First for '06

Well, it's about time that I again get into the bloggin' thing for 2006 after all the activities with Ashley and Bryce over the holidays.

The year began well with Bryce preaching at their old church, Christ Church, attended by both sets of parents. We were greeted for our annual pilgrimage and Bryce's sermon was excellent. Then A&B headed to Santa Barbara for a few days to visit the Crocketts.

On Friday, I took the afternoon off from work and took Ash, Bryce, Carolyn, and Sally sailing off of Dana Point. It was warm for December, about 75, but the wind was light and we ended up having to motor in after a decent sail outbound. Then the Hales, Wanda and Margaret joined us for a dinner at Ichibiri as our send off for Ashley and Bryce.

When we got home around 10, I wasn't sure if A&B were going to be able to get packed by the next morning as piles of clothes, books, etc. were waiting to be equitably distributed in suitcases, a box, duffels and backpacks. I hit the bed while Carolyn stayed up until 1:30 finishing sewing their duvet cover while watching Leno in our bedroom (did I mention that I don't have a problem sleeping). While I slept, a miracle had been wrought by Bryce as all their stuff had found a home and both their bedroom and the game room were in perfect order. Good job!!

Sally arrived at our home before 8 in her Yukon, as it was big enough for the five of us and the bags, to make the drive up to LAX. After a little re-arranging at the check-in counter, Bryce was able to end up with only one overweight bag ($25) and they were on their way down the long concourse as we embarrassed them by continually waving them all the way through security. And what is it about Ashley, that she required a wanding at security? She doesn't look that threatening to me!

The rest of the weekend, we stayed busy by cleaning up the yard, putting away all of the Christmas decorations (7 boxes), and watching some of the playoff games. I was totally bummed to see Carson Palmer hurt on the second offensive play for the Bengals as I wanted to see how well he could perform in a playoff situation. Carolyn tried not to mope around too much as she missed having Ashley (and Bryce) around.

Sunday evening we drove down to Capo Beach to the Aufhammer's temporary residence to join them and John and Sally for dinner. We had a good time catching up and had a lovely meal: salad; chicken; asparagus; mashed potatoes with spinach; and, cherry pie. And Chas did the cooking!

This week is my first full work week in about a month. I hope I can survive until the next holiday in May! Last night we took in a play at the Laguna Playhouse, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, which was funny with excellent musicianship. I think it was even funnier to Carolyn as she has endured the same sort of piano lessons.

Tonight we begin our couple's Bible study again and so most of our life has returned to normal.