Princepessa” in the subject line with just a quick note telling me he loves me and why? (Yes, I know I told you that before, but I thought it worth repeating.)

Tonight. Well, I’m embarrassed to tell you what I’m excited for because the kids have given me a rash of trash about it all day . . . I don’t think I could bear it if my fellow bloggers teased me, too, sufficeth me to say I’m excited for something this evening.