MIA and other tidbits:

Sorry my posts have been so sporadic lately. The big semi-annual 4-day fund-raising retreat that our ministry, (Leadership Catalyst) does, is coming up this week and I've been waist deep in prep, planning, and "putting out fires". The event will be held at the Four Seasons Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, CA, just north of San Diego and quite near the recent fires in So Cal. Fortunately, the resort was unaffected, except for having to close a few outdoor amenities, like the pools and golf course, for a few days because of smoke, ash and poor air quality. They're all good to go for our event and we're looking forward to being there. Terry and I and 2 other couples will be leaving on Weds to drive over, get a good night's sleep and start on setup on Thursday morning. The event goes from Thursday evening thru noon Sunday, so we'll be busy during most of that time with a few breaks here and there. Of course, I'll post more pics after the event in a week or so after we catch ou.

Also went to Savers (thrift store) yesterday looking for some props & decor for the event. The theme is the setting of a fictitious Southern California beach cafe called Bo's Cafe. I found 3 fun beach hats and 2 white baskets for a steal. One was this picnic basket lined with blue and aqua striped fabric plus 4 cloth napkins and a tablecloth all with the same fabric, 4 plastic plates and 4 sets of heavy plasticware all for $3.99! Great deal, huh? It was a little knicked and scratched so I spray painted it a medium blue color. I still need to wash the liner. The only piece that doesn't come out is the lining on the lid, but it seems to be in pretty good shape. It will be a great addition to our beach decor for the event. Take a look.

Also went to Terry's mom's in Prescott last Sunday with Amy & Andrew and enjoyed a little birthday celebration with her. Went to dinner at The Rose restaurant in the evening. Nice place, very small, so we were lucky to get in without reservations.

And just in case I don't get time to wish them a happy anniversary on Tuesday (the night before we leave for the event)...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AMY & ANDREW!!!! CONGRATULATIONS on 2 wonderful years together. It's hard to believe that two years ago this week we were preparing flowers in the backyard, wrapping yarn around your cinnamon sticks and apple cider packages, prepping for the rehearsal lunch and the wedding. What a beautiful wedding it was and now you seem to be enjoying life and love and your time together. Keep on pursuing your dreams. We're proud of who you are and what God is doing with your lives. We love spending time with you both and we look forward to many precious years to come.