Tonight , Michael B. , the patriarch of our clan, (and my sweetheart) , was involved in a candidate's forum sponsored by our local chamber of commerce. He is running for a commissioner seat in our county. The evening went well, and we relaxed afterward with chip and dip , ice cream and Martha's eggplant parmigiana. (We actually grew the eggplant, with Dorothy's diligent gardening.) Michael's presentation was well received and we look forward to the primary on July 18.

Wedding plans for Michael, Jr. and Kressant Smith , his betrothed, continue with great joy and excitement. It will be a beautiful and memorable ceremony. And fun!

Alan and Katie, our oldest daughter and beloved son in law, are now expecting a little bambino - they are so proud, grateful, and excited . They are praising the Lord for blessing them with a child . Now, we get to all wait and wait.....

Now that Katie is married and with Alan, if a trip to town is needed, I have to go, since I'm the only lady home during the day with a license. I love to take the opportunity to take one of my precious daughters with me and stop and spend some time together - say chip and dip at a restaurant, or splitting a sub sandwich or getting an ice cream cone!! If we have time , I especially enjoy taking them out to eat. Michael has always made opportunity to take me out to eat, and I guess we've found it a wonderful way to stay connected and communicating with our family. But then again, we talk all the time! Isn't it glorious to be able to be with our families?!! Now that one little bird has flown out of our nest , I am keenly aware of how precious those times of visiting and talking are--- and how much my parents love me!! God knew what he was talking about when He said "Honor your parents" and "Love your children"