Some updates

I haven't blogged lately about my personal life. Let me just state that we are going through some trials right now. If you're a parent, then you know all too well that sometimes it just isn't easy. It's even harder when the son or daughter is an adult. We're working through it and there is no doubt in my mind that we will get through it. It's just not fun, and to be honest, it sucks the life out of you. It can also be very stressful on the relationship with your spouse. So the bottom line is...things could be better, but we're doing okay.

Just got back from a day trip to the orphanage. Patty and I drove down Saturday morning and brought a bunch of canned fruits and vegetables for the pantry down there. They are really improving the property and I was quite impressed with all of the improvements that we saw. We also brought some clothes and bathroom stuff for the boy we sponsor and Leslie and Paul also gave us some stuff to bring down for the kids they sponsor. We went down loaded up and came back empty. Just wish we could bring the kids back here, but that would be illegal. It was very hot on Saturday but we enjoyed the kids and were blessed by being able to see them again. We came back Saturday evening and had a nice diiner after we got back to town. It was nice just to have some alone time with Patty even though a lot of it was spent in the car.

Sunday morning we went to the early service at church and then had lunch and went grocery shopping. I called my mom and told her Happy Mother's Day. I will be driving down to Tucson on the 25th and taking my mom out for a lunch date on the 26th. It has been something I have done for the last 4 or 5 years around Mother's Day that my mom and I look forward to every year.

I will be heading out to California tomorrow morning to install a new site. It is a remote site and I'll do the prep work tomorrow afternoon. Then finish up on Wednesday and head back home on Thursday. It's going to be around 105 degrees so I'll have lots of water and will be taking a lot of breaks. The heat can really get you fast if you're not careful. Even though it will be hot, I look forward to being out of the office.

Speaking of the office, my boss retires on June 3rd. They already have the job announcement out for his replacement. I know two people that are putting in for it, and I would be happy with either of them. The staff is a little nervous. You never know who you're going to get. Tony has been my boss for the past 16 years and longer for those that have been there longer than I have. I think Tony got here in 1988 or 89. Anyhow, he has been a GREAT boss and it will be sad to see him go. Let's hope the new guy or gal in town can fill his shoes.

I've been blessed by being back at Vineyard Community Church in Gilbert. You know you are in a REAL community when people rally around you when you're going through trials. They don't preach at you, chastise you or condemn you. They pick you back up when you fall. It's the way it should be. I think that's why a lot of people are leaving the church these days, because they like Jesus, but not the church. I am blessed to be a part of a community that is loving and caring.

That's all from here for now.

Another reason my blogging has slowed down is that I am really enjoying using Facebook. It seems all the rage these days and the majority of my friends and blog friends are using it. But I'm not retiring the blog. I'll still be around.

Until next time...be nice, play nice, and above all else, encourage someone at least once a day. If you see someone that is down, a kind word or a good deed can do wonders!

Peace!